Tiong Bahru Property Prices & Rental Guide: Heritage Charm Meets Modern Living
Tiong Bahru stands as one of Singapore's most distinctive neighborhoods, blending heritage conservation charm with a vibrant hipster culture that attracts young professionals, families, and property investors alike. As of January 2026, this Bukit Merah enclave offers diverse housing options—from character-filled conservation HDB flats to modern condominiums—with prices ranging from S$700,000 for HDB 3-room units to S$4.6 million for premium condos. Whether you're a first-time buyer seeking heritage character or an investor evaluating rental yields, Homejourney's verified data helps you make confident, safe property decisions in this trusted neighborhood.
Understanding Tiong Bahru's Property Market Landscape
Tiong Bahru's appeal stems from its unique position as a conservation area with protected heritage buildings dating back to the 1960s, combined with trendy cafes, independent boutiques, and street art that define Singapore's hipster scene. The neighborhood spans multiple housing typologies, making it accessible to different buyer profiles and budgets. Located along the East-West MRT Line (EW17), Tiong Bahru offers excellent connectivity while maintaining a village-like atmosphere that's increasingly rare in central Singapore.
HDB Flat Prices: The Heritage Premium
HDB flats in Tiong Bahru command premium pricing compared to other Bukit Merah estates, primarily due to the conservation status and neighborhood desirability. Here's the current pricing breakdown as verified by Homejourney:
- 2-room flats: S$600,000–S$900,000 (S$1,000–S$1,300 per square foot)
- 3-room flats: S$700,000–S$1.2 million (S$800–S$1,200 psf)
- 4-room flats: S$1.2 million–S$1.5 million (S$1,000–S$1,500 psf)
- 5-room flats: S$1.2 million–S$1.9 million (S$1,000–S$1,500 psf)
Real-world examples illustrate these ranges: a 5-room flat at 126 Bukit Merah View recently sold for S$1.49 million (S$1,081 psf), while a 3-room unit at 22 Tiong Bahru Road transacted at S$778,000 (S$822 psf). Conservation flats—those protected heritage units within the designated conservation area—typically command an additional S$700,000–S$1.15 million premium, reflecting their unique architectural value and restricted supply.
Condominium & Freehold Prices: Premium Living
For buyers seeking modern amenities with heritage surroundings, Tiong Bahru's private residential developments offer contemporary living spaces at higher price points:
- 2-bedroom condos: S$1.5 million–S$2.8 million (S$2,000–S$2,700 psf)
- 3-bedroom condos: S$2.5 million–S$4.6 million (S$2,500–S$3,000 psf)
- Freehold units: Premium pricing, typically 10–15% above 99-year leasehold equivalents
Notable examples include a 2-bedroom condo on Zion Road priced at S$1.85 million (S$2,606 psf) and a 4-bedroom unit at Promenade Peak listed at S$4.65 million (S$3,000 psf). These developments typically feature modern architecture, full condominium facilities (swimming pools, gyms, security), and proximity to Tiong Bahru's vibrant street-level dining and retail scene.
Rental Market: Strong Yields for Investors
Tiong Bahru's rental market remains robust, driven by demand from young professionals attracted to the neighborhood's lifestyle amenities and central location. Current rental rates as verified by Homejourney include:
- HDB 3-room flats: S$3,200–S$4,500 monthly
- Condo 2-bedroom units: S$4,500–S$6,500 monthly
- Condo 3-bedroom units: S$6,000–S$8,000 monthly
These rental rates translate to attractive gross yields of 4–5% annually for HDB investors and 3–4% for condo investors, making Tiong Bahru a compelling option for buy-to-let portfolios. The neighborhood's appeal to expatriates, young couples, and creative professionals ensures consistent tenant demand throughout the year.
Why Invest in Tiong Bahru? Key Market Drivers
Heritage Conservation Status: Tiong Bahru's designation as a conservation area protects the neighborhood's character and limits overdevelopment, supporting long-term property values. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) carefully regulates renovations and new construction, preserving the area's unique identity.
Hipster Culture & Lifestyle Appeal: The neighborhood has become Singapore's epicenter for independent cafes, vintage boutiques, and street art. Iconic establishments like Tiong Bahru Bakery, Chye Seng Huat Hardware, and numerous galleries attract both locals and tourists, creating vibrant street-level activity that enhances residential appeal and supports retail businesses.
Excellent MRT Connectivity: Direct access to the East-West Line (EW17 Tiong Bahru station) provides seamless connections to the CBD, Changi Airport, and western Singapore. The station is just a 2–3 minute walk from the main residential blocks, making commuting convenient.
Central Location with Village Feel: Unlike more crowded central areas, Tiong Bahru maintains a tight-knit community atmosphere with tree-lined streets, low-rise buildings, and pedestrian-friendly alleyways. This combination of centrality and neighborhood character is increasingly rare in Singapore's property market.
Understanding Property Valuation Factors
When evaluating Tiong Bahru properties, several factors influence pricing beyond basic unit specifications:
- Lease Remaining: HDB flats with 80+ years remaining command higher prices; those below 70 years may face financing restrictions from banks.
- Floor Level & Orientation: Higher floors and units facing away from main roads typically cost 5–10% more.
- Unit Condition: Conservation flats may require more specialized renovation expertise, affecting perceived value.
- Proximity to MRT: Units within 5 minutes' walk of EW17 station command 10–15% premiums.
- Neighborhood Amenities: Proximity to Tiong Bahru's famous cafes and dining establishments adds lifestyle value.
Financing Your Tiong Bahru Property Purchase
For HDB purchases, most buyers utilize HDB loans or bank mortgages. Homejourney's Bank Rates page provides current mortgage rates from major Singapore banks, helping you compare financing options. For conservation flats with unique characteristics, ensure your bank has experience with heritage properties—some lenders impose stricter valuation requirements.
For condo purchases, standard bank financing applies. Most banks offer 75–80% loan-to-value ratios for owner-occupiers and 60–70% for investors. Given Tiong Bahru's strong rental market, investment property financing is readily available from major institutions.
Finding Properties in Tiong Bahru
Homejourney's Property Search feature allows you to filter properties by type, price range, and specific streets within Tiong Bahru. Our Projects directory provides comprehensive data on both HDB blocks and private developments, helping you understand market patterns and identify opportunities. All listings are verified to ensure accuracy and protect your investment decisions.
Post-Purchase Considerations
After purchasing a Tiong Bahru property, maintenance is essential—particularly for conservation flats with older building systems. Homejourney's Aircon Services page connects you with verified service providers for air-conditioning maintenance, a critical service in Singapore's tropical climate. Regular upkeep preserves your property's condition and rental appeal.
