When EdgeProp Singapore reported that a 3,434 sq ft unit at Yong An Park was sold for $9.1 million ($2,650 psf) on 25 September 2025 — netting its seller a $6.55 million profit — it wasn’t just a story of a lucrative transaction. It was a reminder of the enduring appeal of legacy freehold properties in Singapore’s prime District 9, where time, location, and land scarcity continue to define long-term value.
The seller, who had purchased the unit for $2.55 million ($743 psf) in April 2004, achieved a remarkable 256.9% gain over a holding period of more than 21 years, translating to an annualised return of 6.1%. In a market often shaped by short-term cycles, this resale stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of well-located freehold homes that age gracefully with the city.
A Benchmark Transaction for District 9 Freeholds
The deal ranks as the fourth-most profitable ever recorded at Yong An Park and one of the standout transactions in the Core Central Region (CCR) this year. Beyond the headline figures, it reaffirms the timeless fundamentals of the development — a freehold tenure in the heart of River Valley, generously sized layouts, and a low-density environment seldom replicated in modern condominiums.
Completed in 1986, Yong An Park comprises 288 units spread across a sprawling site with wide internal setbacks and mature greenery. Typical 4-bedroom units range from 3,000 to 3,700 sq ft, while penthouses span up to 6,800 sq ft. Even at its record psf price, a 3,400 sq ft residence for under $10 million represents significant intrinsic value compared to newer CCR launches, many of which offer half the size at higher psf levels.
Why This Sale Matters
While older projects often face headwinds from dated design and maintenance challenges, Yong An Park continues to demonstrate that spaciousness, location, and tenure are enduring value drivers. Recent launches in the vicinity — such as Irwell Hill Residences and The Avenir — see many units trading in the $2,600 to $3,500 psf range, especially for 1- to 3-bedroom units. Their unit sizes are often far smaller (e.g. 600–1,300 sq ft) compared to the large-format homes in Yong An Park, making the quantum more accessible yet offering much less absolute space. The contrast in scale and liveability highlights why seasoned buyers are still willing to pay top dollar for older, expansive homes that deliver lifestyle flexibility and family comfort.
The project’s land-to-unit ratio is another strength. With ample breathing space between blocks and lush landscaping, Yong An Park provides a sense of privacy and serenity that newer, denser developments struggle to match. As a result, its appeal has extended beyond nostalgic homeowners to a new generation of buyers seeking legacy-style living in the city centre.
Historical Strength and Profit Consistency
Based on lodged caveats, Yong An Park has seen four resale transactions in 2025, all of which were profitable. Sellers achieved gains ranging from $1.23 million to $6.5 million, cementing its reputation as a long-term wealth-preserving asset. The most recent transaction’s annualised 6.1% return even outperformed the 5.7% achieved by the record-setting penthouse resale in 2021, which garnered an $8.7 million profit.
Such consistency across different market cycles underscores Yong An Park’s resilience. Despite fluctuations in the broader CCR market, this freehold development has quietly built a track record that rivals even some landed properties in terms of appreciation and capital preservation.
What Keeps Yong An Park Relevant
Scale and Proportion. Its large, squarish layouts, high ceilings, and spacious balconies reflect an era when liveability took precedence over efficiency. Owners have the flexibility to reconfigure layouts to suit modern lifestyles — from adding workspaces to creating multi-generational suites.
Freehold Legacy. With most new CCR launches built on 99-year leases, Yong An Park’s perpetual tenure is increasingly rare. Its intrinsic land value and resilience over time continue to anchor its appeal in the prime market.
Connectivity and Convenience. The development’s prime River Valley Road address offers proximity to Great World MRT (TEL), Orchard Road, and the Robertson Quay dining belt. This combination of centrality and lifestyle access ensures continued demand from both owner-occupiers and expatriate tenants.
Limited Comparable Stock. With few similar freehold developments transacting regularly, each Yong An Park unit tends to command strong attention and steady resale interest, even amid softer market sentiment.
Guidance for Owners and Buyers
For current owners, the recent record sale represents renewed recognition of what Yong An Park offers. Large-format homes in prime districts are increasingly prized as supply tightens. Owners contemplating an exit could consider leveraging this momentum, though patience remains essential — transactions at this level typically hinge on finding the right buyer profile rather than quick market turnover.
For potential buyers, Yong An Park should be approached as a legacy acquisition rather than a short-term play. While maintenance costs and renovation requirements for older units can be higher, these factors are counterbalanced by the enduring appeal of freehold tenure, spatial abundance, and location. Buyers seeking a multi-generational residence or long-term family asset will likely find more upside in its timeless fundamentals than in speculative appreciation.
Looking Ahead: Catalysts for Future Growth
The River Valley–Great World corridor sits on the periphery of major transformation zones under the URA Master Plan, including the Orchard Road rejuvenation and the evolving Downtown Core. As retail, dining, and public realm upgrades extend beyond the main Orchard belt, nearby developments like Yong An Park stand to benefit from improved amenities and rising neighbourhood desirability.
Broader market trends also support its positioning. Since the pandemic, the definition of luxury has shifted from glossy finishes to space and comfort. The demand for large, family-friendly layouts remains resilient, particularly among local buyers upgrading from smaller condos. Coupled with freehold scarcity, Yong An Park is well placed to continue drawing interest from a discerning pool of buyers who value substance over novelty.
A Broader Market Reflection
The transaction also illustrates the dual-speed dynamic within the CCR. New developments dominate headlines with record psf prices, but some older developments continue to command quiet strength. Their value lies in their land, scale, and proven ability to generate consistent long-term returns. Yong An Park belongs firmly in this latter category — not chasing trends but steadily rewarding those who understand what truly underpins ‘prime’ real estate.
It also highlights a broader truth: the value of ‘prime’ property is not diminished by age but reinforced by relevance. When a development offers enduring fundamentals — generous land size, central connectivity, and freehold tenure — its appeal persists across generations. Yong An Park exemplifies this, bridging the gap between old-world charm and modern desirability.
Conclusion
The $6.55 million profit achieved from this latest sale at Yong An Park is more than a headline statistic — it is a case study in how legacy assets compound value quietly over time. The development demonstrates that freehold properties in prime locations, when held with long-term conviction, can outperform expectations even across decades.
Yong An Park stands today as a reminder that the fundamentals of real estate have not changed. Freehold value still appreciates with patience, spaciousness remains a timeless form of luxury, and prime addresses mature rather than fade. For homeowners and investors alike, it represents the kind of real estate that rewards not the quickest, but the most steadfast — proving that in Singapore’s ever-evolving landscape, true value endures when anchored in land, proportion, and time.
To understand how properties like Yong An Park fit into today’s evolving market landscape, speak with our sales consultants for data-backed insights.
