When you think of living in Novena, you tend to think of smaller, older boutique apartments. New launches are rare, and facilities in these new launches are even rarer simply because of the lack of space. That is why The Serra Residences, developed by Far East Organization stands out, literally. The 133 units in this freehold development are all in a single 28-storey tower, expected to rise above and become a new icon for the district.
Rare Freehold Development In District 11
Novena is part of Singapore’s Core Central Region. It sits in District 11, near the heart of the city, and is home to the massive 17-hectare HealthCity Novena, anchored by Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Despite being named for the Catholic devotional practice popularised by the Church of St Alphonsus, better known as Novena Church, nearby, the area today is being developed into a leading integrated healthcare and learning campus.
In addition, Country City Investment’s announcement of the development at 2 Moulmein Road by 2027 will add even more dimension to the neighbourhood. Country City Investment are the company behind the development of Dempsey Hill into a thriving retail and lifestyle destination, and the expectation is that they’ll do the same for 2 Moulmein Road.
Before The Serra Residences, the only new residential development nearby was the freehold NEU at Novena, which launched in 2019. Before that, the last project to launch in the area was the 99-year leasehold Soleil @ Sinaran in 2007. That is how rare and unique these developments are. Barring any future en bloc sales, no other upcoming freehold launches are expected in the vicinity.
The Serra Residences is located in the heart of HealthCity Novena, bounded by Bassein Road, Akyab Road and Jalan Tan Tock Seng. Despite its proximity to several buildings in HealthCity Novena, including Tan Tock Seng Hospital Annex 1, the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Integrated Care Hub, and the Ng Teng Fong Centre for Healthcare Innovation, the enclave remains relatively quiet, away from most of the traffic.
A Single Iconic Tower Rising Above
Built along the slope of Bassein Road, this 28-storey tower brings each of its 133 residential units high above street level, making it the tallest residential building in the neighbourhood with unblocked views of the city.
The tower is strategically positioned so units on both sides face North and South and avoid direct sunlight all day. Units are divided into two tiers – levels 4 to 16 comprise the bulk of 91 units, while levels 18 to 28 have 42 larger and more exclusive units in a section aptly named The Summit.
Levels 4 to 16 are made up of 39 2-Bedroom + Study units (66 to 67 sqm/710 to 721 sqft), 39 3-Bedroom units (71 to 84 sqm/764 to 904 sqft), and 13 4-Bedroom units (89 sqm/958 sqft).
The Summit, on levels 18 to 28, are made up of 10 4-Bedroom units (113 sqm/1,216 sqft), 10 4-Bedroom + Study (124 sqm/1,335 sqft), 10 4-Bedroom Premium with Private Lift (142 sqm/1,528 sqft), 10 5-Bedroom Premium with Private Lift (163 sqm/1,755 sqft) and 2 Penthouse units (246 sqm/2,648 sqft and 248sqm/2,669 sqft).
Note that this is Novena’s first Gross Floor Area (GFA)-harmonised freehold development, so buyers are only paying for usable living space.
This creates an intimate community of 133 homes, and developers Far East Organization have made it a point that there are more than enough facilities for every type of family.
A Full Suite Of Amenities
It’s rare for a development of this size to offer a full suite of amenities, but that’s the ethos behind The Serra Residences. There’s something for everyone.
Facilities start with a full-sized tennis court on the second floor, next to the arrival bay. The third floor has most of the facilities: multiple pools, including a 50m cantilevered lap pool suspended over the entrance courtyard, adjoining a spa pool, with a sun deck and a BBQ pavilion surrounding it. The fitness room and a function room overlook the pool. A steam room and sauna are also included, situated near the changing rooms.
Families get a separate but connected deck all to themselves, with a pavilion, a child-friendly pool and a playground. Parents of furkids will also enjoy an exclusive pet park area next to the playground.
On the 17th floor, you’ll find three unique spaces: a social lounge, a retreat lounge with a zen deck and a wellness garden. These are perfect for morning meditations, yoga, enjoying the reflexology path or doing movement exercises on a stationary bike or an elliptical walker.
The property has three car park levels with 113 lots, including 5 accessible lots and 2 private accessory lots. Of the 113 lots, 4 are regular electric vehicle (EV) lots and 1 is an accessible EV lot. There is also space for 23 bicycles.
This reflects the developer’s forward-looking thinking, recognising that, given The Serra Residences’ connectivity, not every unit will need its own lot, so they didn’t scrimp on every last inch of car park.
Cost Breakdown
While prices for The Serra Residences have yet to be released, the current guide price starts from $3,120 psf, with the smallest 66 sqm / 710 sqft 2 Bedroom + Study unit commencing from $2.22 million.
This means buyers can expect to pay at least a 25% downpayment of $550,000, with at least 5%, or $110,000, in cash.
Should they be borrowing the maximum of 75%, based on the typical Loan-to-Value, that would mean $1,650,000. Assuming a high 2.5% interest rate on your mortgage repayment, that comes up to $6,519.50 a month.
Of course, with home loan rates currently hovering at around 1.5%, you’re more likely to pay close to $5,650 a month, at least for the first few years.
We will provide a deeper cost breakdown once the rest of the prices are released.
Novena Is More Than A Healthcare Hub
The main reason for living in Novena is its proximity to some of the region’s top healthcare institutions. And with HealthCity Novena designed to be a completely self-sufficient hub, The Serra Residences also benefits.
Nearby retail options can be found Velocity@Novena Square, Square 2, Royal Square at Novena, and United Square. Velocity@Novena Square is built above Novena MRT station on the North-South Line and is one station from Newton MRT interchange, which connects the North-South Line to the Downtown Line.
In terms of proximity to schools, The Serra Residences is within the crucial 1km radius of St. Joseph’s Institution (Junior) and Hong Wen School. Beyond that, but still within the 2km radius, you can find Farrer Park Primary School, Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) and Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road), and Catholic Junior College (CJC).
Please note that ACS (Junior) plans to move to the ACS (Barker Road) campus, so expect changes from 2030 onwards, once ACS (Primary) opens in Tengah. CJC is also expected to move to Punggol by 2034.
Singapore Chinese Girls School and St Joseph’s Institution are just outside the 2km radius, but are still relatively accessible by public transport.
Read Also: Price Guide To Landed Properties In Singapore
