The Hidden Gems in Singapore Real Estate You Should Be Watching

If you’re watching Singapore’s property market from the sidelines, it’s easy to get caught up in the usual suspects: Marina Bay’s shimmering skyline, Orchard Road condos, or the ever-evolving Central Business District.

But tucked just beyond the headline-grabbing districts are quieter pockets with serious upside—areas that locals have quietly been whispering about over kopi or snapping up before the rest of us catch on.

The truth? Some of the most exciting real estate plays in Singapore right now aren’t in the glitzy brochures. They’re in neighborhoods that mix old-world charm with up-and-coming infrastructure, or they’re smart bets because of what’s just around the corner—literally.

Let’s get into it. Here are the hidden gems in Singapore’s property market that actually deserve your attention in 2025.

1. Jalan Besar

Jalan Besar used to be where you went for hardware stores and supper at 2 a.m. These days, it’s carving out a different identity.

Hip cafes and boutique gyms are peppered between mom-and-pop kopitiams, and developers have started to catch on.

Why it matters

• The Downtown Line made it a lot more accessible.
• Conservation shophouses are giving the area a major cool factor.
• It sits between Little India, Farrer Park, and Lavender—three areas that have seen massive renewal.

What’s worth watching

Freehold boutique projects like 1953 on Tessensohn Road are pulling in younger buyers who want city fringe living without paying Orchard prices.

Plus, its proximity to the future North-South Corridor makes it a strategic location for capital appreciation.

For those drawn to boutique freehold projects with a conservation vibe, Lyndenwoods is one to keep an eye on in the broader Jalan Besar fringe zone.

2. Queenstown

Queenstown might not sound “hidden” at first mention—it’s one of Singapore’s oldest estates. But the secret lies in its aging public flats and what might happen to them next.

Many are already eligible for SERS (Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme), which adds long-term value for owners who get relocated and compensated.

Why it’s underrated

• Deep government interest in revitalizing mature estates.
• Close to big-ticket areas like One-North and Holland Village.
• IKEA and Queensway Shopping Centre still pull a steady crowd, and new cafés are keeping the area lively.

Watch for

Properties like SkyVille@Dawson or Commonwealth Towers for young couples who want the blend of convenience, schools, and future-proofing.

If you’re considering a foothold in Queenstown, Grand Zyon is one of the newest developments that blends location, modern design, and accessibility.

3. Lentor

Once a sleepy patch in the north, Lentor is now one of the most talked-about zones for long-term investors.

The arrival of the Lentor MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line) and a slew of upcoming private projects are changing the area’s profile fast.

Why Lentor’s interesting

• Surrounded by landed enclaves—meaning low-density and a peaceful vibe.
• New schools and retail options are gradually popping up.
• Projects like Lentor Hills Residences are offering competitive PSF (per square foot) prices compared to Thomson or Bishan.

And here’s the kicker—you’re still within 20 minutes of Orchard via MRT, but without the chaos.

4. Potong Pasir

Potong Pasir has always had a bit of a rebel streak—it was Singapore’s first opposition-held constituency. But politically and practically, it’s moved into the mainstream.

Once dismissed as too sleepy or outdated, it’s now drawing in a fresh wave of interest.

Why it’s rising quietly

• Strong rental demand due to St. Andrew’s Village and easy access to city campuses.
• Less “hype,” so price inflation has been more stable and predictable.
• Proximity to both the city and Serangoon gives it excellent flexibility for commuters.

One to watch

The Poiz Residences, which sits right on top of Potong Pasir MRT and next to a mall. It’s a classic mixed-development win—transit, retail, and lifestyle all in one footprint.

5. Hillview

People talk a lot about Bukit Timah, but skip over Hillview—which is odd, because it shares many of the same perks: greenery, tranquility, and a high concentration of expats.

It doesn’t have the same glam factor, but that’s part of its appeal.

Perks of Hillview

• Surrounded by nature: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Dairy Farm Park, and Zhenghua Forest.
• MRT connectivity via Hillview Station (Downtown Line).
• Slightly lower PSF compared to Bukit Panjang and Bukit Timah, but with more breathing space.

Top project picks

Midwood and Hillview Rise are worth a look if you’re after privacy and long-term rental stability from expats or young families.

6. Tanjong Rhu

Tanjong Rhu has always been desirable, but for years it was a bit… isolated.

That’s changing with the upcoming Tanjong Rhu MRT Station (Thomson-East Coast Line), which should finally fix the “you-need-a-car” problem.

Why it’s golden now

• Close to East Coast Park and Kallang Basin—unmatched waterfront living.
• A short bike ride from Marina Bay, Sports Hub, and Katong.
• High-end condos that haven’t hit the PSF ceiling yet.

And with URA’s long-term plans to revamp the entire Kallang waterfront, it’s a location with major upside if you’re playing the long game.

7. Seletar

Here’s a sleeper hit if there ever was one. Seletar is best known for its aerospace park and colonial-style bungalows, but more recently, it’s been gaining quiet attention from buyers priced out of Serangoon or Ang Mo Kio.

What it offers

• A mix of landed homes and low-rise condos.
• Relatively peaceful compared to saturated towns.
• The North Coast Innovation Corridor is expected to lift the region’s economy and property prices over time.

Worth checking out

High Park Residences, especially if you’re looking at family-friendly layouts and strong rental yields from expatriates working nearby.

8. MacPherson – Where Old Meets New

MacPherson’s identity has been shifting for years. It used to be mostly industrial with rows of HDB blocks.

But now, with the Circle Line and Downtown Line meeting here, connectivity is no longer an issue—and developers are starting to see the potential.

Key advantages

• Near Paya Lebar Quarter and the CBD.
• Established food and market culture mixed with new condo builds.
• Quiet, mature vibe, but minutes from big commercial nodes.

Projects like The Antares are perfect for buyers who want to get into a transforming neighborhood without the Paya Lebar price tag.

9. Kovan

Kovan has always had that quietly affluent feel. Not quite Serangoon, not quite Hougang—but comfortably tucked between both.

The heartland vibe mixed with landed homes and boutique condo developments gives it a unique character.

What makes Kovan a hidden winner

• Heartland malls and food spots that actually matter (think Punggol Nasi Lemak, Lola’s Café).
• Landed enclaves mean less density—and strong capital appreciation.
• Immediate access to the North-East Line and arterial roads like Upper Serangoon Road.

Spotlight

Stars of Kovan—a solid mixed-use development with plenty of amenities, perfect for own-stay buyers or those looking to rent to professionals working in the northeast.

Quick Comparison Table

Area	MRT Line	Highlight Project	Vibe	Price Trend (PSF)
Jalan Besar	Downtown	1953	Hip-meets-heritage	Rising steadily
Queenstown	East-West	SkyVille@Dawson	Mature, strategic	Stable w/ upside
Lentor	Thomson-East Coast	Lentor Hills Residences	Quiet, up-and-coming	Early growth stage
Potong Pasir	North-East	The Poiz Residences	Functional and central	Moderate rise
Hillview	Downtown	Midwood	Green, low-density	Undervalued
Tanjong Rhu	Thomson-East Coast	Pebble Bay / Water Place	Premium, future-ready	Set to climb
Seletar	No direct MRT yet	High Park Residences	Suburban calm	Slow and steady
MacPherson	Circle / Downtown	The Antares	Industrial-turned-lively	Gaining traction
Kovan	North-East	Stars of Kovan	Mature and underrated	Strong foothold

Look Where Others Aren’t

When it comes to Singapore real estate, the shiny, high-profile neighborhoods will always get attention. But if you’re buying for the long-term—whether it’s your first home, a second property, or an investment to rent out—sometimes the best move is the one nobody else is watching… yet.

What ties all these hidden gems together isn’t just their location or price point. It’s the timing. Many are on the verge of transformation—some thanks to MRT projects, others because of government development plans or generational change.

And when you’re looking at the Singapore market in 2025, where value feels increasingly rare, spotting the next big thing before it breaks wide open can make all the difference.

Are you eyeing any of these neighborhoods—or already living in one of them?