“Buy 1 get 1!”
“The option that gives you the best investment returns!”
No biggie, just a few perks often used to market dual key homes.
While dual key condo units are a relatively new housing concept in Singapore, they’re becoming increasingly popular because of their financial merits and versatility.
First things first…
What is a dual key unit?
A unit type offered by some new condos in Singapore, a dual key unit is a single property unit comprising 2 separate living spaces that share a main door and common foyer.
For instance, a 3-bedroom dual key unit can be divided into a 2-bedroom and an adjoining studio:
A 3-bedroom dual-key unit in Arena Residences, a new condo launch along Kallang Riverside. (source)
Because the studio unit has its own toilet, bathroom and kitchen (or sometimes a kitchenette), it can serve as a self-contained space. Meaning to say, only the entrance to the unit is shared:
That’s why it’s often marketed as getting 2 houses for the price of 1. Dual-key units are priced higher than normal units of the same size, but you’re essentially getting 2 separate living spaces.
And the biggest bonus? You’ll avoid paying another Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and the whooping 12% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) if you were to buy a second property. (Easily a six-digit sum, if you do the math!)
Read more: Property Stamp Duty: The Ultimate Guide to SSD, BSD, and ABSD in Singapore »
Pros and cons of a dual key condo unit
Of course, each possible living arrangement comes with its own pros and cons:
Condos with dual key units in Singapore
Check out these condos in Singapore with dual key units:
Arena Residences
District: Mountbatten
About Arena Residences: The highlight of this east-side boutique condo: A roof terrace with a scenic view of the city skyline (Catch fireworks adorning the sky over the holidays!)
How affordable is it: From $9XXk, 3-bedroom dual key units from $1.5Xm.
Park Colonial
District: Woodleigh
About Park Colonial: You get a host of colonial-inspired, modern facilities like the Heritage Hall and Island Pool; each unit is equipped with Smart Features such as digital locks and motorised blind systems.
How affordable is it: From $8XXk, 2-bedroom dual key units from $1.3Xm
RV Altitude
District: River Valley
About RV Altitude: Aptly designed with rivers and valleys in mind, live amidst a unique, lush landscape of pines and cascading waterscapes. Or, buying to rent out? Condos in River Valley are highly sought after by both expat and local home-renters.
Price: From $1.3Xm
Price of dual key units: 2-bedroom dual key units from $1.7Xm
8 St Thomas
District: River Valley
About 8 St Thomas: Another central gem. One of the best things about living in a prime address: You enjoy a world of lifestyle options at your doorstep – from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes, riverside pathways to Fort Canning Park, and more.
Price: From $1.4Xm
Price of dual key units: 4-bedroom dual key units from $5.2Xm
Park Place Residences
District: Paya Lebar
About Park Place Residences: Psst! Units are almost fully sold, and we can see why it’s all the buzz: It’s got its very own clubhouse and private entertainment deck, and is directly linked to a mall and Paya Lebar MRT Station.
Price: From $9XXk
Price of dual key units: 2-bedroom dual key units from $1.2Xm
The Tapestry
District: Tampines
About The Tapestry: Take a dip in the Hydrotherapy Pool, have get-togethers at Club Tapestry, or simply take in the view of Bedok Reservoir and beyond from the comfort of your own home. You’ve even got your very own Residential Services Host to provide private chef services, housekeeping services and more.
Price: From $6XXk
Price of dual key units: 4- to 5-bedroom dual key units from $1.7Xm
Whistler Grand
District: West Coast
About Whistler Grand: This resort-inspired condo has botanical patios, a spa lagoon, and even water slides and an aqua flying fox. South-facing units enjoy unobstructed views of Pandan Reservoir, Jurong Island and beyond, and Northwest-facing units of the vibrant Bukit Timah.
Price: From $6XXk
Price of dual key units: 3-bedroom dual key units from $1.2Xm
Sold? Or rather, planning to buy? Browse more condo units on Carousell here!
