Food Mecca, red-light district and history. That’s Geylang in a nutshell. While many locals might say the name of this neighbourhood with a wink and a nudge, this neighbourhood is actually home to a rising number of people who view this as the next up and coming neighbourhood.

HDB in Block 37 Circuit Road. Picture: iProperty

Let’s take a look at Geylang and some of the property gems in the area.

Average HDB Density

HDB manages around 30,000 units in Geylang, with approximately 87,000 people living in these units. While Geylang has a rich Malay heritage, the neighbourhood itself has a mix of people from all walks of life.

HDB in Block 68 Circuit Road. Picture: iProperty

While it might not seem like it, Geylang places residents within 15 minutes of the city center by public transport, and 10 minutes by car. Its position on the city fringe makes it a sought-after place to live in, and people have started paying attention to the neighbourhood. A look at the listings will give you a good idea of how popular these units are.

A great example would be this 4-room apartment in Geylang Serai. It’s away from the red-light district, and near Eunos MRT station. This 1022 sq ft unit has an asking price of $690,000, or about $675 psf. For a larger apartment with 92 years left on the lease, this price sits close to the average in the neighbourhood.

HDB in Block 48 Circuit Road. Picture: iProperty

If you don’t need that much space, there are smaller options like this 3-room apartment along Circuit Road. Near MacPherson MRT, and within walking distance of a market and food centre, the unit’s price reflects this proximity. The 645 sq ft unit has an asking price of $270,000, which comes down to approximately $418 psf. That’s a more affordable price tag, but the unit is a little older than the one mentioned above.

Private apartments abound

There are some interesting developments in the neighbourhood to take note of, with some outstanding freehold gems in the area.

33 Residences in Geylang.

A good starting point would be 33 Residences, a small 27 unit development in the heart of Geylang. This freehold property has the expected array of facilities, including a swimming pool, sky deck and BBQ area. However, the most interesting thing about it is its proximity to 3 MRT stations and its Lorong 30 placement in the middle of Geylang.

A sample of an apartment in this development for sale is a 797 sq ft apartment with an asking of approximately $1.2 million, or a $1582 psf price point.

The exterior of The Midas condo in Singapore. Picture: iProperty

An alternative option would be an older condo in the area, like this one. The Midas, a 28-unit freehold development, was completed in 2007. The unit in question is actually quite a large one at 1162 sq ft, with an asking of $1.18 million, or $1015 psf. What a great price point for a freehold apartment on the city fringe.

Colourful surroundings

Block 77 Circuit Road. Picture: iProperty

While there aren’t any great parks in Geylang, the neighbourhood is full of colour and flavour. To start with, there is a smorgasbord of food in the neighbourhood. A simple Google search will throw out a bevvy of gems that include 24-hour dim sum spots, frog porridge, beef noodles, vegetarian restaurants, hotpot restaurants, and even durian sellers.

Beyond that, Geylang borders Kallang, which means quick access to the 7 hectares Kallang Riverside Park. It has running trails, built-in fitness equipment, as well as access to the water sports in the form of kayaks, canoes and dragon boats.

Paya Lebar Square. Picture: iProperty

Of course, there are amenities in the form of 3 malls in the area: Kinex Mall, City Plaza, Paya Lebar Square and Paya Lebar Quarter. Combined, we’re talking hundreds of retail outlets, at least 2 supermarkets and a whole lot of F&B outlets to dine out at.

Rising Gem

Geylang’s oft-ignored property scene presents opportunities for those in the know. Whether it’s freehold properties on the city fringe or HDB abodes with MRTs next to them, there are some great options hidden away in a surprisingly conveniently area.

Geylang is proof that if we all took the time to have a closer look, we’d be able to see the good things.

See more: Biggest HDB launch of 2019 includes new flats in AMK, Tampines and Tengah