One Marina Gardens Launch Signals Resilience in Singapore’s Prime CBD Market

The launch of Kingsford Group’s One Marina Gardens in April 2025 marked a significant milestone for Singapore’s luxury residential market, with 38% of its 937 units sold within its first weekend. This achievement, against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, underscores the enduring appeal of prime central business district (CBD) real estate in Singapore. The project’s success is a testament to strategic pricing, exceptional location, and the developer’s ability to capitalize on shifting market dynamics.

Location as a Competitive Advantage
Nestled in District 1—the heart of Singapore’s CBD—One Marina Gardens occupies a 99-year leasehold site acquired by Kingsford for a record S$1.03 billion in 2023. The land price of S$1,402 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr) was 40% higher than the next-highest bid, reflecting the developer’s confidence in the area’s potential. The site’s adjacency to the upcoming Marina South MRT station and its proximity to Gardens by the Bay, Marina Coastal Park, and a planned pedestrian mall position it as a cornerstone of the URA’s Marina South precinct—a mixed-use, car-lite neighborhood designed as a “10-minute living” hub.

As the first residential development in Marina South, One Marina Gardens enjoys a rare “first-mover advantage.” Its underground link to the MRT and direct access to Gardens by the Bay set it apart in a district where over 16 plots will eventually deliver 10,000 homes. Analysts note this strategic location will likely amplify the project’s value as the precinct matures.

Pricing Strategy and Buyer Demographics
Priced from S$1.16 million for a 420-square-foot one-bedroom unit to S$4.98 million for a premium four-bedroom, One Marina Gardens targeted both local buyers and investors by aligning prices with mid-tier developments in the city fringe and RCR. The indicative average price of S$2,850–S$2,900 psf fell below the CBD’s premium, attracting 83% Singaporean buyers—a mix of first-timers and downsizers drawn to its affordability relative to neighboring projects.

The sales funnel revealed a “top-down” trend, with high-floor units commanding premiums for their panoramic views of the CBD, Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay. Pricing increments per floor were described as “gently graded,” ensuring value retention even as buyers ascended. This approach resonated with investors seeking capital appreciation, particularly amid rising construction costs linked to Singapore’s infrastructure boom, including the Changi Terminal 5 project.

Market Confidence and Long-Term Outlook
Kingsford’s success reflects broader investor optimism in Singapore’s real estate resilience. Despite global headwinds, the project’s 38% sales rate within days signals strong demand for prime assets. Analysts project capital appreciation as Marina South’s commercial and residential density grows, with rental yields potentially reaching 4% as the precinct matures.

The URA’s vision for Marina South—a car-lite, walkable community with integrated amenities—aligns with modern urban living preferences. One Marina Gardens’ inclusion of 52 lifestyle facilities and ground-floor commercial spaces mirrors this ethos, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that could further drive demand.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Prime Development
One Marina Gardens’ strong launch is not merely a sales success but a strategic blueprint for premium real estate in Singapore. By leveraging a prime CBD location, competitive pricing, and forward-thinking design, Kingsford Group has set a benchmark for future developments. With 38% of units sold in its first weekend and an average price of S$2,953 psf, the project demonstrates that demand for high-quality urban living remains robust—even as construction costs rise and global markets waver.

Looking ahead, the development’s potential for long-term appreciation is bolstered by its role in shaping Marina South’s identity. As the precinct evolves into a thriving 10-minute neighborhood, One Marina Gardens stands to benefit from both its first-mover status and the URA’s vision. For investors, this project exemplifies how Singapore’s real estate market continues to balance innovation with stability, offering a compelling case for capital preservation and growth in one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.