Why Mixed-Use Developments Are Essential: 5 Reasons You Must Know

Leo Kwek

Leo Kwek

Published 2023-06-27 · Updated 2026-01-27 · 5 min read

Why Mixed-Use Developments Are Essential: 5 Reasons You Must Know

For many homebuyers, Integrated Developments check all the boxes, offering not only direct access to MRT and bus interchanges for seamless transportation but also a wide variety of retail and dining options right at their doorstep.

First, what are integrated developments? Not to be confused with mixed-use developments, integrated developments are large-scale projects that combine multiple uses such as residential, commercial, and transport hubs at a single location. The key difference between the two is the direct integration with a transport node, an advantage that mixed-use developments do not have.

The concept behind integrated developments is to create a self-contained community that offers residents a one-stop experience for comfortable living, working, and entertainment, while also providing convenient transport hubs to ensure seamless commuting. The features of an integrated development include retail shops, entertainment, and community facilities, along with a connection to a public transport hub (such as an MRT station and/or a bus interchange), ensuring convenient access in all weather conditions.

Integrated developments typically offer a variety of housing options to meet the needs of different buyers, including singles, young couples, and families. Whether located in suburban or central urban areas, such properties are highly sought after by both homebuyers and tenants in Singapore. They provide residents with numerous conveniences, such as easier transportation, easy access to various services and facilities, and vibrant community spaces that promote communication and interaction among people.

Here are the advantages of living in an integrated development:

Advantages of Living in an Integrated Development

1. Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of living in an integrated development is the convenience it offers. Direct access to an MRT station helps shorten commute times and can even provide a completely sheltered commute, allowing you to get from home to work without getting caught in the rain.

2. Sense of Community: Integrated developments often foster a strong sense of community among residents. Having more shared spaces and facilities means more opportunities for interaction and socializing among residents, which helps enhance their sense of belonging and community involvement.

3. Security: Many integrated developments have security measures in place, such as gated access points, surveillance cameras, and on-site security personnel. Even though these developments are located above bustling malls, they can still make residents feel safer and more secure.

4. Well-Equipped with Amenities: Integrated developments usually have a variety of amenities, such as parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, gyms, dining outlets, and retail stores. Proximity to these amenities allows residents to enjoy a high quality of life and makes it easier to achieve a work-life balance.

5. After evaluation, it was found that integrated developments tend to achieve better resale profits and rental yields, making it easier to command a higher premium. Owners of these properties can expect to see their property’s value increase significantly over time, and they will receive high returns when selling or leasing the property. Additionally, due to the inherent appeal of these properties, they usually attract a large number of tenants and potential buyers, which means owners can find buyers or tenants effortlessly.

By analyzing five integrated developments launched and sold in the 2010s and their resale price growth by 2022, it can be seen that the resale value of these projects increased by 16% to 26% compared to their launch prices. For example, Park Place Residence at Paya Lebar Quarter (PLQ) was launched in 2017 at an average price of S$1,806 per square foot. After just five years, its average resale value had risen by 19% to S$2,151 per square foot in 2022.

Resale Price Growth of Past Integrated Developments

An analysis of these 5 integrated developments and their 2022 resale premiums found that within the same district, their selling prices were 15% to 56% higher than non-integrated projects in the same area. For example, Bedok Residences had an average resale price of S$1,559 per square foot in 2022, which was over 20% higher than the average resale price of other private condominium projects in District 16.

Resale Price Premium of Integrated Developments Compared to Regional Averages

In terms of rentals, an analysis of projects within the same district found that rents for these integrated projects increased by 21% to 62% in 2022. For example, the average monthly rent for North Park Residences in 2022 was nearly S$5,000, which was almost 48% higher than the rent for other private condominium projects in District 27.

Rental Premium of Integrated Developments Compared to Regional Averages

Considering the unique features of integrated developments such as convenience, connectivity, and a sense of community, it is not surprising that these advantages allow them to command a premium within their respective districts, making them highly attractive to both tenants and owners.

However, some issues that owners need to be aware of are that due to the complexity of such integrated developments, their maintenance and upkeep may require higher fees. Secondly, for those seeking a more secluded and peaceful living environment, integrated developments may have more commercial activity and customer traffic, which can lead to some noise issues.

Overall, however, the benefits of living in an integrated development far outweigh the disadvantages. In a fast-paced society like Singapore, where convenience and accessibility are highly valued, integrated developments are highly favored by homebuyers. These projects provide seamless transport connections, and you can also enjoy a variety of amenities nearby.

Some integrated developments currently on the market include: CanningHill Piers, Lentor Modern, Midtown Modern, Pasir Ris 8, and Piccadilly Grand. As of the end of March 2023, sales for these projects have exceeded 87%. Two other integrated developments, Sengkang Grand Residences and The Woodleigh Residences, are fully sold out. Meanwhile, a new integrated development at Jalan Anak Bukit, The Reserve Residences, is set to launch in May 2023, offering more options for homebuyers.

For more information on purchasing opportunities for sought-after integrated developments, please contact SingJoy.

 

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Leo Kwek

Leo Kwek

Leo Kwek is a real estate salesperson registered with Singapore’s Council for Estate Agencies (CEA registration no. RES R061721D), specialising in private residential purchases and mortgage financing. Leo has closed more than 60 property transactions totalling over S$210 million in value, for more than 20 high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients and families. As a co-founder of Homeland Shires, Leo also helps overseas buyers and new arrivals with settling-in support.

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