Dual-Key Condo
(new & resale condos)
Mr Chan aged 30 says “My wife and I bought a dual key condo because I am the only son and my fiancée has been putting off our wedding because she was not keen with living with my parents in the same house. So a dual key condo is ideal for us"
If you visit this page, you must have heard of ‘Dual key’ condominiums and are considering if you should be buying a dual-key condo unit for your own stay or as an investment property.
If you have no idea what dual-key condo units are, dual-key condo units are a new housing layout concept that has was only conceptualised by property developers from 2009 onwards and has been creating interest in the Singapore property market ever since. So what exactly is it about?
A dual-key condo is a type of condominium unit that has two separate entrances, allowing for two separate living spaces within the same unit. This can be useful for people who want to have a separate living area for guests, renters, or family members, while still having the privacy of their own living space. The two living spaces can be connected or separated by a door or wall, and they may have different floor plans and amenities. These dual-key condo units are divided into two sub-types, typically sharing a foyer and many of these dual-key condos come with a mini kitchen in one sub unit and a full kitchen in another larger unit.
It's also a great option for investors who wish to rent out one of the living areas while living in the other, or for those who want to live with roommates while still having the privacy of their own living space. After the government's decision to increase the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) in an effort to cool the property market affecting all residential property acquisitions on or after 16 Dec 2021, we are seeing more and more savvy investor property buyers looking for dual-key condo units as more and more Singaporeans are priced out of owning dual properties.
While dual-key units may be priced slightly higher than regular condo units, they’re still much cheaper than paying the ABSD tax which may add up to a substantial amount. For example, a Singapore Citizen buying a second property for $1 million, for example, would need to pay $170,000 in ABSD, and remember this doesn’t include other fees like agent’s fee, BSD, etc.
If you have no idea what dual-key condo units are, dual-key condo units are a new housing layout concept that has was only conceptualised by property developers from 2009 onwards and has been creating interest in the Singapore property market ever since. So what exactly is it about?
A dual-key condo is a type of condominium unit that has two separate entrances, allowing for two separate living spaces within the same unit. This can be useful for people who want to have a separate living area for guests, renters, or family members, while still having the privacy of their own living space. The two living spaces can be connected or separated by a door or wall, and they may have different floor plans and amenities. These dual-key condo units are divided into two sub-types, typically sharing a foyer and many of these dual-key condos come with a mini kitchen in one sub unit and a full kitchen in another larger unit.
It's also a great option for investors who wish to rent out one of the living areas while living in the other, or for those who want to live with roommates while still having the privacy of their own living space. After the government's decision to increase the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD) in an effort to cool the property market affecting all residential property acquisitions on or after 16 Dec 2021, we are seeing more and more savvy investor property buyers looking for dual-key condo units as more and more Singaporeans are priced out of owning dual properties.
While dual-key units may be priced slightly higher than regular condo units, they’re still much cheaper than paying the ABSD tax which may add up to a substantial amount. For example, a Singapore Citizen buying a second property for $1 million, for example, would need to pay $170,000 in ABSD, and remember this doesn’t include other fees like agent’s fee, BSD, etc.
Mr Chew aged 63 says, “My daughter will be getting married in few years time and she likes to continuing living with me. I want to buy a dual key condo so that my daughter and my son-in-law can have the privacy while living close to me.”
Sample Dual-key floorplan layout
Initially, these dual-key condos were designed to cater to multi-generation families: parents could provide a more private living space for their children, or a family could have grandparents move in with them, for example without infringing on the privacy of each other.
The last few years has seen the growing popularity of dual-key units in the Singapore market becoming one of the hottest and most desired condo layout in the real estate market. In 2013, the government introduced an additional 7% stamp duty charge on local buyers who are purchasing their second property, the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). Although a dual-key condo effectively gives you two properties, on paper it still counts as a single unit so it doesn’t incur ABSD.
The last few years has seen the growing popularity of dual-key units in the Singapore market becoming one of the hottest and most desired condo layout in the real estate market. In 2013, the government introduced an additional 7% stamp duty charge on local buyers who are purchasing their second property, the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD). Although a dual-key condo effectively gives you two properties, on paper it still counts as a single unit so it doesn’t incur ABSD.
Mr and Mrs Neo aged 40 says, “We want to buy a dual key condo to cater for my retirement. The studio unit in the dual key condo can be easily rented out to help finance our living expenses. We are very happy with our dual key condo purchase”
3-D diagram of a 4 bedroom dual-key condo unit
Is a Dual-key condo right for you and your family?
Home owners love this layout because it allows them to stay in the bigger sub-condo unit while renting out the smaller sub-condo unit without interfering in their lifestyle or privacy as Dual-key condo units have two separate entrances leading to two self-contained living spaces in both sub-condo units with their own exclusive living area, kitchen and bedrooms without the need to share.
Do dual-key apartments make good investment sense?
Investors love this layout because it is like buying two condo apts but only paying the additional buyers stamp duty for one property.
Home owners love this layout because it allows them to stay in the bigger sub-condo unit while renting out the smaller sub-condo unit without interfering in their lifestyle or privacy as Dual-key condo units have two separate entrances leading to two self-contained living spaces in both sub-condo units with their own exclusive living area, kitchen and bedrooms without the need to share.
Do dual-key apartments make good investment sense?
Investors love this layout because it is like buying two condo apts but only paying the additional buyers stamp duty for one property.
Mr Lim aged 45 says, " I wanted to own 'two' condos but want to save on ABSD for owning the 2nd condo. Therefore I decided to buy a 3 bedroom dual key condo which consists of a 2 bedder in the larger dual key side and a studio in the smaller dual key side. This allows me to have the flexibility of renting out or for other usage maximising the benefit of a dual key condo."
Dual key condos are relatively new, being first introduced to the private market in 2009, but have taken off since then and have become a common feature in many new launches. So what are the condo developments thats have dual key condos still available among new launch condo projects or resale condo market.
Dual Key new condo Singapore launch apartments are versatile in form and functionality. Comes with a main apartment and a studio unit perfect for big families who want to live under the same roof but with exclusive privacy, ideal for the housing needs of Singapore's growing 'silver' population.
Well known real estate professional Kiwi Lim from Huttons Asia said "Less than 10% of all condos in Singapore has dual key apartment units. Therefore, dual key condos will be very much in demand in future due to its rarity and buyers who want own "two condo units" without paying ABSD."
Dual Key new condo Singapore launch apartments are versatile in form and functionality. Comes with a main apartment and a studio unit perfect for big families who want to live under the same roof but with exclusive privacy, ideal for the housing needs of Singapore's growing 'silver' population.
Well known real estate professional Kiwi Lim from Huttons Asia said "Less than 10% of all condos in Singapore has dual key apartment units. Therefore, dual key condos will be very much in demand in future due to its rarity and buyers who want own "two condo units" without paying ABSD."
Mr Ang aged 39 says, “I decided to buy dual key condo so that I can convert the studio as my home office and at the same time I can take care of my children who lives next door. Now we live together and yet enjoy privacy in our dual key condo”
Below are Condo Projects in Singapore with Dual Key units
Dual-key Condo in Central (CCR) & City Fringe Region (RCR)
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
City Gate (D07)
The Rise @ Oxley (D09)
Highline Residences (D03)
2 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
The Orient (D05)
Sophia Hills (D09)
Principal Garden (D03)
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
2+1 bedroom Dual-Key
The Crest (D03)
The M (D07)
Verticus (D12)
2 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
35 Gilstead
Neu at Novena
120 Grange
35 Gilstead (D11)
Neu at Novena (D11)
120 Grange (D10)
3 bedroom Dual-Key
5 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
Jervois Treasures
Dunearn 386
Haus on Handy
Jervois Treasures (D10)
Dunearn 386
Haus on Handy (D09)
2 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
RV Altitude
Arena Residences
8 St Thomas
RV Altitude (D09)
Arena Residences (D14)
8 St Thomas (D09)
4 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
Avant Residence
Park Place Residences
Neem Tree
Avant Residence (D14)
Park Place Residences (D14)
Neem Tree (D12)
2 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
Bijou
Onze @ Tanjong Pagar
Liv on Sophia
Bijou (D05)
Onze @ Tanjong Pagar (D02)
Liv on Sophia (D09)
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
Loft 33
Citron Residences
Suites 28
Loft 33 (D14)
Citron Residences (D08)
Suites 28 (D14)
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
Liv on Wilkie
Kallang Riverside
Parksuites
Liv on Wilkie (D09)
Kallang Riverside (D12)
Parksuites (D10)
3 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
Sixteen 35 Residences
Sky Green
Cassia Edge
Sixteen 35 Residences (D14)
Sky Green (D13)
Cassia Edge (D14)
4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
Jervois Mansion
Liv on Wilkie
Jervois Mansion (D10)
Liv on Wilkie (D09)
Dual-key Condo along North East Line (NEL)
4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
Jewel @ Buangkok (D19)
The Venue Residences (D13)
The Tembusu (D19)
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
Trilive (D19)
Bartley Ridge (D13)
Riverbank (D19)
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
La Fiesta (D19)
Kingsford Waterbay (D19)
High Park Residences (D28)
3 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
Boathouse Residence (D19)
Esparina Residences (D19)
Eight Riversuites (D12)
3 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
8@Woodleigh
Bartley Residences
River Isles
8@Woodleigh (D13)
Bartley Residences (D19)
River Isles (D19)
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
Riversound Residence
Botanique at Bartley
Park Colonial
Riversound Residence (D19)
Botanique at Bartley (D19)
Park Colonial (D13)
4 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
Uptown @ Farrer
Rivertrees Residences
Jade Residences
Uptown @ Farrer (D08)
Rivertrees Residences (D28)
Jade Residences (D19)
3 bedroom Dual-Key
Garden Duplex Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroomDual-Key
The Bently Residences
Terrasse
Ecopolitan
The Bently Residences (D19)
Terrasse (D19)
Ecopolitan (D19)
3, 4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
Heron Bay
Kensington Square
Piccadilly Grand
Heron Bay (D19)
Kensington Square (D19)
Piccadilly Grand (D08)
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
Riverparc Residence
Riverparc Residence (D19)
Dual-key Condo in the North Region
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 Dual-Key & 3 Triple-Key
Botanique @ Bartley (D19)
NorthPark Residences (D27)
Gem Residences (D12)
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
Eight Courtyards
The Nautical
Meadows @ Peirce
Eight Courtyards (D27)
The Nautical (D27)
Meadows @ Peirce (D26)
3 bedroom Dual-Key
3, 4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
12 on Shan
1 Canberra
Skies Miltonia
12 on Shan (D23)
1 Canberra (D27)
Skies Miltonia (D27)
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
Forestville
Forestville (D25)
Dual-key Condo in the West Region
4 bedroom Dual-Key
2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
Lakeville (D22)
Waterfront @ Faber (D05)
Bijou (D05)
3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
Hills TwoOne (D23)
Hillion Residences (D23)
Caspian (D22)
3 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 3+S bedroom Dual-Key
Forett at Bukit Timah
Whistler Grand
Daintree Residence
Forett at Bukit Timah (D21)
Whistler Grand (D05)
Daintree Residence (D21)
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
Parc Clematis
The Hilford
Parc Clematis (D05)
The Hilford (D21)
Dual-key Condo in the East Region
4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
Vue 8 (D18)
Kallang Riverside (D12)
Coco Palms (D18)
5 & 6 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
D'nest (D18)
The Glades (D16)
City Gate (D07)
2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
The Santorini (D18)
Sims Urban Oasis (D14)
Sunnyvale Residences (D15)
4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
Tre Residences (D14)
12 on Shan (D12)
The Tapestry (D18)
4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
Waterbank @ Dakota (D14)
My Manhattan
My Manhattan (D18)
Parc Olympia
Parc Olympia (D17)
4 bedroom Dual-Key
2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
The Palette
Flamingo Valley
Seventy St Patrick's
The Palette (D18)
Flamingo Valley (D15)
Seventy St Patrick's (D15)
Infini at East Coast
Seaside Residences
Q Bay Residences
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
2 bedroom Dual-Key
2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
Infini at East Coast (D15)
Seaside Residences (D15)
Q Bay Residences (D18)
4 bedroom Dual-Key
2, 3, 4, 5 bedroom Dual-Key
4 bedroom Dual-Key
Sea Esta
Urban Vista
Stratum
Sea Esta (D18)
Urban Vista (D16)
Stratum (D18)
4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
The Inflora
Olloi
Skies Miltonia
The Inflora (D17)
Olloi (D15)
Skies Miltonia (D27)
2 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
3 bedroom Dual-Key
Fulcrum
Rymden 77
Sandy 8
Fulcrum (D15)
Rymden 77 (D15)
Sandy 8 (D15)
