As a property expert who has visited countless condominiums across Singapore, I can tell you that One Sophia (also known as The Collective at One Sophia) stands out in the competitive District 9 market. This mixed-use development is turning heads with its strategic location and thoughtful design.
Having toured the showflat recently, I’m excited to share my insights about what makes this property worth your attention in 2025.
Project Overview: One Sophia at a Glance
One Sophia represents a significant addition to Singapore’s premium property landscape. Located at 1 Sophia Road in District 9, this development transforms the former Peace Centre and Peace Mansion site into a modern, integrated living space.
Key Project Details:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Project Name | One Sophia / The Collective At One Sophia |
| Developer | CEL Development, SingHaiyi Group, Ultra Infinity |
| Location | 1 Sophia Road, Singapore 228149 |
| District | 09 (Orchard / River Valley) |
| Tenure | 99 Years Leasehold (from Dec 6, 2023) |
| Site Area | 76,618 sqft (7,118 sqm) |
| Total Units | 367 Residential Units |
| Structure | 2 blocks of 19-storey apartments, 1 block of 13-storey office with retail podium |
| Expected TOP | December 31, 2029 |
| Current Status | Launched (Jan 2025), approximately 20% sold |
During my visit, I noticed the development blends residential comfort with commercial convenience. The project integrates living spaces with office and retail components, creating a self-contained ecosystem where residents can live, work, and play without leaving the compound.
Location: The Heart of Singapore’s Prime District
The location of One Sophia is its strongest selling point. Situated in District 9, residents enjoy access to Singapore’s most coveted areas.
Connectivity and Transport Options
When I walked around the site, I was impressed by the multiple transport options:
- MRT Stations: Three stations within walking distance:
- Dhoby Ghaut MRT (North-South Line, North-East Line, Circle Line) – 6 minutes walk
- Bencoolen MRT (Downtown Line) – 5 minutes walk
- Rochor MRT (Downtown Line) – 8 minutes walk
- Bus Services: Numerous bus routes along nearby Selegie Road and Bras Basah Road
- Road Access: Direct access to major roads including:
- Central Expressway (CTE)
- Selegie Road
- Bras Basah Road
During rush hour, I tested the walk to Dhoby Ghaut MRT and found it took exactly 6 minutes at a casual pace – making this location truly convenient for commuters.
Nearby Educational Institutions
For families, the nearby schools make One Sophia particularly attractive:
- Primary Schools:
- St. Margaret’s Primary School (within 1km)
- River Valley Primary School (within 2km)
- Secondary Schools:
- Anglo-Chinese School (Junior)
- Tertiary Education:
- Singapore Management University (SMU) – 7 minutes walk
- LASALLE College of the Arts – 10 minutes walk
- School of the Arts (SOTA) – 8 minutes walk
Shopping and Dining Options
The retail options near One Sophia are abundant:
- Shopping Malls:
- Plaza Singapura (6 minutes walk)
- The Cathay (10 minutes walk)
- Bugis Junction (15 minutes walk)
- Orchard Road shopping belt (1 MRT stop away)
- Supermarkets:
- NTUC FairPrice
- Cold Storage
When I explored the area, I counted over 30 restaurants within a 10-minute walking radius, ranging from local fare to international cuisine.
Unit Types and Pricing
One Sophia offers a diverse range of unit types to suit different needs and budgets. The development focuses on smaller units, with studios and one-bedroom units making up approximately 47% of the total units.
Detailed Unit Mix
| Unit Type | Size (sqft) | Number of Units | Price From | PSF Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 431-452 | 68 | $1,145,000 | $2,650-$2,816 |
| 1-Bedroom Suite | 484-506 | 66 | $1,346,000 | $2,782-$2,876 |
| 1-Bedroom Premium | 538 | 7 | $1,463,000 | $2,719 |
| 1-Bedroom + Study | 549 | 34 | $1,489,000 | $2,711-$2,758 |
| 2-Bedroom Deluxe | 646-667 | 33 | $1,795,000 | $2,561-$2,779 |
| 2-Bedroom Deluxe + Study | 700 | 34 | $1,912,000 | $2,731 |
| 2-Bedroom Premium | 764 | 74 | $2,061,000 | $2,697-$2,781 |
| 2-Bedroom Premium + Study | 764 | 17 | $2,118,000 | $2,772 |
| 3-Bedroom Premium | 1,023 | 17 | $2,845,000 | $2,782-$2,850 |
| 3-Bedroom Luxury | 1,227-1,249 | 17 | $3,481,000 | $2,837 |
When I examined the floor plans, I noticed efficient layouts that maximize living space. The 2-bedroom units particularly impressed me with their functional design and space optimization.
Recent Transactions
Based on caveats lodged between November 2024 and February 2025, the transaction prices have been consistent:
- Studio units have sold between $1,143,000 and $1,273,000
- 1-bedroom units range from $1,346,000 to $1,514,000
- 2-bedroom units have fetched between $1,709,000 and $2,186,000
- 3-bedroom units have sold from $2,845,000 upwards
The average price per square foot (PSF) has remained steady at around $2,750 psf.
Developer Background: A Strong Track Record
One Sophia comes from a strong developer consortium that brings together complementary expertise:
CEL Development
CEL Development, a subsidiary of Chip Eng Seng Corporation, has over 50 years of industry experience. Their portfolio includes:
- Kopar At Newton
- Park Colonial
- Parc Komo & Komo Shoppes
- Grandeur Park Residences
- High Park Residences
SingHaiyi Group
Founded in 2013, SingHaiyi has quickly built a reputation for quality developments, including:
- Grand Dunman
- TMW Maxwell
- Various joint ventures with CEL Development
The developers’ track record gives buyers confidence in the project’s quality and potential. When I spoke with the sales team, they emphasized how the consortium brings together deep local market knowledge with innovative design concepts.
Site Plan and Facilities
One Sophia’s site plan makes good use of its 76,618 sqft land area. The development includes:
Residential Towers:
- Two 19-storey blocks with 367 units
Commercial Component:
- 13-storey office building
- Retail podium on Basement 1, Level 1, and Level 2
Parking:
- 273 vehicle parking spots (including accessible and family lots)
- 232 bicycle parking spaces
Recreational Facilities include:
- Swimming pool
- Gymnasium
- Fitness areas
- Social spaces and lounges
- Children’s play area
During my showflat visit, the scale model revealed generous spacing between blocks that should provide good privacy and natural light for most units.
URA Master Plan: Future Growth Potential
The URA Master Plan for the Central Area has significant implications for One Sophia’s future value. Key aspects include:
- CBD Incentive Scheme: Transforming the downtown core into a vibrant, mixed-use district
- Enhanced Connectivity: The Thomson-East Coast Line will further improve accessibility to the city center
- Green Corridor Development: A 6km green corridor linking the Singapore Botanic Gardens, The Istana, Fort Canning Park, and the Singapore River
- Heritage Precinct Revitalization: Continued enhancement of nearby heritage areas like Kampong Glam, Little India, and Chinatown
These planned improvements should boost property values in the District 9 area over time, making One Sophia a potentially sound long-term investment.
Comparative Market Analysis
To understand One Sophia’s position in the market, I compared it with nearby developments:
Price Comparison with Nearby Properties
| Project | Tenure | Completion | Avg PSF | Comparison to One Sophia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Sophia | 99-year | 2029 | $2,750 | Baseline |
| Midtown Modern | 99-year | 2025 | $2,850 | +3.6% |
| The M | 99-year | 2024 | $2,800 | +1.8% |
| Sophia Residence | Freehold | 2014 | $2,200 | -20.0% |
| Sophia Hills | 99-year | 2018 | $2,500 | -9.1% |
Rental Potential
Based on current rental rates in the area, projected monthly rentals for One Sophia units are:
- Studios: $3,200-$3,500
- 1-Bedroom: $3,800-$4,300
- 2-Bedroom: $5,300-$5,900
- 3-Bedroom: $7,000-$8,500
This translates to potential gross rental yields of:
- Studios: 3.3-3.6%
- 1-Bedroom: 3.2-3.5%
- 2-Bedroom: 3.0-3.3%
- 3-Bedroom: 2.8-3.0%
These yields are typical for new developments in prime districts and reflect the premium pricing of the units.
Investment Potential: Is One Sophia Worth Buying?
After analyzing all aspects of One Sophia, here’s my assessment of its investment potential:
Strengths
- Prime Location: District 9 address with excellent connectivity
- Mixed-Use Concept: Integrated living experience with retail and office components
- URA Master Plan Benefits: Positioned to gain from ongoing urban transformation
- Strong Developer Consortium: Track record suggests quality construction and finishes
- Diverse Unit Mix: Options for different investor profiles and end-users
Considerations
- Price Point: At $2,750 psf average, it sits in the premium segment
- Leasehold Status: 99-year leasehold versus some freehold options in the vicinity
- Completion Timeline: 2029 completion means a longer wait for vacant possession
- Unit Sizes: Some may find the smaller units compact for long-term living
From an investment perspective, One Sophia offers several paths to potential returns:
- Capital Appreciation: The URA Master Plan enhancements and central location should support long-term value growth
- Rental Income: Strong rental demand expected from professionals working in the CBD and foreign students at nearby educational institutions
- Own Stay Value: The convenience of the location and integrated facilities provide excellent lifestyle benefits
My Verdict on One Sophia
Having analyzed One Sophia from multiple angles, my verdict is that it represents a solid addition to Singapore’s prime district property landscape.
For investors, the development offers a compelling combination of location advantage and future growth potential. The smaller units (studios and one-bedrooms) are likely to deliver better rental yields and should attract tenants working in the CBD or studying at nearby institutions.
For home buyers, One Sophia provides the convenience of city living with excellent connectivity. The integrated commercial elements mean everyday essentials are just an elevator ride away.
However, the premium pricing means buyers should have a medium to long-term horizon to fully realize the development’s potential. The 2029 completion date also requires patience for those seeking immediate occupation.
In the current property market context, One Sophia stands as a quality offering in the mid to high-end segment. While not the most affordable option in absolute terms, it delivers value through its prime location, thoughtful design, and potential for future appreciation in line with Singapore’s continued development as a global city.
Whether One Sophia is right for you depends on your specific needs, timeline, and investment goals – but it certainly warrants serious consideration for those looking at District 9 properties.
