Gem Residences

Located at 1 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh in District 12, Gem Residences is a 99-year leasehold condominium that made huge waves when it launched. For a long time, Toa Payoh (one of Singapore’s oldest and most well-loved mature estates) had been starved of new private condo launches. When Gem Residences came along, it filled that massive pent-up demand and brought a very unique “Club Condo” lifestyle concept to the heartlands.

Key project facts

• Type & tenure: Private residential condominium on a 99-year leasehold tenure.
• Completion & scale: Completed around 2019/2020. It comprises 578 residential units spread across two towering blocks (37 and 38 storeys tall).
• Developer: GEM Homes Pte Ltd (a consortium of established developers including Evia Real Estate and Gammon).

Location and connectivity

• Address & setting: Located right along Lorong 5 Toa Payoh. Because the towers are nearly 40 storeys high, mid-to-high floor units enjoy spectacular, unblocked panoramic views of the city skyline, MacRitchie Reservoir, or the surrounding mature estate.
• MRT access: Very walkable. You are about a 7-minute stroll (approx. 590m) to Braddell MRT (North-South Line), and a slightly longer walk or short bus ride to the massive Toa Payoh MRT/Bus Interchange. You can be in Orchard Road in under 15 minutes.
• Road links: As a central district, the road connectivity is top-tier. You are literally minutes away from the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) and the Central Expressway (CTE).

Layouts and design

• Unit mix: Extremely versatile. It caters to a wide audience with 1-bedroom units (from 452 sq ft) all the way up to sprawling 5-bedroom apartments (1,313 sq ft). There are even ultra-exclusive 4- and 6-bedroom penthouses (up to 2,045 sq ft).
• Design approach: The developers went for a very modern, sleek aesthetic with curtain-wall glass facades. The twin towers are North-South facing to minimize the harsh afternoon sun and maximize natural cross-ventilation.
• Positioning: It targets young professionals, investors, and local Toa Payoh HDB upgraders who absolutely refuse to leave their beloved neighborhood but want a massive lifestyle upgrade.

Facilities and lifestyle

• The “Club Condo” Concept: This is Gem Residences’ biggest selling point. It was marketed as the first condo in Singapore to offer comprehensive “club-like” services. This includes a 24-hour concierge, on-demand medical consultations, housekeeping services, car-sharing, smart parcel lockers, and even complimentary fitness or cooking classes.
• Facilities: Beyond the services, the hard facilities are excellent. It features a 50m swimming pool, a spacious clubhouse with cooking facilities, an aqua gym, and unique outdoor Teppanyaki and grill pavilions perfect for hosting guests.
• Nearby amenities: You are living in a mature estate, so food and groceries are everywhere. Right outside, you have access to local hawker fare, Sheng Siong, and FairPrice. A short walk brings you to the bustling HDB Hub at Toa Payoh Central for all your retail and banking needs.

Market and buyer appeal

• Resale positioning: Currently, Gem Residences trades in the $1,850 to $2,200+ PSF range. It holds its value incredibly well because Toa Payoh remains a highly sought-after, supply-constrained estate.
• Rental demand: Excellent. The 1- and 2-bedroom units are highly liquid on the rental market. Expatriates and young professionals love the central location, the Braddell MRT access, and the unique concierge services that make it feel like a serviced apartment.
• Key appeal: City-Fringe Convenience with VIP Perks. Buyers choose Gem Residences because they want the unbeatable convenience of District 12 Toa Payoh, paired with a modern lifestyle that actively takes care of their daily chores.

With the brand new Toa Payoh condo launch The Orie recently hitting the market at around $2,500+ PSF, Gem Residences is suddenly looking like a very attractive resale alternative.