The Pier At Robertson
Overview & Key Facts
The Pier at Robertson is a 201-unit freehold condominium at 80 Mohamed Sultan Road, completed in 2006 and developed by City Developments Limited (CDL) — one of Singapore’s largest and most established listed property developers, with a track record spanning more than 60 years. Rising 12 storeys above Robertson Quay, the development occupies one of the most coveted lifestyle addresses in the country: the Singapore River precinct in District 9, within easy reach of the Central Business District, Orchard Road, and the cultural corridor linking Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay.
CDL’s pedigree ensures a baseline of construction quality and professional estate management that is seldom in question. The group has delivered landmark projects across every segment of Singapore’s residential market, and The Pier at Robertson is consistent with its River Valley portfolio of the mid-2000s — a compact, purpose-built lifestyle development that combines freehold tenure with immediate access to what is arguably Singapore’s most internationally recognised dining and nightlife district. The 12 F&B commercial spaces on the ground floor are a deliberate design choice, embedding residents within the Robertson Quay restaurant and bar scene rather than requiring them to walk to it.
With an all-time average transacted PSF of $2,151 and recent (2024–2025) transactions averaging $2,263–$2,338 PSF, The Pier at Robertson sits firmly in the premium segment of D9 mid-boutique condominiums. Freehold tenure in this precinct commands a structural premium over leasehold alternatives, and the Robertson Quay location — walkable to Clarke Quay MRT, minutes from the CBD, and embedded in an F&B precinct with genuine lifestyle cachet — sustains demand across both the owner-occupier and expatriate rental markets. Gross yield at current prices is modest but consistent with the D9 freehold holding profile.
The development is particularly sought after by expatriate professionals and Singapore-based finance and legal sector workers who value the balance of urban energy and riverside calm that Robertson Quay uniquely provides. At 201 units — a scale large enough to support comprehensive facilities but intimate enough to preserve community feel — The Pier at Robertson sits at a sweet spot that larger developments in the precinct cannot replicate.
Location & Connectivity
The Pier at Robertson’s address on Mohamed Sultan Road places it at the operational heart of Robertson Quay — a 400-metre riverside strip that has evolved over two decades from a warehouse and light-industrial corridor into Singapore’s most concentrated cluster of upscale F&B, wine bars, and lifestyle outlets. The Singapore River runs immediately along the eastern boundary of the development, and units on the river-facing side command views of the water and the broader CBD skyline that are difficult to replicate anywhere in District 9 at this price point.
MRT connectivity is anchored by Clarke Quay MRT (NE5) on the North-East Line at approximately 0.7 km — a 9-minute walk along the river promenade or Mohamed Sultan Road. Fort Canning MRT (DT20) on the Downtown Line is approximately 0.8 km to the north, providing a second option with direct access to Bugis, Bayfront, and the Downtown Line’s western corridor. Great World MRT (TE15) on the Thomson-East Coast Line is within 1 km to the southwest, adding a third line and connecting residents to Orchard (one stop), Stevens, and the full TEL corridor to the east. This three-line, three-station configuration delivers exceptional cross-island connectivity and makes The Pier at Robertson one of the better-served D9 addresses for public-transport-dependent households.
The CBD is effectively on the doorstep: Raffles Place is three MRT stops via Clarke Quay on the NEL, or a roughly 10-minute taxi or private-hire ride. Marina Bay, the financial district’s southern anchor, is similarly accessible within 15 minutes by rail. Orchard Road — Singapore’s premier retail corridor — is one stop from Great World on the TEL, or a short drive up River Valley Road. This positioning gives The Pier at Robertson a work-leisure-retail triangle that few addresses in Singapore can match for geographic convenience.
Everyday retail needs are addressed at Valley Point on Kim Seng Road (a short drive or bus ride), with a Cold Storage supermarket and supporting tenants. For a broader shopping experience, Great World City at the Great World MRT is 10–15 minutes by foot or one stop by rail, offering a full-service mall with supermarket, cinema, and a comprehensive F&B floor. Orchard Road’s ION, Paragon, and Ngee Ann City are within easy reach. Robertson Walk and UE Square on Mohamed Sultan Road serve as neighbourhood retail anchors with supermarket, dining, and services at walkable distance.
For families, River Valley Primary School is among the closest primary schools in the precinct. International schools — ISS International School and Chatsworth International School — are accessible within the D9 catchment. The Singapore Management University (SMU) campus in the Bras Basah area is a short commute via the MRT, making The Pier a relevant address for academics and postgraduate students as well.
Schools & Education
2 primary schools within the 1 km Priority Phase balloting radius.
| School | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfield Methodist School (Primary) | primary | Within 1 km |
| Kheng Cheng School | primary | Within 1 km |
| Outram Secondary School | secondary | Within 1 km |
| Singapore Management University | tertiary | ~1.2 km |
| School of the Arts | jc | ~1.5 km |
| Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts | tertiary | ~1.5 km |
| ACS (Junior) | primary | ~1.5 km |
| Gan Eng Seng School | secondary | ~1.6 km |
Facilities
The Pier at Robertson offers a well-rounded facilities package for a 201-unit development completed in 2006. Residents have access to a lap pool, Jacuzzi, gymnasium, tennis court, BBQ pits, children’s playground, and 24-hour security with covered car parking. The development’s most distinctive amenity, however, is structural rather than recreational: the 12 F&B commercial units integrated into the ground floor, which effectively make the building’s podium one of Robertson Quay’s dining destinations in its own right.
The pool is proportioned appropriately for a 201-unit development and, consistent with resident feedback, operates at comfortable occupancy levels on most days — a benefit of the mid-boutique scale that is harder to achieve at the 400- or 600-unit developments that have come to dominate D9. The gymnasium reflects the 2006 era of construction: functional, covering the essential cardio and weights categories, but not equipped at the level of contemporary wellness centres. Residents who train seriously tend to complement the in-house gym with Anytime Fitness or other commercial gyms in the Robertson Quay and River Valley corridor.
“Perfect for expats. The eateries downstairs are incredibly convenient, the pool is quiet, and the river walk is right there. Absolutely the best decision I made since I moved to Singapore.”
— Resident review via PropertyGuru
The tennis court provides a genuine recreational asset for residents who use it. Unlike larger developments where court-booking pressure is a persistent source of friction, the 201-unit scale at The Pier means the court is genuinely accessible. BBQ pits with riverside views are among the development’s most socially used shared facilities, and the riverside setting makes them materially more pleasant than equivalent facilities in landlocked developments.
Security is 24-hour, and the development’s management has a consistent reputation across review sources for responsiveness. The MCST at 201 units operates at a scale that allows for attentive estate management without the bureaucratic complexity of the mega-developments. Maintenance fees are on the higher side — a consistent resident note — which reflects the ground-floor commercial component, 24-hour security, and the location premium that is priced into Robertson Quay estate costs. Buyers should factor maintenance costs of approximately $500–$650 per month for a typical unit into their total holding cost calculations.
Unit Sizes & Layout
The Pier at Robertson’s 201-unit mix spans the 1-bedroom through 5-bedroom range, with the core offering centred on 1- and 2-bedroom apartments that serve the development’s predominantly professional and expatriate resident base. Sales transaction data shows 1-bedroom units averaging approximately 666 sqft at $2,208 PSF, 2-bedroom units averaging 783 sqft at $2,063 PSF, and 3-bedroom units averaging 1,103 sqft at $2,277 PSF. Larger units — a 4-bedroom at approximately 1,787 sqft and a 5-bedroom penthouse at approximately 1,959 sqft — represent the top of the building’s offering and have transacted at $3.2M and $3.67M respectively.
The unit layouts reflect the design conventions of CDL’s 2006-era riverfront developments: an emphasis on views and orientation over absolute efficiency, with living and dining areas configured to maximise the Singapore River and city skyline aspect where available. River-facing units on the upper floors command a meaningful premium within the development, and transactions confirm that buyers distinguish between river-view and non-river-view units in their pricing. For maximum value, buyers should target mid-to-upper floors on the river-facing stack, where the combination of views and natural ventilation is strongest.
Unit finishings are now approximately 20 years old. Most resale units on the market carry at least one renovation cycle; buyers of original or early-renovation units should budget $70,000–$110,000 for a comprehensive kitchen, bathroom, and flooring refresh to bring them to contemporary standards. The structural and mechanical quality of CDL’s construction from this period is consistently regarded as solid — buyers renovating Pier units typically report that the bones are excellent and renovation costs are cosmetic in nature rather than structural remediation.
Rental demand at The Pier at Robertson is sustained and consistent. Recent (2023 onwards) rental data shows 1-bedroom units averaging $4,416 per month (range $3,600–$5,500), and 2-bedroom units averaging $6,372 per month (range $4,450–$8,000). The 3-bedroom category is thinly traded on the rental side but has transacted as high as $10,000 per month. This rental base, drawing primarily from the CBD-employed expatriate and finance professional community, gives The Pier a broadly stable tenancy market even through property cycle fluctuations. At current average sale prices of $1.3–$2.1M for 1- and 2-bedroom units, the implied gross yields are in the 2.5–3.5% range — consistent with the D9 freehold premium profile where capital preservation and appreciation are the primary investment thesis rather than immediate income return.
| Bedrooms | Transactions | Avg PSF | Avg Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 BR | 12 | $2,218 | $1,480,333 |
| 2 BR | 13 | $2,063 | $1,621,154 |
| 3 BR | 9 | $2,277 | $2,511,188 |
| 4 BR | 1 | $1,791 | $3,200,000 |
| 5 BR | 1 | $1,872 | $3,668,000 |
Pricing & Market Position
Based on 36 recorded transactions, sale prices range from $1,300,000 to $3,668,000, averaging $1,897,436 (~$2,326 psf).
Rents range from $2,800 to $10,000 per month across 584 rental transactions. Current rental yield sits at approximately 3.6%.
Price Appreciation
From 2021 to 2026, the average PSF has appreciated by 12.6% (from $2,017 to $2,271 psf).
Neighbourhood Comparison
The most direct peer for The Pier at Robertson within the Robertson Quay precinct is Waterford Residence, a 209-unit freehold development at 99 Oxley Road completed in 2010 and also developed by CDL. Waterford Residence shares the same developer DNA, the same freehold tenure, and a comparable size footprint, but sits slightly further from the riverside and the F&B core of Robertson Quay. Recent PSF at Waterford Residence is comparable to The Pier, making the two developments genuine alternatives for buyers choosing between addresses within the same 500-metre zone. The Pier’s embedded F&B ground floor and immediate riverside positioning give it a lifestyle edge that is difficult to articulate on a spec sheet but is consistently reflected in tenant and owner reviews.
Martin Place Residences (240 units, freehold, 2010) on Martin Road represents the quieter, more residential end of the D9 river-adjacent market. Positioned away from the F&B noise of Robertson Quay proper, it appeals to buyers who want D9 freehold tenure without the weekend nightlife energy. PSF is in a similar range to The Pier, but the lifestyle proposition — and therefore the expatriate rental appeal — is distinctly different. Buyers who value absolute quiet over lifestyle access should consider Martin Place Residences; those who choose The Pier are explicitly buying into the Robertson Quay experience.
Tribeca (265 units, freehold, 2013) at Kim Seng Road in the River Valley corridor offers a comparable freehold D9 positioning, somewhat further from Robertson Quay’s F&B density but with a newer build vintage and direct access to Great World City. Tribeca’s PSF has generally tracked in the $2,100–$2,400 range, overlapping closely with The Pier at Robertson. The choice between them is primarily lifestyle: Tribeca prioritises the Great World MRT (TEL) and the Valley Point catchment; The Pier prioritises the Robertson Quay riverfront and the Clarke Quay NEL connection.
Among new launches, the D9 riverfront market has seen limited supply in recent years. One Pearl Bank ($2,800+ PSF, 99-year, 774 units) and upcoming River Valley sites under the GLS pipeline command significant premiums over the Robertson Quay freehold resale cohort. For buyers who can access freehold assets at $2,200–$2,400 PSF in this precinct, the resale market — and specifically The Pier at Robertson — represents a structurally better value proposition than new-launch leasehold at $2,800+ PSF in terms of per-square-foot value and tenure quality.
| Development | Tenure | TOP | Units | ~Avg PSF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| THE PIER AT ROBERTSON | Freehold | — | 201 | $2,326 |
| IRWELL HILL RESIDENCES | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2020 | 2021 | 540 | $2,728 |
| RIVER GREEN | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2024 | 2025 | 524 | $3,138 |
| RIVER MODERN | 99 years leasehold | — | — | $3,239 |
| THE AVENIR | Freehold | 2021 | 376 | $3,190 |
| KOPAR AT NEWTON | 99 yrs lease commencing from 2019 | 2021 | 378 | $2,511 |
ShiokNest Scores
Our proprietary scoring system evaluates THE PIER AT ROBERTSON across multiple dimensions.
What Residents Say
“I have been living here for a couple of weeks now and this place is perfect for expats like myself. The eateries downstairs are convenient, there’s no shortage of watering holes and the environment is beautiful. The community here is friendly and it’s absolutely fascinating during weekends. Absolutely the best decision I made since I moved to Singapore.”
— Resident review via PropertyGuru
“Great location for the expat lifestyle. Nice pool. So close to food, drinks, river walk. Clarke Quay MRT is a 10-minute stroll. Can’t ask for more in Singapore.”
— Tenant review via PropertyGuru
“Maintenance is a bomb — around $450–$500 for a smaller unit, plus parking on top. That said, the location is irreplaceable. Robertson Quay on your doorstep, CBD in 10 minutes, river walk every morning. You pay for what you get.”
— Owner comment via CondoSingapore Forum
“The pool and tennis court are well-maintained and rarely crowded. Being a smaller development helps — you actually recognise your neighbours and the management is responsive when issues come up.”
— Resident review via EdgeProp
“Bought for capital preservation — freehold in D9 at Robertson Quay doesn’t need much justification. Yield is modest, yes, but the tenant pool is reliable and the address sells itself. Have had zero vacancy in four years.”
— Owner review via 99.co
The consistent thread across review sources is that residents are overwhelmingly positive about the Robertson Quay lifestyle experience — the F&B access, the river promenade, the proximity to the CBD, and the community scale of the development. Maintenance costs are the most frequent source of friction, but the consensus is that the location justifies the premium. The walkability and lifestyle ratings are universally strong; the investment yield commentary is measured but accepting. No structural, safety, or management pattern issues recur across the review base.
Strengths & Weaknesses
- Freehold tenure in District 9 — permanent ownership with no lease decay risk
- Robertson Quay lifestyle: Singapore River views, riverside F&B strip, promenade walks at doorstep
- 12 F&B commercial units on ground floor — restaurant-quality dining literally within the building
- Three MRT lines within 1 km — Clarke Quay (NEL), Fort Canning (DTL), Great World (TEL)
- Walkability score 91/100 — one of the highest in D9, reflecting F&B density and CBD proximity
- CDL developer pedigree — solid construction quality, professional estate management
- CBD in 10 minutes via NEL — Raffles Place 3 stops from Clarke Quay
- 201-unit boutique scale — quiet facilities, responsive MCST, genuine community feel
- Strong, consistent expatriate rental demand — reliable tenant pool from financial/professional sectors
- Larger unit sizes than D9 new launches — 1BR ~666 sqft, 2BR ~783 sqft vs sub-500 sqft new builds
- Modest gross yield ~2.5–3% — this is a capital preservation play, not an income asset
- High maintenance fees (~$500–$650/month) — ground-floor F&B and 24-hour security drive costs up
- Development is ~20 years old — kitchens, bathrooms, and finishings require renovation budget
- Weekend noise from Robertson Quay F&B and nightlife — not suitable for light sleepers on lower floors
- En-bloc probability low at 34/100 — compact 201-unit site makes compelling en-bloc economics difficult
- Gym and recreational facilities reflect 2006 era — adequate but not premium by 2026 standards
- Investment score 67/100 — solid but below top-tier D9 performers with better yield or en-bloc upside
- No freehold land appreciation hedge vs. riverfront land bank — site size limits redevelopment value
- Parking costs additional (~$60+/month) — common in older D9 developments with tiered parking charges
Verdict
The investment and lifestyle case for The Pier at Robertson rests on three structural pillars that have proved durable across two decades: freehold tenure in District 9, Robertson Quay’s irreplaceable lifestyle positioning, and sustained expatriate rental demand from Singapore’s financial and professional services community. The combination produces a development that consistently holds value, generates reliable rental income, and offers an owner-occupier experience that very few D9 addresses can match for urban energy combined with riverside calm.
On the investment scorecard, the walkability rating of 91/100 is among the highest in D9 — reflecting the Robertson Quay F&B density, three MRT lines within 1 km, and the full range of CBD-adjacent amenities. The investment score of 67/100 reflects the reality of the D9 freehold yield environment: at $2,263 PSF (2024 average), gross yield runs at approximately 2.3–2.8% for 1- and 2-bedroom units. This is not a yield play; it is a capital preservation and moderate appreciation story, underpinned by the structural scarcity of freehold land in this precinct.
Price momentum has been steady. PSF rose from the $1,800–$1,900 range in 2021 to the $2,200–$2,300+ range by 2025, a 15–20% appreciation over five years that comfortably outpaces the broad D9 leasehold cohort and reflects both the general Singapore prime residential price cycle and the specific premium attached to Robertson Quay freehold assets. The en-bloc score of 34/100 accurately reflects the development’s economics: at 201 units on a relatively compact site, an en-bloc premium compelling enough to achieve consensus would require significant land value escalation. It is not a near-term scenario, and buyers should not price it into their return expectations.
The ShiokNest score of 60/100 captures the balance of genuine strengths — location, walkability, freehold, lifestyle — against the constraints of a 20-year-old development with modest yields and high maintenance costs. This is a score consistent with a premium lifestyle asset at a mid-tier investment return profile, which is precisely what The Pier at Robertson delivers.
The Pier at Robertson is the right choice for the buyer who prioritises the Robertson Quay lifestyle, values freehold tenure in D9, and is comfortable holding a 20-year-old CDL asset at a 2.5–3% yield while the address appreciates. It is not for buyers optimising cash returns or seeking en-bloc upside. For expatriate professionals and Singapore-based CBD workers who want to live where they entertain — and be within three MRT stops of Raffles Place — there are very few better addresses in the country.