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)
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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City Gate (D07)
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The Rise @ Oxley (D09)
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Highline Residences (D03)
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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The Orient (D05)
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Sophia Hills (D09)
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Principal Garden (D03)
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2+1 bedroom Dual-Key
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The M
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Verticus
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The Crest (D03)
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The M (D07)
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Verticus (D12)
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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35 Gilstead
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Neu at Novena
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120 Grange
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35 Gilstead (D11)
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Neu at Novena (D11)
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120 Grange (D10)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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5 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Jervois Treasures
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Dunearn 386
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Haus on Handy
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Jervois Treasures (D10)
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Dunearn 386
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Haus on Handy (D09)
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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RV Altitude
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Arena Residences
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8 St Thomas
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RV Altitude (D09)
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Arena Residences (D14)
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8 St Thomas (D09)
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Avant Residence
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Park Place Residences
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Neem Tree
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Avant Residence (D14)
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Park Place Residences (D14)
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Neem Tree (D12)
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Bijou
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Onze @ Tanjong Pagar
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Liv on Sophia
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Bijou (D05)
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Onze @ Tanjong Pagar (D02)
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Liv on Sophia (D09)
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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Loft 33
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Citron Residences
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Suites 28
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Loft 33 (D14)
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Citron Residences (D08)
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Suites 28 (D14)
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Liv on Wilkie
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Kallang Riverside
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Parksuites
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Liv on Wilkie (D09)
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Kallang Riverside (D12)
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Parksuites (D10)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Sixteen 35 Residences
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Sky Green
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Cassia Edge
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Sixteen 35 Residences (D14)
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Sky Green (D13)
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Cassia Edge (D14)
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4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Jervois Mansion
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Liv on Wilkie
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Jervois Mansion (D10)
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Liv on Wilkie (D09)
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Dual-key Condo along North East Line (NEL)
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Jewel @ Buangkok (D19)
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The Venue Residences (D13)
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The Tembusu (D19)
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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Trilive (D19)
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Bartley Ridge (D13)
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Riverbank (D19)
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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La Fiesta (D19)
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Kingsford Waterbay (D19)
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High Park Residences (D28)
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
Prive (D19)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
The Minton (D19)
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
Kensington Square (D19)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Eight Riversuites
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Boathouse Residence (D19)
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Esparina Residences (D19)
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Eight Riversuites (D12)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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8@Woodleigh
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Bartley Residences
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River Isles
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8@Woodleigh (D13)
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Bartley Residences (D19)
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River Isles (D19)
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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Riversound Residence
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Botanique at Bartley
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Park Colonial
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Riversound Residence (D19)
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Botanique at Bartley (D19)
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Park Colonial (D13)
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Uptown @ Farrer
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Rivertrees Residences
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Jade Residences
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Uptown @ Farrer (D08)
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Rivertrees Residences (D28)
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Jade Residences (D19)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Garden Duplex Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroomDual-Key
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The Bently Residences
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Terrasse
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Ecopolitan
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The Bently Residences (D19)
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Terrasse (D19)
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Ecopolitan (D19)
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3, 4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Heron Bay
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Kensington Square
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Piccadilly Grand
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Heron Bay (D19)
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Kensington Square (D19)
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Piccadilly Grand (D08)
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Riverparc Residence
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Riverparc Residence (D19)
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Dual-key Condo in the North Region
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 Dual-Key & 3 Triple-Key
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Botanique @ Bartley (D19)
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NorthPark Residences (D27)
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Gem Residences (D12)
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Eight Courtyards
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The Nautical
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Meadows @ Peirce
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Eight Courtyards (D27)
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The Nautical (D27)
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Meadows @ Peirce (D26)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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3, 4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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12 on Shan
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1 Canberra
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Skies Miltonia
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12 on Shan (D23)
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1 Canberra (D27)
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Skies Miltonia (D27)
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Forestville
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Forestville (D25)
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Dual-key Condo in the West Region
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Lakeville (D22)
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Waterfront @ Faber (D05)
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Bijou (D05)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Caspian
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Hills TwoOne (D23)
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Hillion Residences (D23)
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Caspian (D22)
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 3+S bedroom Dual-Key
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Forett at Bukit Timah
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Whistler Grand
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Daintree Residence
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Forett at Bukit Timah (D21)
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Whistler Grand (D05)
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Daintree Residence (D21)
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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Parc Clematis
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The Hilford
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Parc Clematis (D05)
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The Hilford (D21)
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Dual-key Condo in the East Region
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4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Vue 8 (D18)
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Kallang Riverside (D12)
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Coco Palms (D18)
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5 & 6 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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D'nest (D18)
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The Glades (D16)
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City Gate (D07)
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2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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The Santorini (D18)
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Sims Urban Oasis (D14)
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Sunnyvale Residences (D15)
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4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
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The Tapestry
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Tre Residences (D14)
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12 on Shan (D12)
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The Tapestry (D18)
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Waterbank @ Dakota (D14)
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My Manhattan
My Manhattan (D18)
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Parc Olympia
Parc Olympia (D17)
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 & 3 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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The Palette
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Flamingo Valley
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Seventy St Patrick's
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The Palette (D18)
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Flamingo Valley (D15)
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Seventy St Patrick's (D15)
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Infini at East Coast
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Seaside Residences
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Q Bay Residences
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2 bedroom Dual-Key
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2, 3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Infini at East Coast (D15)
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Seaside Residences (D15)
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Q Bay Residences (D18)
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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2, 3, 4, 5 bedroom Dual-Key
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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Sea Esta
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Urban Vista
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Stratum
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Sea Esta (D18)
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Urban Vista (D16)
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Stratum (D18)
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4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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The Inflora
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Olloi
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Skies Miltonia
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The Inflora (D17)
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Olloi (D15)
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Skies Miltonia (D27)
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2 & 5 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 & 4 bedroom Dual-Key
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3 bedroom Dual-Key
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Fulcrum
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Rymden 77
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Sandy 8
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Fulcrum (D15)
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Rymden 77 (D15)
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Sandy 8 (D15)
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