In recent years, Singapore’s city fringe and prime districts have experienced a quiet yet powerful shift: a growing number of professional women are becoming condo owners. This trend reflects broader shifts in wealth, gender roles, and urban living.
From the Fringe to the Core
Buyers aged 26–35 now comprise a significantly larger share of new private home purchases than they did a decade ago. Although this data doesn’t break it down by gender, a meaningful number are women—especially those working in finance, tech, law, and healthcare.
This surge is evident in the Rest-of-Central Region (RCR)—city-fringe areas like Joo Chiat, Kallang, and Katong. Condo prices here have nearly caught up with those in the Core Central Region (CCR), yet they still offer slightly better value. Many women are drawn to these areas for their proximity to work, amenities, and public transport—without the full cost of living in prime districts. Properties like Thomson View condo appeal to this demographic by offering a balanced mix of location, accessibility, and lifestyle.
Income and Empowerment
More women are climbing into senior roles and earning higher incomes. Professional women in their 30s are now financially positioned to buy private property. With better access to education and opportunities for career growth, they are entering the real estate market earlier than ever before.
Stories of Ambition and Agency
Take “Diana,” a 30‑year‑old built-environment professional who purchased a one‑bedroom condo in Joo Chiat in her late 20s. She believed buying early was key to building long-term wealth. Unable to buy HDB resale until 35, she turned to private property as both a home and a financial asset.
Others share similar stories. Some women buy on their own, while others get a small boost from family savings. Either way, many are opting for private condos in city-fringe locations over the traditional paths of BTO or resale HDB flats.
Why Condos Over HDB?
There are practical and financial reasons:
- Age flexibility: Singles can’t buy a BTO flat until 35. Private condos have no such restrictions.
- Asset value: Private condos typically appreciate faster than public flats.
- Convenience: City-fringe condos offer better access to work, dining, and transport options.
Supporting Trends
The broader condo market is heating up. Sales in the city fringe are rising, driven by new launches and growing demand. Smaller units, such as one- and two-bedroom condos, are becoming increasingly common, catering to singles and young couples.
Meanwhile, developers are responding by building more compact, centrally located units with lifestyle features, such as co-working spaces and wellness facilities.
The Bigger Picture
This shift toward female condo ownership is part of a larger story:
- More women are entering and staying in the workforce.
- Higher education levels are translating into higher incomes.
- Homeownership is becoming a symbol of independence and long-term planning.
Even though challenges remain—such as high property prices and demanding jobs—more women are taking housing decisions into their own hands. Buying a condo is no longer just about shelter; it’s about security, control, and future planning.
What’s Ahead?
Looking forward, this trend could reshape parts of the property market:
- More female-focused unit design. Developers may add features that appeal to professional women, like security systems and shared amenities.
- Longer stays in first homes. These buyers may live in their condos for longer before upgrading or starting a family.
- Increased wealth building. Buying early gives these owners a head start in building equity and financial stability.
Final Thoughts
The rise of female condo owners in Singapore’s urban core is about more than just property. It reflects changing norms, rising independence, and a clear sense of financial purpose. These women are quietly but confidently reshaping the city—one apartment at a time.