Singapore’s Core Central Region (CCR) is seeing renewed activity, and Newport Residences is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about launches in recent years. As a real estate agent observing buyer sentiment closely, this project stands out not just for its location, but for what it represents — a shift in how the CBD is evolving from a pure work zone into a genuine live-work-play district.
Developed by City Developments Limited (CDL), Newport Residences is a long-awaited freehold project along Anson Road, District 2, on the former Fuji Xerox Towers site. Its upcoming preview marks the first freehold residential launch in Tanjong Pagar since 2019, at a time when new CCR supply remains limited.
Why Newport Residences is different
What makes this development notable is not just its freehold tenure — already rare in the CBD — but its role as the first freehold mixed-use project developed under URA’s CBD Incentive Scheme (CBDI). This scheme encourages the rejuvenation of older office buildings into mixed-use developments, supporting a more vibrant and liveable city centre.
Through the CBDI, CDL secured a 25% uplift in plot ratio, allowing the site to be fully redeveloped into Newport Plaza, a future-ready mixed-use development that integrates residences, serviced apartments, offices and lifestyle offerings.
The residential component, Newport Residences, is positioned on the upper floors, offering elevated views of the CBD skyline and the future Greater Southern Waterfront.
Infographic: Key facts at a glance 🏙️
📍 Location & connectivity
- Anson Road, District 2 (Tanjong Pagar)
- Walking distance to Tanjong Pagar MRT (EWL)
- Near future Prince Edward & Cantonment Circle Line stations
- Full Circle Line loop completion by end-2026
🏢 Development overview
- Freehold mixed-use project under CBD Incentive Scheme
- 246 residential units (23rd to 45th floors)
- Serviced apartments, offices & F&B below
- Total gross floor area: ~655,000 sq ft
🏠 Unit mix
- 1-bedroom: 431–581 sq ft (about 44% of total units)
- 2-bedroom: 646–926 sq ft
- 3-bedroom: 980–1,227 sq ft
- 4-bedroom: 2,067 sq ft
- 1 ultra-large penthouse with private lift and carpark lots
🧭 CBD transformation tailwinds
- First freehold CBD launch since 2019
- Limited new CCR launches expected
- Ongoing rejuvenation under URA’s CBDI
- Growing residential, hospitality and lifestyle ecosystem
Market context: why timing matters
The launch comes after a prolonged delay, largely due to property cooling measures and the sharp increase in Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) for foreigners. Today, buyer demand in the CCR is increasingly local-led, with Singaporeans and PRs accounting for over 80% of new CCR purchases in 2025.
At the same time, the price gap between CCR and RCR homes has narrowed to record lows, prompting buyers to reconsider prime locations where long-term fundamentals remain strong.
Nearby projects such as One Bernam, Skywaters Residences, One Marina Gardens, and W Residences Marina View have helped establish benchmarks and highlighted the scarcity of freehold options in the CBD. Against this backdrop, Newport Residences fills a clear supply gap.
Who may find Newport Residences appealing?
From market observations and research commentary, likely buyer profiles include:
- Professionals and expatriates working in the Downtown Core
- Local investors seeking strong rental appeal in the CBD
- Owner-occupiers looking for larger premium units
- HDB upgraders unlocking equity for a long-term private home
- Legacy buyers prioritising freehold tenure for wealth preservation
The proximity to Cantonment Primary School and improving liveability of Tanjong Pagar further broaden its appeal beyond traditional investor demand.
Summary: Key takeaways ✅
✅ Rare freehold residential launch in Singapore’s CBD
✅ First freehold mixed-use project under URA’s CBD Incentive Scheme
✅ Positioned within a transforming live-work-play district
✅ Strong connectivity with future Circle Line enhancements
✅ Limited competing new supply in District 2
✅ Reflects renewed confidence in prime central living
Thinking about CBD living or a prime city home?
Whether you’re exploring a central lifestyle, planning a long-term hold, or considering your next upgrade, understanding how location, tenure and precinct transformation come together is key. If you’d like a clearer picture of how Newport Residences fits into your plans, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to walk through the details with you.
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