Mixed-use developments:Conduits toquality living Howshape Singapore’s built environmentHowshape Singapore’s built environmentpurpose, value and designpurpose, value and design Contents 01Access The rarity of waterfront residential assetsin Singapore continues to shape demand;most projects will only be completed in2030 and beyond, with the exception ofAurea in 2029. 02Urban Design Presented by Singapore’s architecture firms areredefining design that’s aligned toevolving needs among urbanites 03Value The effect of the space premium onproperty value, with an eye on long-term investments 04TL:DR A summary of this White Paper’s keyhighlights of the mixed-usedevelopment landscape Acknowledgements We wish to thank the following partners, without whom this project would not be possible. Siew Man Kok, MKPL Architects,Teoh Hai Pin, DP Architects,Ker-Shing Ong, Lekker Architects,Chan Ee Mun, WOHA Architects,Roohid Novinrooz, Conexus Studio.Michelle Bong LetjenyiandAin Ibrahim, Knight Frank Marketing and CommunicationsCity Developments Limited, Far East Organization, GuocoLand, UOL GroupCo-working space operatorsThe Working Capitol,The Great RoomandJustCo Qualitylivingneedswillevolve Singapore's built environment has long been theenvy of the world — efficient, well-planned, anddeeply liveable. While a definite majority arecontent with housing, work and recreationdeveloped in Singapore, evolving needs are likelyto push for further changes in the way homes,offices and community spaces are designed. As Singapore matures into itsnextphase of development,aspirationsaroundhousing,work, and lifestyle are shifting.Emotionaland physical well-being,community belonging,and access to vibrant, inclusivespaces are increasingly part ofthe conversation. 43%51% want more large-scalegreen spaces and parks,with only 24% calling formore vibrant nightlife andentertainment districts aged 25 to 34 areworried they cannotafford a home in thenext three to five years Based on data from the KnightFrank–IpsosQuality of Lifereport―which polled1,000respondentsinthe sampleincludingcitizens,permanentresidents, E and S work passholdersacross different agegroups and other profiles―alargeproportion indicated apreference for better access togreeneryandnature,andprioritised work-life balance formentalwellbeingoverremuneration. 44% 57% prefer a work arrangementfeaturing a hybrid modelwith a balanced splitbetween in-office andremote work are extremely satisfiedwith their current livingarrangements Access.Access.Access. Enduring appeal is arguablya leading attribute of thesehomes; in a dense city likeSingapore,aresidencefacing or near calm wateroftencreates a sense oftranquillity and wellness, awelcomesanctuaryforurban dwellers. Such homesarecoveted,particularlyamong Chinese buyers andfengshui enthusiasts,forwhom water symbolises theflow of wealth and energy(qi) into their living space. Waterfront living remains a rare privilege inSingapore.Based on proprietary KnightFrank data, out of some 76 non-landedprivateresidentialprojectslaunchedbetween 2023 and 2025, only 12 offeredwaterfront living experiences. Also, not allblockswithin each project were water-facing, highlighting the rarity factor. Defining fundamentals suchas stunning views, privacy,and accessibility to a placeofwork or school remainboxes to be checked off. Butwhathas evolved is thevariety of options availablefor different lifestyles. Today’sdefinitionofa“waterfronthome”hasbroadenedconsiderably,withiterations no longerjustsea-facing.Waterbodiessuch as lagoons,marinas,reservoirs,andrivers can now be found atresidents’doorsteps,sothesepremium residentialassetsnow span varieddistricts and price points —lending quiet distinction topostcodesthroughasuccessful balance of scenicviewsandday-to-dayliveability. Access Foryears,“waterfront living”meant oneaddress: Sentosa Cove. Conceived in the1990s,the luxury residential enclave onSingapore’s resort island set the benchmarkfor idyllic living, framing bungalows, terracehouses, and condominiums against privateyacht berths, marina access, and resort-styleliving within an exclusive gated community. Unsurprisingly,caveats lodged show thathomeowners have been willing to fork out asmuch as 5 to 8 per cent more to own theseprime-viewassets compared to non-waterfrontunitswithinthesamedevelopment. Prior to this, coastal developments such asLagoon ViewandMandarin GardensgaveSingapore residents a taste of waterfrontliving. Such projects introduced sea-facingresidences to prospective home buyers aspart of a highly selective market segment. Inthe early 2000s, more developments, such asmarina-facingCaribbean at Keppel Bay,were launched. Access Recent launches with stunning sea views include the likes ofOne Marina GardensandW Residences at Marina View, underscoring the Marina Bay precinct’s growth as oneofSingapore’s most iconic waterfront neighbourhoods.The area is home tolandmarks such as Southeast Asia’s leading garden attraction, Gar