Yishun: Ward of the North

Young, innovative and constantly improving, Yishun is one of the most vibrant, popular residential estates in the north of Singapore. We delve into its appeal and predict the future of this northern town.

As an HDB estate, Yishun is only 40 years old, but is one of the most popular towns in northern Singapore, thanks to the convenience afforded to residents by its accessibility and many amenities.

And though it is a fully developed residential estate with its own MRT stations (Yishun and Khatib), Yishun is continually being improved. From shopping and dining to education and housing, the estate seems to be in a state of constant development. Unsurprising, perhaps, when one considers the two words synonymous with Singapore’s reputation: growth and progress.

Drawn to the north

Ken Chan, Sales Manager at DTZ Property Network, explains Yishun’s appeal: “Yishun is one of the middle-aged housing estates that are being progressively rejuvenated by the HDB. It is also part of the URA’s Master Plan development for the northern region.

“The ongoing developments will make Yishun more well-connected by transportation. At the same time, they will provide many exciting lifestyle choices for residents.”

The above is North Park Residences, an integrated development with Yishun MRT Staiton

News Chart Yishun Sales Median

But even in light of its recent and current developments, Yishun, which was once a quiet, rural part of Singapore, still has much to offer its residents in terms of nature.

The Lower Seletar Reservoir is a splendid place for a relaxing evening stroll, and the three little-known waterways (the Seletar, Khatib Bongsu and Simpang rivers) are perfect for water sports and trekking on weekends.

Parks include the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, Yishun Park and Nee Soon East Park; the former has a small water sports rental facility and occasionally sees dragon boat competitions held there.

For those who prefer the indoors, there are plenty of shopping, F&B and entertainment options to enjoy, be it with family or friends. Northpoint Shopping Centre is right next to Yishun MRT station, while Asia’s first multiplex, Golden Village (GV) Yishun, now boasts wheelchair-friendly berths and three 3D digital halls to cater to a wide variety of moviegoers.

Furthermore, Chong Pang City in Neighbourhood 1 has everything one could need: shophouses, a hawker centre, a market, supermarket, department store, drugstores and convenience stores.

Essentially complete

Apart from food, shopping and entertainment, Yishun’s eight neighbourhoods also have schools, community clubs and centres and country clubs, as well as medical and sports facilities. The Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH), named after the late Khoo Teck Puat after it received a hefty $125 million donation from his family, is located in the Yishun Central Area, next to Yishun Polyclinic. It boasts 590 beds amid comprehensive healthcare and specialist medical services and facilities, as well as a recently added feature that overlooks Yishun Pond.

The latest healthcare facility to have been developed in the area is the Yishun Community Hospital (YCH), which opened in late December last year. With approximately 425 beds, YCH’s primary purpose is to accommodate post-surgery patients from KTPH while they recover.

There are seven community clubs and two country clubs (SAFRA Yishun Country Club and Orchid Country Club) in Yishun, as well as the Yishun Stadium and Sports Hall and Yishun Swimming Complex.

Schools such as Ahmad Ibrahim Primary and Secondary, Chung Cheng High School (Yishun), ITE College Central and Yishun Junior College are also located in the region.

Reputable residences

Yishun has plenty of residential developments, from HDB flats to condominiums and executive condominiums (ECs). The area has been consistently popular amongst buyers, and developments such as The Wisteria and North Park Residences have been attracting a great deal of attention.

News Chart Yishun Rental Median

Chan says of the two aforementioned 99-year leasehold projects: “The Wisteria and North Park Residences are built by very reputable developers. The latter, for example, is known for its well-planned functional residential design.

“At the same time, both The Wisteria and North Park Residences are two of the newest local projects to feature the latest mixed development concept. Retail shops and restaurants in The Wisteria, for instance, are not sold as strata-titled units, giving the developers good control of the retail tenants’ marketing mix, and enhancing the overall value of the residential and commercial components of the project.”

Furthermore, North Park Residences will also be one of the first private residential developments to be integrated with a community club linked to the Yishun MRT station and bus interchange. Residents will be spoilt for choice when it comes to lifestyle options, as there will be over 500 retail and F&B outlets and healthcare establishments located just below their homes.

Where and how much

Yishun is an ideal place for both home buyers and sellers. It all simply boils down to two things: price and location. The former, when set at a price that takes into consideration the house’s market value, the seller’s asking price range and the buyer’s offered price range, can attract genuine buyers overnight.

Chan says, “We can observe from the well received Wisteria and North Park Residences that the correct pricing of a home really determines its selling power. For homeowners looking to sell, price your home right, and it will literally sell overnight.

“As for homebuyers, it’s always about location. A location generally popular with tenants / residents, either for transport convenience or a close proximity to lifestyle amenities or schools would be a great start. And of course, a website such as PropertyGuru.com will make searching for that dream home so much easier.”

Positive prospects

With all its ever-changing and constantly improving amenities and infrastructure, Yishun’s foreseeable future looks bright. Residents have easy access to food, shopping, entertainment, healthcare, education, recreation, nature and sports, making Yishun highly convenient and therefore, attractive.

Chan is positive about the estate’s prospects: “I think Yishun is progressing towards (becoming) a very liveable suburban region in the north. Transport links are well integrated and lifestyle amenities are abundant. The latest mixed-use commercial and residential projects certainly support the transformation of Yishun into a rejuvenated and choice residential region.

“The residential market in Singapore and Yishun may be undergoing some adjustments in tandem with the global economy at the moment, but in the longer term, the attractiveness of Yishun as a choice home will ensure it will be a shining star in the future.”

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Yishun: Ward of the North

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