The Truth About Integrated Developments: Convenience, Value, and Risks for Buyers
Integrated developments continue to be one of the most talked-about property types in Singapore’s real estate market. Offering a unique combination of residential units, retail malls, transport nodes, and sometimes office or hotel components, these projects are designed around convenience and lifestyle. But with premium pricing and increasing competition, many buyers in 2025 are asking the same question: Are integrated developments really as good as they seem?
What Makes Integrated Developments So Attractive?
1. Ultimate Convenience and Connectivity
With direct links to MRT stations, bus interchanges, and retail amenities, integrated developments offer unparalleled accessibility. For families and working professionals, the ability to access groceries, dining, childcare, and transportation without leaving the building is a major selling point.
2. Higher Rental Demand and Strong Tenant Profiles
Integrated developments tend to attract expatriates, dual-income households, and tenants who prioritise connectivity. This often results in higher rental yields and more resilient demand during market downturns.
3. Lower Vacancy Risk
Because of their prime locations and built-in amenities, units in integrated developments typically enjoy lower vacancy rates compared to standalone condos. This makes them appealing to investors looking for long-term stability.
But Are They Always Worth the Premium?
1. Higher PSF Pricing
Integrated developments often command a 10–20% premium over nearby non-integrated projects. In some cases, buyers are paying for convenience that may not necessarily translate into proportionate capital gains.
2. Potential for Noise, Congestion, and Foot Traffic
While having a mall downstairs sounds ideal, it also means more people, more traffic, and less privacy — especially in highly popular retail nodes.
3. Competing Supply Within the Same District
As more integrated developments launch, especially near transport hubs, the uniqueness of the concept has diluted. Buyers in 2025 are increasingly comparing whether the premium is justified versus nearby residential-only projects.
How Are Integrated Developments Performing in 2025?
Despite broader cooling measures, integrated developments have shown remarkable resilience:
- Strong buzz around new launches like Lentor Modern and The Reserve Residences has reinforced the appeal of transport-linked living.
- Resale integrated developments — such as North Park Residences, Woodleigh Residences, and Watertown — continue to hold prices well even as buyer sentiment softens in other segments.
- Investors are increasingly viewing integrated developments as “future-proof” assets, thanks to their connection to government town-planning nodes and transit-oriented urban development.
So, Are They Really as Good as They Seem?
The answer: it depends on your goals.
Best For:
✔ Buyers who value convenience
✔ Investors seeking strong rental demand
✔ Households relying heavily on MRT/bus connectivity
✔ Those planning long-term holds
Less Ideal For:
✘ Buyers seeking low psf entry prices
✘ Those sensitive to crowds, noise, or privacy
✘ Short-term flippers looking for fast capital gains
Integrated developments offer unmatched convenience and long-term desirability, but the premium pricing means buyers must evaluate not just lifestyle appeal but investment fundamentals.