Core Central Region (CCR) Market Sees Record Launches, Strong Buyer Demand, and Sustained Growthst Sold For $1.458M: Here’s What The Seller Could Have Made

The Robertson Opus achieved sales of 41% on its launch weekend (Image: Frasers Property/Sekisui House)

Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR) is experiencing a powerful rebound in 2025, marked by the highest number of new project launches in recent years. With over 2,700 new units entering the market, the luxury property segment is showing clear signs of recovery. Analysts attribute the renewed momentum to competitive pricing, strong local demand, and improved buyer sentiment.

Largest CCR Supply Since 2021

Six major CCR projects have been launched so far this year, totaling more than 2,000 units, with the 666-unit Skye at Holland slated for October pushing the total to 2,728 units.

According to Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, this marks the largest CCR supply since 2021, when 2,691 units were introduced. The CCR encompasses prime districts 9, 10, 11, Sentosa Cove (District 4), and the Downtown Core (Districts 1, 2, 6, and 7).

Earlier in 2025, the price gap between CCR and Rest of Central Region (RCR) new launches narrowed to a record low of 4.5%, as CCR prices eased and RCR prices climbed. PropNex CEO Kelvin Fong notes that the average CCR price dipped below $2,900 psf in 1Q2025 — opening up prime market opportunities for more buyers.

Supply Surge Meets Strong Buyer Demand

By mid-2025, the CCR market had entered a new phase of expansion. The influx of new launches drove up average prices to above $3,200 psf, widening the CCR-RCR price gap to 22% in 2Q2025 and 19% in 3Q2025.

Projects such as River Green, The Robertson Opus, and UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard were major contributors to this surge, attracting both homebuyers and investors drawn by location, design, and accessibility.

Fong highlighted that CCR supply rose sharply in 2H2025 — from just 96 new units in the first half of the year to 1,860 units launched in July and August. This variety of options significantly boosted buyer demand and reinvigorated market confidence.

Competitive Pricing Sparks Sales

According to ERA Singapore CEO Marcus Chu, pricing strategy played a crucial role in driving sales. Launch prices at River Green ($3,111 psf), UpperHouse ($3,274 psf), and The Robertson Opus ($3,359 psf) were only slightly above RCR projects such as Promenade Peak ($2,920 psf) and Arina East Residences ($2,982 psf).

This narrowing gap made CCR projects more appealing to both investors and upgraders. Notably, 67% of River Green’s units were sold below $2.5 million, achieving an 88% take-up rate during its launch weekend. UpperHouse and The Robertson Opus also reported strong performances, with 54% and 41% take-up rates, respectively.

Huttons’ Yip reported that about 64% of CCR units sold in these projects were priced under $2.5 million — a strong indicator of sustained mid-tier demand.

Connectivity, proximity to lifestyle amenities, and alignment with the URA Draft Master Plan 2025 also contributed to rising buyer confidence.

Why CCR Supply Comes in Spurts

CCR supply tends to emerge in cycles due to its dual land sources: private en-bloc redevelopments and Government Land Sales (GLS).

The last major en-bloc cycle in 2017–2018 generated numerous launches between 2019 and 2021, but the series of cooling measures that followed — including higher Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) — slowed down new development activity.

The 2023 ABSD hike (60% for foreigners, up to 25% for Singaporeans buying multiple properties) further dampened collective sale potential in the prime districts. “For developments with high foreign ownership, en-bloc success is now much harder,” notes Yip.

Consequently, buyer demographics shifted. 80% of CCR buyers in 2025 were Singaporeans, up from 72% in 2023, while foreign buyers fell to 3%. “The 60% ABSD was a turning point,” says ERA’s Chu. “It redirected demand from overseas investors to affluent locals and PRs who now see CCR homes as long-term wealth preservation assets.”

GLS Programme Shapes the Supply Cycle

The GLS programme also influences CCR supply dynamics. No prime GLS sites were offered in 2022 or 2023, resulting in limited new launches.

In 2024, however, three key plots — Holland Drive, Orchard Boulevard, and River Valley Green (Parcel A) — were made available, setting the stage for 2025’s record launch year.

For 2026, only 955 units are expected from three sites — Dunearn Road, Holland Link, and River Valley Green (Parcel B) — signaling a return to tighter supply and likely price resilience.

Sustained Pricing Power Ahead

Despite the short-term surge in supply, market analysts expect CCR pricing to remain strong moving forward.

Huttons’ Yip believes limited new land, intergenerational wealth transfers, and Singapore’s stable economy will uphold the region’s value. ERA’s Chu adds that buyer demand for well-positioned projects remains robust, especially those near MRT nodes and lifestyle amenities.

The URA property price index shows a 3.8% increase in CCR prices in 1H2025, and PropNex projects 5–6% growth for the full year, outpacing 2024’s 4.5%.

With upcoming launches like Skye at Holland, analysts predict 2025 will close as a year of strong recovery for Singapore’s most prestigious property segment.

The Collective at One Sophia: Prime District 9 Opportunity

One standout development this year is The Collective at One Sophia, a District 9 mixed-use project offering entry prices below $3,000 psf.

Developed by SingHaiyi Group and Ultra Infinity, the project features 367 residential units and commercial components including strata offices and retail spaces.

At an average of $2,752 psf, The Collective offers attractive pricing relative to the $3,200 psf average for new CCR projects. Studio units start from $1.22 million, one-bedroom-plus-study units from $1.5 million, and three-bedroom layouts from $2.87 million.

Strategically located near four MRT stations — Bencoolen, Rochor, Bras Basah, and Dhoby Ghaut — and surrounded by top schools such as Singapore Management University and SOTA, One Sophia provides city convenience with a tranquil residential feel.

As part of the redevelopment of the former Peace Centre and Peace Mansion, it symbolizes the transformation of the Orchard–Bras Basah–Bugis precinct into a vibrant arts and education hub.

Outlook: CCR Market Remains Resilient

As 2025 progresses, the Core Central Region continues to show strength despite regulatory headwinds. With reduced future supply, strong domestic participation, and continued confidence in Singapore’s fundamentals, the CCR is poised for long-term value stability.

For investors and homebuyers alike, 2025 represents a strategic window to secure premium properties before prices rise again amid tightening supply.