Faber Crest
Overview & Key Facts
Faber Crest is a 360-unit low-rise condominium developed by City Developments Limited (CDL) — Singapore’s largest listed property developer — through its subsidiary Faber-Rhine Properties Pte Ltd. Completed in 2002 on a 99-year lease from 1996, the development comprises 13 blocks of four-storey walk-ups spread across a generous 3.7-hectare site along Faber Heights in Clementi, District 5. The architect, Akitek Regional Chartered Architects, designed the estate with an emphasis on low-density, resort-style living — a character that residents consistently praise more than two decades after completion.
CDL’s pedigree is unmistakable. With a portfolio spanning developments like The Sail @ Marina Bay, St. Regis Residences, and Cliveden at Grange, CDL brings institutional-grade build quality and long-term maintenance standards to even its mid-market projects. Faber Crest reflects this: the common areas, pool complex, and landscaping have aged gracefully for a 24-year-old development, earning a 4.6 out of 5 rating from residents on major property portals.
At a current average of $1,242 psf with a gross rental yield of 3.34% and median rent of $4,200 per month, Faber Crest occupies a distinctive value position in the Clementi corridor — substantially below newer launches like Normanton Park ($1,865 psf), Parc Clematis ($1,884 psf), and Elta ($2,557 psf). The trade-off is clear: Faber Crest offers spacious, low-rise living in a landed enclave setting at a fraction of new-launch prices, but with a lease that has depleted to approximately 69 years and MRT access that requires a shuttle bus or drive.
Location & Connectivity
Faber Crest sits on Faber Heights, a quiet cul-de-sac tucked within the Faber/West Coast landed enclave — a pocket of District 5 characterised by low-rise private housing, mature greenery, and minimal through traffic. The development backs onto the Pandan Reservoir park connector, accessible via a side gate, providing residents with a scenic jogging and cycling route that stretches from West Coast Park to Clementi and beyond. This park connector access is a genuine lifestyle asset that adds daily recreational value without requiring a car journey.
The education belt surrounding Faber Crest is its strongest locational asset. Nan Hua Primary School — one of Singapore’s top-ranked primary schools — is just 500 m away, well within the 1 km priority-enrolment radius. Nan Hua High School (SAP school) is 360 m away, and One World International School is a mere 220 m from the development. The National University of Singapore main campus is 3 km south, and Singapore Polytechnic is 2 km west. For families who prioritise school proximity, Faber Crest delivers an education catchment that rivals any condo in Clementi.
Daily amenities centre on Clementi Central, reachable by shuttle bus in 5 minutes. The Clementi Mall offers FairPrice Finest, food court, banks, and retail. The nearby Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre and Clementi Avenue 3 hawker centre provide affordable hawker food. A minimart within the Faber Crest estate covers basic grocery needs between shuttle runs.
Schools & Education
2 primary schools within the 1 km Priority Phase balloting radius.
| School | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| One World International School (Nanyang) | international | Within 1 km |
| Nan Hua High School | secondary | Within 1 km |
| Nan Hua Primary School | primary | Within 1 km |
| Qifa Primary School | primary | Within 1 km |
| Clementi Town Secondary School | secondary | ~1.2 km |
| Clementi Primary School | primary | ~1.3 km |
| Pei Tong Primary School | primary | ~1.5 km |
Facilities
For a 360-unit, four-storey development completed in 2002, Faber Crest punches above its weight on facilities — a reflection of both CDL’s development standards and the generous 3.7-hectare site that allows ample communal space. The centrepiece is an Olympic-sized swimming pool complemented by a children’s pool and a landscaped lagoon pool with waterfall feature — the lagoon setting contributes significantly to the resort-like ambience that residents frequently cite as the development’s defining quality. Tennis courts, a putting green, and BBQ pits round out the outdoor recreational offering.
The clubhouse provides a gymnasium, sauna, steam bath, and billiard room — facilities that are functional if not cutting-edge by 2026 standards. The gym equipment is dated compared to newer developments, but adequate for residents who maintain a basic fitness routine. The sauna and steam bath are a pleasant inclusion that many newer condominiums have dropped in favour of infinity pools and sky terraces.
“The pool area is the real highlight — the lagoon pool with the waterfall feels like a resort, and the main lap pool is enormous. For a condo that’s over 20 years old, the facilities are remarkably well maintained. The putting green is a nice touch that you don’t find in newer condos. My only complaint is the gym — the equipment could use an upgrade, but I hear the MCST is looking into it.”
— Owner-occupier, three-bedroom, since 2019 (PropertyGuru)
At 360 units sharing these facilities, crowding is virtually non-existent. Residents report having the pool to themselves on weekday evenings and rarely competing for BBQ bookings even on weekends — a luxury that mega-developments with 1,000+ units simply cannot offer. Maintenance has been generally well-regarded under the current MCST, though some residents note that the children’s playground has not been updated since the original handover and could benefit from modernisation. The 24-hour security and two-level car park (with ample lots for 360 units) complete the practical amenity set.
Unit Sizes & Layout
Faber Crest offers two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom configurations across its 13 four-storey blocks. Unit sizes are genuinely spacious by any era’s standards: two-bedrooms start from approximately 1,033 sqft, three-bedrooms range from 1,152 to 1,582 sqft, and four-bedrooms span 1,658 to 2,099 sqft. These are dimensions that current new launches cannot match — a typical new three-bedroom at Parc Clematis or Normanton Park measures 900–1,100 sqft, making Faber Crest’s three-bedrooms 30–50% larger for a fraction of the PSF.
The layouts reflect early-2000s design sensibilities: generous living and dining areas, enclosed kitchens with natural ventilation, and bedrooms that comfortably accommodate standard furniture configurations. Master bedrooms in the three- and four-bedroom units can fit a king-size bed with flanking side tables — something that newer 1,000-sqft three-bedrooms struggle to achieve. The four-bedroom units at 1,658–2,099 sqft are effectively townhouse-scale apartments, appealing to larger families who need the space but prefer condo security and facilities over landed living.
The absence of lifts in the four-storey blocks is the primary layout limitation. While ground-floor units eliminate this concern, upper-floor residents must navigate stairs daily — manageable for most but a genuine barrier for mobility-impaired occupants. Ceiling heights are standard (approximately 2.8 m) and natural ventilation is good across most stacks, benefiting from the low-density, low-rise configuration that allows cross-ventilation.
| Bedrooms | Transactions | Avg PSF | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 BR | 32 | $1,118 | $1,329,397 |
| 4 BR | 18 | $1,127 | $1,809,154 |
| 5 BR | 1 | $950 | $1,850,000 |
Pricing & Market Position
Based on 51 recorded transactions, sale prices range from $950,000 to $2,250,000, averaging $1,508,931 (~$1,259 psf).
Rents range from $1,965 to $7,100 per month across 171 rental transactions. Current rental yield sits at approximately 3.3%.
Price Appreciation
From 2021 to 2026, the average PSF has appreciated by 32.4% (from $974 to $1,290 psf).
Neighbourhood Comparison
In the Clementi private condo landscape, Faber Crest ($1,242 psf, 99-year from 1996, ~69 years remaining) sits at the value end of a corridor dominated by newer, pricier developments. Normanton Park ($1,865 psf, 99-year from 2019) is the most direct comparison by geography — a 1,862-unit mega-development completed in 2023 with full resort facilities, direct bus connections, and 80 years of remaining lease. Normanton Park commands a 50% PSF premium but delivers modern finishes, lift access in every block, and substantially more lease runway. Parc Clematis ($1,884 psf, 99-year from 2018) is another recent completion with similar positioning — larger unit count (1,468 units), comprehensive facilities, and proximity to Clementi MRT that Faber Crest cannot match.
At the top of the market, Elta ($2,557 psf) represents the new-launch premium — more than double Faber Crest’s PSF for a brand-new development with full lease and modern specifications. The PSF gap illustrates Faber Crest’s core value proposition: for the price of a two-bedroom at Elta, a buyer can secure a three- or four-bedroom at Faber Crest with 30–50% more space, albeit with a shorter lease and no lift.
Faber Crest’s competitive edge is the combination of CDL build quality, resort-style low-rise living, the Nan Hua education catchment, and an entry price that starts well below $1.5 million for a three-bedroom. Buyers choosing between Faber Crest and Normanton Park are choosing between space and character (Faber Crest) versus modernity and lease security (Normanton Park). Those who need MRT walkability should look at Parc Clematis or Elta and accept the premium.
| Development | Tenure | TOP | Units | ~Avg PSF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FABER CREST | 99 yrs lease commencing from 1996 | 2002 | 360 | $1,259 |
| LANDED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT | Freehold | 2021 | 156 | $1,842 |
| NORMANTON PARK | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2019 | 2021 | 1,840 | $1,866 |
| PARC CLEMATIS | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2019 | 2021 | 1,450 | $1,888 |
| ELTA | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2024 | 2025 | 501 | $2,556 |
| FABER RESIDENCE | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2025 | 2025 | 399 | $2,158 |
Lease Decay Analysis
The 99-year lease runs from 1996, meaning approximately 30 years have already been consumed. Roughly 69 years remain — still comfortably within the range where most banks will offer full financing without restrictions.
| Year | Lease remaining | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 (now) | ~69 years | Full bank financing available |
| 2035 | ~59 years | Approaching 60-year threshold — CPF limits begin for some |
| 2055 | ~39 years | Significant financing restrictions for next buyer |
| 2095 | Expiry | Lease reverts to state |
For a buyer purchasing today with a 10-year horizon (exit around 2036), the lease situation is essentially a non-issue — you’d be selling a property with ~59 years remaining, which is still very bankable. The risk profile changes for longer holds.
ShiokNest Scores
Our proprietary scoring system evaluates FABER CREST across multiple dimensions.
What Residents Say
“We moved to Faber Crest specifically for Nan Hua Primary. Both our children are enrolled, and the 500-metre walk to school is priceless — no car drop-off queue, no bus needed. The condo itself feels like a resort: the lagoon pool is beautiful, the grounds are immaculate, and the low-rise blocks mean you actually know your neighbours. The shuttle bus to Clementi MRT runs regularly, and we drive for everything else. After five years here, we have zero regrets.”
— Owner-occupier, four-bedroom, since 2020 (PropertyGuru)
“I’ve been renting at Faber Crest for two years and it’s genuinely one of the most peaceful condos I’ve lived in across Singapore. The park connector right behind the condo is perfect for evening runs, and the pool is never crowded. The downside is the isolation — you really need the shuttle bus or a car to do anything. Grab rides add up quickly. But for the rent I’m paying ($4,200 for a three-bedder this size), I couldn’t find anything comparable closer to an MRT.”
— Tenant, three-bedroom, since 2024 (99.co)
“Bought here as an investment in 2018 and it’s been tenanted continuously since. The education belt drives consistent demand from families who want Nan Hua Primary access. Yield is around 3.3%, which is decent for D5. My concern going forward is the lease — we’re now at 69 years and I’ll need to think about my exit strategy within the next decade. The management has been acceptable overall, though I wish they’d upgrade the children’s playground and gym equipment to stay competitive with newer rentals.”
— Investor-owner, three-bedroom, since 2018 (EdgeProp)
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Exceptional value at $1,242 psf — 33–51% below Normanton Park, Parc Clematis, and Elta in the same district
- Nan Hua Primary School within 500 m (1 km priority enrolment) and Nan Hua High School 360 m — premier education belt
- Resort-style low-rise living across 3.7 hectares with lagoon pool, waterfall, and Olympic-sized lap pool
- CDL developer pedigree — institutional build quality that has aged well over 24 years
- Spacious units: 3-bed from 1,152 sqft, 4-bed up to 2,099 sqft — 30–50% larger than new-launch equivalents
- Pandan Reservoir park connector accessible via side gate for jogging and cycling
- Low density (360 units) means uncrowded facilities — pool and BBQ virtually always available
- Free shuttle bus to Clementi Central (MRT, mall, market) every 30–40 minutes
- Profitability score 69/100 with 3.34% gross yield — solid rental income proposition
- Clementi MRT is 1.31 km away — not walkable for daily commuting; shuttle bus or car essential
- Only 69 years remaining on lease — 9 years to 60-year bank financing threshold, CPF already pro-rated
- Four-storey walk-up blocks with no lifts — barrier for elderly residents and families with strollers
- Isolated location in landed enclave — daily amenities require shuttle bus or car to reach
- Capital appreciation constrained by depleting lease — not a growth investment
- Gym equipment and children's playground dated and overdue for upgrading
- Canal-facing units may attract insects, particularly mosquitoes in warmer months
- Walkability score 36/100 — among the lowest in the Clementi corridor
Verdict
Faber Crest occupies a very specific niche in the Clementi property landscape: it is the low-rise, resort-style alternative for buyers who want spacious living, a landed-enclave setting, and access to the Nan Hua education belt — all at roughly half the PSF of new launches in the same district. At $1,242 psf versus $1,865–$2,557 for Normanton Park, Parc Clematis, and Elta, the value proposition is arithmetically compelling: a 1,152-sqft three-bedroom at Faber Crest costs approximately $1.43 million, while a similar-sized unit at Parc Clematis would command $2.15–$2.17 million.
The limitations are structural and must be weighed honestly. The 69-year remaining lease places Faber Crest just 9 years from the 60-year threshold where bank financing terms begin to shorten, and CPF usage is already subject to pro-ration. Capital appreciation will be constrained by the depleting lease — buyers should expect modest PSF gains at best and should not treat Faber Crest as a capital-growth vehicle. The 1.31 km distance to Clementi MRT is a daily inconvenience that the shuttle bus mitigates but does not eliminate; residents without cars will find themselves planning around a 30–40 minute shuttle schedule for every trip beyond the estate.
For families who drive, prioritise Nan Hua Primary’s 1 km enrolment radius, and value space over newness, Faber Crest is one of the most compelling value plays in District 5. The profitability score of 69/100 and gross yield of 3.34% confirm that the development works as both a home and a rental asset. Buy it for the lifestyle and the school catchment, hold it for the yield, and accept that the lease clock — not the property market — will ultimately determine your exit timeline.