As Singapore continues to grow as a global city, leasehold properties remain a practical and strategic option for both investors and homeowners. Among the 2025 launches capturing attention is The Sen, a 99-year leasehold development located in the heart of Bukit Timah. Developed by Sustained Land, The Sen offers a balanced combination of location, lifestyle, and value. While some may question the long-term implications of leasehold ownership, understanding how The Sen’s tenure works in context can help buyers make informed decisions. In this article, we’ll explore the essentials of its 99-year leasehold, who it’s suited for, how it compares with projects like Skye At Holland, and what this tenure means for the future.
The 99-Year Leasehold Model in Singapore’s Property Landscape
Singapore’s real estate market consists primarily of two land tenures: freehold and leasehold. Leasehold properties typically have a 99-year tenure starting from the date of the land’s lease grant, with ownership reverting to the state upon lease expiry. While freehold is often viewed as more desirable due to its perpetual ownership, the 99-year leasehold model has gained strong acceptance, especially in well-located urban areas.The Sen follows this model, granting buyers rights to the unit for 99 years from the lease commencement. In return, buyers often enjoy more competitive pricing compared to freehold counterparts. Leasehold projects are also more frequently located near MRT stations and integrated hubs due to government land sales. Skye At Holland, for instance, is another 99-year leasehold located in the prime Holland area, proving that leasehold properties can be just as premium as freehold ones, depending on other value factors.
How The Sen’s Leasehold Benefits Buyers Today
The Sen’s 99-year leasehold structure offers several key advantages. Firstly, its lower entry price compared to similar freehold properties in Bukit Timah allows more buyers to afford a prime address. This is especially valuable for young families, first-time homeowners, and investors who want to stretch their budgets without compromising on location or amenities. With its proximity to Beauty World MRT and nature attractions like the Rail Corridor, The Sen delivers substantial lifestyle value even with a lease tenure.
Furthermore, the lower land cost of leasehold properties often enables developers to provide more extensive facilities. In the case of The Sen, residents will enjoy a well-planned layout that includes pools, gardens, fitness zones, and children’s play areas. These amenities boost daily livability and make the development more appealing to future tenants or buyers. Amidst Singapore’s competitive property market, securing an affordable residence in a prestigious area like Bukit Timah is often a challenge. The Sen Condo, a new development by established developer Sustained Land, aims to redefine expectations by providing competitively priced condominium units within the desirable District 21 along De Souza Avenue.
Similar benefits apply to Skye At Holland, which maximizes its leasehold site with boutique luxury offerings that cater to its urban clientele.
Understanding Value Retention Over Time
One concern with 99-year leasehold properties is value depreciation as the tenure shortens. However, this is typically only relevant after several decades. For new projects like The Sen, buyers will enjoy the property’s full lifespan with minimal impact on value for at least the first 20 to 30 years. During this period, the property will likely see price appreciation, especially with improvements in surrounding infrastructure and market demand.
Historical market data shows that newer leasehold properties in good locations can outperform older freehold units in less desirable areas. The Sen benefits from being part of a revitalized Bukit Timah zone, with nearby upgrades such as the Beauty World Integrated Transport Hub, community plaza enhancements, and commercial expansions. Compared to Skye At Holland, which is already in a mature area, The Sen offers more room for price growth in its early and middle decades of tenure.
Suitability for Different Buyer Profiles
The 99-year leasehold tenure at The Sen suits a wide spectrum of buyers. Owner-occupiers planning to stay for 10 to 20 years will likely see no practical difference between leasehold and freehold. Families prioritizing nearby schools, greenery, and public transport will appreciate the location and price advantage The Sen offers. Retirees or upgraders looking for lifestyle-centric homes without paying a premium for freehold status may also find The Sen attractive.
For investors, leasehold projects like The Sen offer better rental yield potential due to lower purchase costs. The development’s access to international schools, business hubs, and MRT stations positions it well for stable rental demand. In comparison, Skye At Holland targets a slightly different market segment—those seeking a high-end lifestyle in a city-fringe location. While both appeal to niche audiences, The Sen’s layout, unit mix, and tenure appeal to a broader demographic.
Comparing The Sen and Skye At Holland’s Leaseholds
Both The Sen and Skye At Holland are 99-year leasehold properties, but they serve different residential needs and investment goals. The Sen is set amidst nature reserves and educational zones, while Skye At Holland is in a mature urban precinct known for entertainment, food, and city-fringe accessibility. These projects demonstrate how leasehold properties can be customized to various lifestyles.
The key differentiator lies in land utilization and buyer expectations. Skye At Holland emphasizes exclusivity and boutique living, whereas The Sen offers more family-friendly layouts, community spaces, and integration with nature. For buyers evaluating leasehold homes, it’s essential to compare not just tenure, but also the development’s concept, accessibility, and nearby amenities. The Sen’s leasehold is supported by lifestyle functionality and long-term location advantages that make it more than just a temporary investment.
Government Policies and Leasehold Management
Singapore’s government plays an active role in managing leasehold properties, especially those nearing the end of their tenure. While The Sen is at the start of its 99-year lease, it is helpful to understand broader leasehold policies. In recent years, lease decay issues have primarily affected very old developments. New leasehold properties such as The Sen are protected from this concern for decades.
Moreover, Singapore’s well-regulated property laws ensure transparency in lease terms. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Housing & Development Board (HDB) both maintain guidelines on leasehold renewal and redevelopment. In private sectors, en bloc sales or lease renewals can be considered in the future, offering another exit strategy for owners. This structured environment gives buyers of The Sen peace of mind about their investment.
Singapore’s property market is buzzing with new launches, and alongside the excitement, a new technicality has entered the conversation: Gross Floor Area (GFA) harmonisation. While it might sound like a minor bureaucratic tweak, this change is set to significantly reshape how new condominiums are designed, marketed, and priced. For new buyers, understanding GFA harmonisation isn’t just about technical definitions; it’s crucial for making sense of floor plans, assessing value, and interpreting the seemingly “distorted” price per square foot (PSF) figures.
On the surface, GFA harmonisation is indeed a move towards standardisation. Previously, different government agencies like the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Singapore Land Authority (SLA), and Building and Construction Authority (BCA) had varying methods for measuring GFA. The harmonisation aims to align these definitions across the board, creating a unified approach. This benefits purchasers of The Sen and Skye at Holland condominium.
Resale Market Trends for Leasehold Condos
Leasehold condos typically enjoy robust resale demand within their first 30 to 40 years, especially when located near growth areas or transit lines. The Sen’s location in a rejuvenated part of Bukit Timah means it is likely to remain in demand among resale buyers for years to come. Resale values tend to hold well when the development maintains its upkeep, facilities, and community appeal—all of which The Sen is designed to support.
Buyers seeking strong resale prospects should also consider the size and orientation of units, with mid-sized family-friendly layouts generally commanding better demand. The Sen’s varied unit mix gives future sellers multiple target demographics. Skye At Holland’s resale performance will likely depend on market appetite for city-fringe boutique living. In contrast, The Sen may enjoy broader appeal due to its practical design and nature-access lifestyle.
Long-Term Viability of Leasehold Ownership
For long-term homeownership, a 99-year leasehold like The Sen still holds strong value if the lifestyle it offers aligns with buyers’ goals. The appeal of modern facilities, proximity to parks and schools, and well-designed units cannot be understated. These factors matter more in daily life than tenure alone. Moreover, most homeowners rarely stay in a property for more than two decades, during which leasehold status has little impact.
The Sen also offers a well-rounded environment that supports long-term livability, making it suitable for buyers who may pass it on to future generations or sell when upgrading. As Singapore evolves, demand for accessible, mid-priced leasehold homes with good infrastructure will only rise. While freehold remains ideal for legacy planning, leasehold offers a practical and well-supported path for modern urban living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Sen’s 99-year leasehold offers clear advantages for a wide range of buyers—from families and retirees to investors and upgraders. Its pricing, location near schools and transport, and thoughtful site design create a compelling value proposition. For those who prioritize functionality, connectivity, and lifestyle over tenure status, The Sen represents an excellent opportunity.
When compared to Skye At Holland, The Sen provides a more inclusive appeal, especially to those seeking green spaces and strong rental or resale prospects. The leasehold nature of the project is a feature, not a flaw, offering affordability and government-supported ownership within one of Singapore’s most desirable districts. As with any property, it’s about aligning your needs with the development’s strengths—and The Sen delivers those confidently within its 99-year framework.
