The Anchorage
Overview & Key Facts
The Anchorage is a freehold condominium along Alexandra Road in Queenstown, District 3. Completed in 1997 and comprising 775 units across 10 blocks — a mix of five-storey low-rise and 19-storey high-rise towers — it is the largest freehold condo in District 3 by unit count. The development sits on a substantial site that gives it a presence commensurate with its scale, though the compound’s aesthetic leans functional rather than luxurious.
The defining characteristic of The Anchorage is its unit sizes. Built in an era when developers were more generous with space, the apartments here are remarkably roomy: 1-bedroom units run 883–958 sqft, 2-bedrooms span 1,044–1,259 sqft, 3-bedrooms offer 1,421–1,830 sqft, and the 4-bedroom configurations reach 2,077–2,088 sqft. To put this in perspective, a 1-bedroom at The Anchorage can be the equivalent of a 3-bedroom in a modern new launch. At an average PSF of approximately $2,021, the absolute quantum is substantial ($2.4M average), but the space per dollar is exceptional for a freehold District 3 address.
The Anchorage does not win awards for glamour or architectural distinction. What it offers instead is practical, space-rich, freehold living at the doorstep of Anchorpoint Shopping Centre, with a location that straddles the Queenstown residential belt and the Alexandra business corridor. For buyers who measure value in square footage and tenure rather than design statements, this is one of the most compelling large-scale freehold propositions in the RCR.
Location & Connectivity
The Anchorage’s greatest locational asset is Anchorpoint Shopping Centre, which sits literally at the development’s doorstep. While not a world-class mall, Anchorpoint provides supermarket access, dining, and daily retail that eliminates the need to travel for routine errands. IKEA Alexandra is directly across the road, and the broader Alexandra retail strip — including ABC Brickworks Food Centre and Alexandra Village Hawker Centre — offers some of the best hawker food in the southwest.
The nearest MRT station is Queenstown MRT on the East-West Line, approximately 800m–1 km away. This translates to a 15–20 minute walk via the back gate, or a quick 2–3 stop bus ride along Queensway or Alexandra Road. The upcoming Greater Southern Waterfront development and the potential future MRT station at the former Keppel Club site may improve connectivity over the longer term. For drivers, the AYE on-ramp is conveniently close, with the CBD reachable in about 10 minutes during off-peak hours.
The work-live convenience is notable. Alexandra Technopark, Mapletree Business City, and the Buona Vista one-north business hub are all within a short commute. This clustering of employment nodes supports consistent rental demand from working professionals who value proximity to their offices. Three hawker centres within a 5-minute walk — including ABC Brickworks and Alexandra Village — ensure that dining options are abundant and affordable.
Schools & Education
2 primary schools within the 1 km Priority Phase balloting radius.
| School | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Crescent Girls' School | secondary | Within 1 km |
| Alexandra Primary School | primary | Within 1 km |
| Queenstown Primary School | primary | Within 1 km |
| Queensway Secondary School | secondary | Within 1 km |
| Global Indian International School (GIIS Queenstown) | international | Within 1 km |
| Tanglin Trust School | international | ~1.1 km |
| River Valley High School | secondary | ~1.3 km |
| River Valley High School (JC) | jc | ~1.3 km |
Facilities
The Anchorage provides a full complement of facilities befitting a 775-unit development: swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnasium, BBQ areas, playground, and function rooms. The large sinking fund and full facilities roster are frequently cited by residents as practical advantages. Maintenance has been generally well-managed, with low monthly maintenance fees relative to the development’s size and freehold status.
“Well maintained with a large sinking fund, low monthly maintenance fees, ample parking space, and full facilities. The freehold status offers value for money.”
— Resident review via PropertyGuru
The practical caveat is that with 775 units, facilities can be crowded during peak times — particularly the pool and gym on weekends. The common areas and facilities reflect their 1997 vintage: functional and maintained, but not modernised. For residents who have experienced resort-style amenities at newer developments, The Anchorage’s facilities may feel utilitarian. The trade-off is the affordable maintenance fees that keep monthly costs manageable for an asset of this size and location.
Unit Sizes & Layout
The standout feature of The Anchorage units is their size. In an era of shrinking floor plans, these apartments feel genuinely spacious. The 1-bedroom at 883–958 sqft provides the living space of a modern 3-bedroom; the 2-bedroom at 1,044–1,259 sqft feels palatial compared to contemporary equivalents; and the 3-bedroom at 1,421–1,830 sqft offers family living on a scale that new launches reserve for premium penthouses. Layouts are rectangular and efficient, with proper-sized rooms that fit full-scale furniture.
The development comprises both low-rise (5-storey) and high-rise (19-storey) blocks. High-rise units on upper floors enjoy more expansive views, while low-rise blocks offer a quieter, more intimate setting. However, many low-rise units face internal compound views that are not particularly inspiring, and units facing Alexandra Road can experience traffic noise — a concern that multiple residents have flagged.
| Bedrooms | Transactions | Avg PSF | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 BR | 1 | $1,692 | $1,530,000 |
| 3 BR | 18 | $1,744 | $2,062,944 |
| 4 BR | 45 | $1,802 | $2,855,175 |
| 5 BR | 2 | $1,820 | $3,675,000 |
Pricing & Market Position
Based on 66 recorded transactions, sale prices range from $1,530,000 to $4,100,000, averaging $2,643,877 (~$2,033 psf).
Rents range from $2,500 to $12,000 per month across 923 rental transactions. Current rental yield sits at approximately 2.2%.
Price Appreciation
From 2021 to 2026, the average PSF has appreciated by 32.9% (from $1,501 to $1,994 psf).
Neighbourhood Comparison
In the Queenstown–Alexandra corridor, The Anchorage competes with Queens (freehold, 722 units), The Interlace (99-year, 1,040 units), and Stirling Residences (99-year, 1,259 units). The Anchorage and Queens are the freehold options in this set, with Queens offering slightly newer finishings (2002 completion) but similar unit size advantages. The Interlace commands a premium for its award-winning architecture and spectacular facilities, while Stirling Residences appeals to buyers wanting new-build quality at a Queenstown MRT doorstep location.
The investment comparison favours The Anchorage for buyers prioritising freehold tenure and space per dollar. At $2,021 PSF versus Stirling Residences’ $2,200+ PSF, the quantum gap is modest but the space differential is enormous. A 3-bedroom at The Anchorage (1,421–1,830 sqft) offers nearly double the floor area of a 3-bedroom at Stirling Residences (~900–1,000 sqft). For the Greater Southern Waterfront speculation play, all four developments stand to benefit, but freehold assets like The Anchorage and Queens are structurally better positioned for very long-term holds.
| Development | Tenure | TOP | Units | ~Avg PSF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE ANCHORAGE | Freehold | 1997 | 775 | $2,033 |
| ZYON GRAND | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2024 | 2025 | 1,079 | $3,052 |
| AVENUE SOUTH RESIDENCE | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2018 | 2021 | 1,074 | $2,261 |
| STIRLING RESIDENCES | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2017 | 2021 | 1,259 | $2,275 |
| PENRITH | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2024 | 2025 | 462 | $2,796 |
| ONE PEARL BANK | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2019 | 2021 | 774 | $2,569 |
ShiokNest Scores
Our proprietary scoring system evaluates THE ANCHORAGE across multiple dimensions.
What Residents Say
“Units are very spacious, facilities are great with little advance booking required, and the location is excellent. Decided to extend my lease after 6 months — the freehold status and Anchorpoint convenience are unbeatable.”
— Tenant review via SingaporeExpats
“Great food nearby — three hawker centres within 5-minute walk including ABC Brickworks and Alexandra Village. IKEA across the road. Practical location for daily living.”
— Resident observation via Stacked Homes
“The total lack of soundproofing between units is the worst I have experienced. You can hear every footstep, doors closing, and furniture being moved. For the price, this is unacceptable.”
— Resident complaint via PropertyGuru
The overall sentiment is positive — 8/10 on SingaporeExpats based on 7 reviews — with residents consistently praising the space, location, and maintenance standards. The soundproofing issue is the single most common complaint, cited across multiple platforms. Food accessibility and Anchorpoint convenience receive near-universal praise. The development appeals strongly to expatriate professionals and local families who prioritise practical daily living over architectural aesthetics.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Freehold tenure — largest freehold condo in District 3 by unit count
- Exceptionally spacious units — 1BR from 883 sqft, 4BR up to 2,088 sqft
- Anchorpoint Shopping Centre at the doorstep
- Three hawker centres within 5-minute walk (ABC Brickworks, Alexandra Village)
- IKEA Alexandra directly across the road
- Low monthly maintenance fees with healthy sinking fund
- Close to Alexandra Technopark, Mapletree Business City, one-north
- AYE access — CBD in approximately 10 minutes by car
- Greater Southern Waterfront transformation tailwind
- Mix of low-rise and high-rise blocks for different lifestyle preferences
- Poor soundproofing between units — footsteps and doors audible
- Queenstown MRT is 800m–1 km away — 15–20 minute walk
- 1997 vintage — common areas feel dated and functional
- Pool and gym can be overcrowded on weekends (775 units)
- Low-rise units often have uninspiring internal compound views
- Alexandra Road-facing units experience traffic noise
- Rental yield of 2.3% is modest for the absolute quantum
- Large development can feel impersonal compared to boutique condos
- Road traffic heavy during morning peak — AYE access can be slow
Verdict
The Anchorage is a development that excels at the fundamentals: freehold tenure, genuinely spacious units, low maintenance costs, and a location that combines commercial convenience with employment proximity. At approximately $2,021 PSF, it sits below the entry point of newer freehold competitors in the Queenstown-Alexandra corridor, while offering significantly more living space per dollar. The 2.3% rental yield is modest but consistent, supported by the development’s appeal to professionals working at Alexandra Technopark, Mapletree Business City, and the one-north hub.
The weaknesses are equally clear-eyed. The development feels its age: common areas lack visual distinction, the pool and gym can be overcrowded, and the soundproofing between units is genuinely poor. The walk to Queenstown MRT is manageable but not convenient, and the Alexandra Road traffic corridor generates noise for road-facing units. The compound’s scale — 775 units across 10 blocks — gives it a somewhat impersonal character that smaller boutique developments avoid.
For buyers who prioritise space, freehold tenure, and the Greater Southern Waterfront tailwind, The Anchorage remains one of the strongest value propositions in District 3. The combination of an irreplaceable freehold site, oversized units, and Anchorpoint convenience creates a practical living experience that justifies the entry quantum for owner-occupiers with a medium-to-long-term horizon. Just go in with realistic expectations about the building’s age and acoustic limitations.