Singapore’s prime residential areas cluster in the Core Central Region (CCR) — especially District 9 (Orchard/River Valley), District 10 (Bukit Timah/Holland) and District 11 (Novena/Newton), plus East Coast (D15) and Sentosa Cove (D4). These are where luxury homes and UHNW residents concentrate, and the top choice for foreign buyers.
💡 Lucy’s tip: Foreigners can freely buy condos in these districts; only top-tier landed (GCBs) need approval. Location, schools, community and resilience all live here.
Main prime districts (per URA)
| District | Areas | Character |
|---|---|---|
| D9 | Orchard, River Valley, Cairnhill | Top condos, commercial + luxury core |
| D10 | Bukit Timah, Holland, Tanglin | GCBs, top schools |
| D11 | Novena, Newton, Thomson | Medical belt, high-end |
| D15 | East Coast, Katong, Marine Parade | Sea views, landed + condos |
| D4 | Sentosa Cove | Only landed foreigners can buy |
Good Class Bungalows (GCB)
Per URA, GCBs are the top of the landed pyramid — only ~39 gazetted areas, mostly D10/D11/D21, land ≥1,400 sqm, tightly regulated, extremely scarce. Foreigners generally cannot buy (landed needs SLA approval, rarely granted for GCBs).
What foreigners can buy in prime areas
| Type | Foreigner |
|---|---|
| Prime condo / penthouse | ✅ Yes, no approval |
| Prime landed / GCB | ⚠️ SLA approval, rarely granted |
| Sentosa Cove landed | ✅ Yes (the exception) |
ABSD still applies — see the buying guide.
Summary
- Prime = D9, D10, D11, plus D15 and Sentosa.
- Top tier = GCBs (~39 areas).
- Foreigners: condos free, landed needs approval (except Sentosa).
- Contact Lucy for CCR luxury viewings.
⚠️ Districts and eligibility as per URA / SLA.