The Geylang precinct is once again proving to be a hotbed for boutique redevelopment, with a trio of adjoining freehold plots at Lorong 16 officially hitting the market. Priced at a combined guide of $31 million, these plots offer a rare “blank canvas” for developers looking to capitalize on the area’s ongoing gentrification. The land, which currently houses a mix of older terrace structures, is strategically zoned for Commercial and Institutional use, making it a versatile asset in a district where such land parcels are increasingly tightly held.
One of the most compelling aspects of this listing is the “Outline Planning Permission” already in place, which allows for a redevelopment of up to an eight-storey building. With a total land area of approximately 9,000 square feet and a high plot ratio of 2.8, the potential gross floor area (GFA) could exceed 25,000 square feet. At the $31 million asking price, the deal works out to roughly $1,103 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr)—a competitive entry price for freehold land located just a ten-minute drive from the Central Business District.
The property’s configuration is a developer’s dream, featuring dual-road frontage along both Lorong 16 Geylang and a back lane. This dual access is critical for modern urban design, allowing for a grand commercial entrance on one side and a functional service or loading bay on the other. This setup is particularly advantageous for institution-based buyers, such as clan associations, religious organizations, or medical suites, who require a prestigious street presence coupled with logistical efficiency.
In a broader market context, the demand for such specialized plots is being bolstered by the shortage of high-spec industrial and commercial spaces nearby. For instance, the food industrial sector continues to expand in the East, and developers are increasingly looking at Geylang as a secondary hub for corporate headquarters or R&D offices that support larger production facilities in Paya Lebar or Mandai. A modern eight-storey building here could serve as the “brain” of a food-tech company, housing its corporate office and test kitchen while its heavy food factory operations remain in more industrial zones.
| Development Detail | Specifications |
| Tenure | Freehold |
| Zoning | Commercial / Institutional |
| Plot Ratio | 2.8 |
| Max Height | 8 Storeys |
| Asking Price | $31 Million ($1,103 psf ppr) |
From an investment longevity standpoint, Geylang is undergoing a massive shift. The government’s decision several years ago to cease new residential zoning in parts of Geylang has effectively capped the supply of residential units, driving up the value of commercial and institutional plots. As more modern buildings rise along the Lorongs, the “stigma” of the past is rapidly being replaced by a reputation for edgy, high-value commercial enterprise. This $31 million plot represents a chance to be at the forefront of this transformation.
As the Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline approaches in late February 2026, the flexibility of the sale is expected to draw a crowd. The three plots can be purchased collectively for a large-scale project or individually for smaller boutique developments. Whether it becomes a sleek new association headquarters or a high-tech commercial hub, 81-85 Lorong 16 Geylang is a strategic play for anyone looking to secure a foothold in Singapore’s most colorful and high-yield districts.
