Villa Marina: Vintage condo in Siglap

I continue the series of stories about searching for an apartment in Singapore. This time we encountered an option that can truly be called unique and unusual. At the center of our attention is the Villa Marina residential complex, which was built in 1999 and is located in the Siglap area.

This complex occupies an entire block and consists of several low-rise buildings with 4 floors, which is quite unusual for Singapore’s skyscraper skyline. The residential complex’s territory impresses with its size and abundance of amenities. There is not just a large swimming pool, but a whole water complex in the Roman style with exquisite statues and columns. In addition, there are several relaxation zones with landscape design, as well as equipped children’s playgrounds.

The apartment we looked at is on the first floor. It has a large area of 154 square meters, high ceilings that create a sense of space, and a huge terrace where you can arrange a cozy evening with friends. The apartment has 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, which is very convenient for a large family. At this 2023 viewing, the asking rent was S$6,500 per month with a two-year contract. This is a historical snapshot, not a current listing.

What especially surprised me was the “club” of the residential complex — a luxurious common room, decorated in a business lounge style, where you can hold work meetings and negotiations. The perfect place for those who work from home.

Despite all these advantages, there are some aspects that concern us:

• The development is older, and this particular unit showed more wear than we expected. This may lead to additional expenses for repairs in the future.
• The condo is further from the center, and as a result, more time will have to be spent on commuting. This fact is particularly worrying, considering our active lifestyle and the need for quick access to the business part of the city.

We continue to consider this option and weigh all the pros and cons. After all, choosing housing is always a compromise between comfort, cost, and location. But one thing is clear: this option will be remembered for a long time thanks to its uniqueness and inimitability.