Orchard Sophia Review: Curious about investing in a prestigious area?

Key Takeaways

1. Prime Location: Orchard Sophia is strategically located in the heart of District 9, offering unparalleled access to Orchard Road and Dhoby Ghaut.
2. Luxurious Amenities: The development boasts a range of high-end amenities, including a rooftop deck with a spa, outdoor gym, and lounge.
3. Strong Investment Potential: With competitive pricing and a reputable developer, Orchard Sophia presents a promising investment opportunity.

Project Details

Orchard Sophia, developed by DB2, is a boutique freehold property situated on Sophia Road in the prime District 9 of Singapore. This 78-unit residential project is designed to offer an exclusive living experience akin to a luxury hotel, featuring a sophisticated design palette and high-quality fittings.

Floor Plans

Orchard Sophia offers a variety of floor plans to cater to different lifestyle needs. The development comprises five storeys and features units ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom dual key apartments. Each unit is meticulously designed to maximize space and functionality.

One-Bedroom Units

• Size: 441 sq ft to 484 sq ft
• Features: Compact yet functional layouts, ideal for singles or couples. These units include a well-appointed kitchen, living area, and a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.

Two-Bedroom Units

• Size: 581 sq ft to 710 sq ft
• Features: Spacious layouts suitable for small families or professionals. These units feature an open-plan living and dining area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms.

Three-Bedroom Units

• Size: 764 sq ft
• Features: Designed for larger families, these units offer three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a generous living and dining area.

Three-Bedroom Dual Key Units

• Size: 829 sq ft to 840 sq ft
• Features: These units provide flexibility for multi-generational living or rental income. They include a main living area and a separate studio unit with its own entrance.

Unit Mix

Site Plan

The site plan of Orchard Sophia is thoughtfully designed to enhance residents’ living experience.

Key features include:

• Elevated Site: Positioned on Mount Sophia, providing elevated views of the city.
• Inner Courtyard: Features a 20m lap pool and landscaped gardens.
• Rooftop Deck: Includes a spa, outdoor gym, lounge, and bar.
• Basement Car Park: Provides ample parking space for residents.

Price Range & PSF

The pricing for units at Orchard Sophia is competitive, especially considering its prime location and high-quality finishes. Key points include:

• Average Price: $2,800 per square foot (psf)
• Price Range: $1.23 million to $2.29 million

Orchard Sophia

Urban Living with Impeccable Design

In urban environments, the fusion of functionality and aesthetics is crucial for creating living spaces that are both practical and visually appealing. Impeccable design principles play a key role in optimizing the layout and utilization of space in urban dwellings.

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Pricing Comparison with Nearby Condominiums

To provide a comprehensive comparison of the pricing for Orchard Sophia with nearby condominiums, here is a detailed table outlining the price per square foot (psf) and other relevant pricing information for each property:

Analysis

• Orchard Sophia: Priced at $2,750 psf, it offers a competitive rate compared to other luxury developments in the area. The starting price of $1.23M makes it accessible for buyers looking for a strategic location with modern amenities.
• 3 Orchard By-The-Park: At $4,000 psf, this development is positioned in the higher luxury segment, reflecting its prime location and exclusive offerings.
• Orchard Bel-Air: While no specific psf is provided, the high price ceiling of up to $5.2M indicates its premium status.
• The Orchard Residences: With prices ranging from $5.79M to $11M, this development targets ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
• Cuscaden Reserve: Priced from $2,900 psf, it offers a slightly higher rate than Orchard Sophia but remains competitive within the luxury market.
• Regency Park: With a psf range of $2,040 to $2,110, it provides a more affordable option for larger units compared to newer developments.
• Sophia Hills: The psf for 1-bedroom units is $2,287, and for 2-bedroom units, it is $2,240, making it a competitive choice for buyers looking for slightly lower price points within the same vicinity.

Overall, Orchard Sophia’s pricing is well-positioned within the market, offering a balance between luxury and affordability, especially when compared to the higher-end options like 3 Orchard By-The-Park and The Orchard Residences.

Transport & Location

Orchard Sophia: A Prime Location in District 9

Orchard Sophia is strategically positioned in District 9, one of Singapore’s most prestigious residential areas. This prime location offers excellent connectivity and a wealth of conveniences for residents.

Transport & Location Details for Orchard Sophia

Public Transport

• Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station: Just 400 meters away, a mere 6-minute walk. This station is an interchange for the North-South Line (NS24), North-East Line (NE6), and Circle Line (CC1), providing extensive connectivity across Singapore.
• Rochor MRT Station: Located about 680 meters away, offering access to the Downtown Line (DT13).
• Little India MRT Station: Approximately 550 meters away, connecting to the North-East Line (NE17) and Downtown Line (DT12).
• Bencoolen MRT Station: Around 620 meters away, situated on the Downtown Line (DT21).

Road Connectivity

Orchard Sophia is easily accessible via several major expressways, including:

• East Coast Parkway (ECP)
• Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE)
• Pan-Island Expressway (PIE)
• Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE)

Nearby Amenities

Shopping Malls

• Plaza Singapura: 230 meters away
• Peace Centre: 380 meters away
• Parklane Shopping Mall: 400 meters away
• The Cathay: 400 meters away

Educational Institutions

• St. Margaret’s Primary School: 200 meters away
• Anglo-Chinese School (Junior): 930 meters away
• Farrer Park Primary School: 1.22 kilometers away
• Singapore Management University (SMU)
• Lasalle College of the Arts
• Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA)
• School of the Arts (SOTA)

Groceries

• Cold Storage (68 Orchard Road): 240 meters away
• Cold Storage (176 Orchard Road): 730 meters away
• NTUC FairPrice (131 Killiney Road): 1.04 kilometers away

Food Centres

• Tekka Centre: 610 meters away
• Albert Centre Market & Food Centre: 890 meters away
• Newton Food Centre: 1.27 kilometers away
• Berseh Food Centre: 1.28 kilometers away
• Pek Kio Market & Food Centre: 1.56 kilometers away

Proximity to Central Business District (CBD)

Orchard Sophia is a short drive from Singapore’s CBD, making it an ideal location for professionals working in the city center.

Cultural and Recreational Facilities

Residents of Orchard Sophia can enjoy nearby cultural and recreational facilities, such as:

• National Museum of Singapore
• Singapore Art Museum
• Fort Canning Hill
• Peranakan Museum
• Mount Emily Park
• Gardens by the Bay
• Singapore Botanic Gardens

Orchard Sophia’s prime location offers residents unparalleled connectivity and convenience, making it a highly attractive choice for both homebuyers and investors.

Developer Reputation

DB2, the developer behind Orchard Sophia, is known for its commitment to quality and innovation. The company has a strong track record of delivering high-end residential projects that meet the needs of modern homeowners. Their attention to detail and use of premium materials ensure that Orchard Sophia stands out as a high-quality development.

Investment Potential

Investing in Orchard Sophia offers a blend of prime location, freehold tenure, competitive rental yields, and future growth potential. However, like any investment, it comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s a detailed analysis to help you decide if Orchard Sophia is the right choice for you.

Pros

Prime Location

• District 9: Orchard Sophia is nestled in District 9, one of Singapore’s most prestigious residential areas.
• Connectivity: Proximity to multiple MRT stations and major expressways ensures excellent connectivity.
• Orchard Road: Close to Orchard Road, a major shopping and entertainment hub.

Freehold Tenure

• Value: Being a freehold property, Orchard Sophia is highly valued in Singapore.
• Long-term Appreciation: Freehold status typically leads to better long-term capital appreciation compared to leasehold properties.

Rental Yield

• Competitive Yields: Rental yields range from 3.13% to 4.17% for 1-bedroom units.
• Market Demand: High demand for rental properties in District 9 due to its central location and amenities.

Future Growth Potential

• URA Master Plan: Enhancements in the Orchard and Dhoby Ghaut regions will improve walkability, diversify retail experiences, and incorporate more green spaces.
• Property Values: These developments are likely to boost property values in the area.

Relative Affordability

• Pricing: Compared to other new launches in District 9, Orchard Sophia’s pricing at around $2,750 to $2,850 psf is relatively affordable.

Cons

High Initial Investment

• Starting Prices: Despite its relative affordability, starting prices around $1.23 million might be a barrier for some investors.

Market Competition

• High-End Developments: District 9 has several high-end developments that offer luxurious amenities, leading to increased competition for affluent tenants and buyers.

Moderate Price Appreciation

• Forecasted Growth: The forecasted appreciation rate of 3% to 6% is moderate compared to the rapid growth seen in other districts in previous years.

Key Factors to Consider

Price Appreciation

• Historical Performance: District 9 has shown steady price appreciation, with a forecasted growth rate of 3% to 6% in the coming years.
• Market Trends: The overall property market in Singapore is stabilizing. However, planned enhancements in the Orchard and Dhoby Ghaut areas could provide a boost to property values.

Rental Yield

• Current Yield: Orchard Sophia’s rental yield of up to 4.17% is attractive given the high demand in District 9.
• Occupancy Cap Changes: Recent changes allowing up to eight unrelated tenants in larger flats could further enhance rental yields by increasing rental demand and potential income.

Comparative Analysis

• Pricing: Orchard Sophia’s pricing is competitive within District 9, especially when compared to ultra-luxury developments.
• Amenities and Facilities: While modern, Orchard Sophia may not match the ultra-luxurious offerings of nearby developments. However, its relative affordability can make it an attractive option for a broader range of investors.

Future Growth

• URA Master Plan: Planned enhancements under the URA Master Plan are expected to significantly improve the area’s attractiveness.
• Economic Stability: Singapore’s stable economy and strong property market fundamentals continue to attract global investors, which bodes well for long-term investment prospects in District 9.

Orchard Sophia presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its prime location, freehold status, competitive pricing, and promising rental yields. The future growth potential driven by the URA Master Plan and Singapore’s economic stability further enhances its appeal. However, investors should weigh the high initial investment and market competition against these benefits. For those looking to invest in a prestigious area with solid long-term prospects, Orchard Sophia is a strong contender.