Singapore Releases Two Prime Residential Plots in Orchard and Marina Bay Areas

Two Parcels Kick Off Second-Half Pipeline

Singapore's land authority has put two residential parcels up for competitive tender on August 13, marking the start of the government's second-half 2026 land sales calendar. The Urban Redevelopment Authority is offering plots in the Orchard retail district and the emerging Marina South waterfront zone, both carrying 99-year leases.

The offerings represent the first two of eight residential parcels scheduled for release from the confirmed list during the latter half of 2026. Combined, the sites can accommodate roughly 500 new private apartments.

Compact Orchard Plot Targets Boutique Development

The Orchard Boulevard parcel spans 3,438 square metres and permits a maximum buildable area of 9,627 sq m under a 2.8 plot ratio. The site is sized for approximately 110 residential units, positioning it as a boutique project in one of Singapore's most established prime districts.

This marks only the second residential site offered in the immediate vicinity since 2023. The earlier plot was acquired by UOL Group and Singapore Land Group in February 2024 for S$428.3 million, translating to roughly S$1,617 per square foot per plot ratio. That development, now marketed as Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard, comprises 301 units and achieved about 50 per cent sales at launch in July 2025 with an average price of S$3,350 psf. Current take-up stands at approximately 80 per cent, according to URA.

Market watchers expect the new parcel to draw strong developer interest given its manageable size, proximity to the main Orchard Road shopping corridor, and location near sought-after schools. Industry analysts project winning bids will range between S$1,650 and S$1,750 psf ppr for the Core Central Region site.

The tender for the Orchard Boulevard parcel closes on October 29.

Marina South Site Offers Higher Density Play

The second parcel sits at Marina Gardens Lane in the Marina South precinct, covering 6,007.4 sq m with a substantially higher plot ratio of 5.6. The site permits a maximum gross floor area of 33,642 sq m and is zoned for residential use with 150 sq m of ground-floor commercial space.

The parcel can yield an estimated 390 apartments and sits adjacent to the planned Marina South MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, though the station is not yet operational. URA expects the station to open in tandem with surrounding developments.

This represents the third Marina South site to reach the market. The first Marina Gardens Lane plot drew four bids in July 2023 and was awarded to Kingsford for S$1.034 billion, or S$1,402 psf ppr. That project, developed as the 937-unit One Marina Gardens, launched in April 2025 and has achieved a 70.5 per cent take-up rate, according to ERA Singapore.

A second Marina South parcel at Marina Gardens Crescent attracted only a single bid in a previous tender. The offer from a joint venture between GuocoLand and two Hong Leong Group entities came in at S$770.5 million or S$984 psf ppr but was deemed insufficient and not awarded.

Strategic Location Within Mixed-Use Hub

The Marina South precinct spans 45 hectares and is designated under the Master Plan as a mixed-use residential neighbourhood integrating retail, office, hotel, and residential components. The current site borders Gardens by the Bay and offers views across Marina Bay.

ERA Singapore CEO Marcus Chu noted the parcel's compact footprint and elevated 5.6 plot ratio could accommodate either a single high-rise tower or a dual-tower configuration pairing a tall block with a shorter companion structure.

ERA projects the top bid for the Marina Gardens Lane site will reach at least S$1,450 psf ppr. The tender closes on October 15.

Six Additional Sites Queued for Launch

The government's confirmed list for the second half of 2026 includes six additional residential parcels scheduled for release following these two initial offerings. Five are designated for private residential development at East Coast Road, De Souza Avenue, Tanjong Rhu Close, Berlayar Close, and Holland Plain. A sixth site at Jurong East Avenue 1 is earmarked for an executive condominium project with capacity for 735 units.

The confirmed list mechanism guarantees these sites will be brought to market regardless of developer interest, providing visibility into land supply for the coming quarters. The staggered release schedule allows the authority to gauge market reception and adjust subsequent offerings if needed.

Both parcels launching this month occupy prime locations within established or rapidly developing districts, positioning them as potential bellwethers for developer appetite and pricing trends in Singapore's residential land market during the second half of 2026.