Every week, hosts Susan Ng and Felicia Tan sit down with different guests to dive into Singapore’s ever-moving property landscape. In this episode of Open House , they take you through two very different but equally timely topics: a closer look at Bloomsbury Residences, a boutique freehold project in the Newton–Novena area, and a deeper conversation about why home insurance remains essential, even in a market where many homeowners assume their policies are already handled.
This week’s guests are Edward Chu, Senior Marketing Director at ERA Realty Network, and Rohith Murthy, CEO & Director of MoneyHero Group. Each brings a different lens – one from the ground in new-launch sales, and the other from the world of consumer financial protection.
Together, they help you understand what’s shifting in the market, what buyers are chasing, and how you can safeguard your home even before you move in.
Table of contents
- Bloomsbury Residences: A new chapter in One-North’s landscape
- Do you need home insurance?
Bloomsbury Residences: A new chapter in One-North’s landscape
When you think of One-North, you usually picture offices, tech firms, research hubs and, of course, the Mediacorp campus. For years, the district has been known far more as a vibrant work node than a true residential enclave. Yet things are changing quickly. With each new development, One-North is growing into a more complete neighbourhood – one that blends workspaces, lifestyle amenities and homes in a seamless way.
This week, that transformation took centre stage as the hosts spoke with Sam Edward Chu, Senior Marketing Director at ERA Realty Network Pte Ltd, who shared a deep dive into Bloomsbury Residences, a 99-year leasehold project at Media Circle that has already drawn strong attention from buyers.
Below, we break down everything discussed about the project, from buyer profiles and unit mix to facilities, surroundings, connectivity and even its unusual robot-assisted features.
A strong local buyer base driven by limited supply
Although One-North is filled with office towers and research labs, it has never had many private condos. That scarcity has shaped demand in a big way. According to Sam, around 75% of Bloomsbury Residences’ units have already been sold, and the bulk of these buyers are Singaporeans.
He explained that:
- 90% of buyers are Singaporeans,
- 8.8% are Permanent Residents, and
- 0.5% are foreigners.
These figures show clearly that the project is attracting a predominantly local crowd. The district’s small number of residential developments makes Bloomsbury particularly appealing to those who work in and around One-North and want to live close by.
What’s also interesting is the mix of backgrounds. About 56% of buyers currently live in private property, while 43% are HDB upgraders. This relatively even split suggests that Bloomsbury appeals to both groups, especially to those planning to move in rather than rent their unit out. Sam even highlighted that HDB upgraders usually buy a private home with the intention to stay, which makes owner-occupiers a large segment here.
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A rare unit mix focused on larger homes
One of the most surprising things about Bloomsbury Residences is what it doesn’t offer: there are no 1-bedroom units.
This is unusual for One-North, where many condos are known for compact units that appeal to investors, particularly because the area draws steady rental demand from researchers, foreign talent and tech workers.
Yet this developer chose a very different approach. The project offers 2- to 6-bedroom units, including penthouses, and leans heavily toward larger layouts.
Sam shared two likely reasons behind this bold choice:
1. The penthouses enjoy rare, unblocked greenery views
Located on the 21st and 23rd storeys, the penthouses look out toward Wessex Estate – an area of black-and-white colonial houses dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. Height restrictions in this neighbourhood help preserve its greenery and heritage charm, which means these views are not only expansive but also unlikely to be blocked over time.
2. There is a shortage of large units in One-North
There are nearly no 5- or 6-bedroom units in existing projects nearby. The only known 5-bedroom units are in One-North Residences, launched in 2009, and even those are extremely limited. 6-bedroom options don’t exist at all. This scarcity explains why both 6-bedroom penthouses at Bloomsbury were snapped up early, even though such large units seldom appear in this district.
Need a closer look at Bloomsbury Residences? Read more here: 5 key insights on Bloomsbury Residences: Is this the future of city living?
Facilities designed for everyday convenience and lifestyle
Although Bloomsbury sits within a business hub, the project doesn’t hold back on lifestyle features. It offers 49 facilities, which is notable considering the size of the development.
Among the highlights are:
- a 50-metre lap pool,
- two clubhouses,
- indoor and outdoor gyms,
- ample BBQ areas, and
- a full-sized tennis court.
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The rise of mixed-use living at One-North
One-North’s residential future is increasingly shaped by mixed-use planning. Bloomsbury Residences is part of that shift, featuring a retail component called Bloomsbury Shops.
This trend is not unique to Bloomsbury. Newer projects such as One-North Eden and Blossoms by the Park also include retail components, and the government has been steadily introducing GLS sites with similar mixed-use features.
Sam explained that the reason is simple: One-North has always been planned as a self-contained district. Most commercial buildings here already have shops, eateries and service outlets on their ground floors. Extending this concept to residential projects creates more convenience for residents, while still keeping the larger ecosystem open to the public.
Bloomsbury alone will have seven retail units, and the two future plots across the street will have seven more. As this cluster grows, residents will eventually enjoy a wider and more varied mix of food and retail options right at their doorstep.
Robots as part of daily living
Perhaps the most unique part of the entire discussion was the project’s robot-assisted features. Bloomsbury is the first condo in Singapore to integrate robots as part of its everyday operations. Among the tasks they handle are tennis-caddy robots, which gather tennis balls on the court, and robotic pool cleaners that help keep the swimming pool clear throughout the day.
How Bloomsbury compares to nearby new launches
Recent launches like The Hill @ One-North and Blossoms by the Park have already attracted strong buyer interest, so many potential buyers naturally want to know what sets Bloomsbury apart.
According to Sam, Bloomsbury differentiates itself in three distinct ways:
1. It offers a more complete set of facilities
Not every project in this district is able to fit full-scale amenities, especially things like a tennis court. Bloomsbury offers a broader suite of lifestyle spaces.
2. It places more emphasis on larger unit layouts
Many units come with flexi rooms, a signature feature by developer Qingjian. For example, the 3-bedroom premium + flexi layout gives homeowners the choice of keeping a study beside the living room or merging it to create a wider living area – up to almost five metres.
3. It has a quieter, greener setting
Buyers who want a softer living environment may prefer Bloomsbury’s proximity to Wessex Estate and nature trails, rather than the more urban feel of projects located closer to Buona Vista.
Connectivity and future transport options
While Media Circle is not directly next to an MRT station, the development’s connectivity will be more robust than expected. In fact, for the first year, residents will even enjoy free shuttle buses for the first year.
These shuttles will run to:
- One-North MRT (Circle Line),
- Buona Vista MRT (Circle Line & East-West Line, next to The Star Vista), and
- Kent Ridge MRT (linking to NUS and NUH).
Upcoming self-driving public buses
By 2026, before the condo is completed, the government plans to deploy autonomous buses through this district. One of their routes is expected to pass directly outside Bloomsbury. If rolled out as planned, this could significantly improve mobility in the area.
Investment outlook: Limited supply and strong demand
Even though new Government Land Sales (GLS) sites have recently been released in Media Circle, Sam believes that Bloomsbury’s value will continue to be supported.
This view is based on several factors:
1. One-North has very few private condos
Bloomsbury is only the sixth residential project in the precinct. The earlier developments, such as One-North Residences and One-North Eden, have already shown strong capital appreciation over the years.
2. Mixed-use clusters tend to uplift property values
When more homes, shops and amenities are added, the entire district becomes more attractive to residents and tenants.
3. The next wave of GLS sites will improve the neighbourhood, not dilute demand
Since these upcoming projects will also include retail spaces, the area’s convenience will improve over time. More residents also mean more activity and better support for F&B and services.
A growing live-work-play ecosystem
Sam also offered a glimpse of what the wider Bloomsbury neighbourhood will feel like. Although Media Circle sits within a tech and media hub, the area is surprisingly green and tranquil, with pockets of heritage woven in. Residents can expect tree-lined streets, access to forest trails that link directly to the Rail Corridor, and a short walk to offices such as Grab HQ and Infinite Studios.
Just around the corner are cafés like Colbar and Under the Linden, both tucked beneath tall trees and offering a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of Dempsey Hill.
As more residential projects join the precinct, One-North is steadily shifting from a work-centric district into a more complete community – one where you can live close to nature, commute easily, and unwind within the neighbourhood itself.
Do you need home insurance?
The second half of the podcast shifts into a different but essential topic: home insurance. As Felicia introduces guest Rohith Murthy, she reminds listeners that insurance tends to be the last thing homeowners think about – often because it feels like a technical, complicated chore. Rohith agrees, explaining that even with endless online information, Singaporeans still hesitate to buy home insurance because they simply don’t know where to start.
Consumers want information, but they’re overwhelmed
Rohith has observed a recurring pattern: while Singaporeans are among the most digitally savvy in the region, most still find insurance confusing. Many want to make smart decisions, yet the moment they read the fine print, they feel lost. This is especially true with home insurance because people assume the coverage provided by HDB or banks is sufficient.
However, as he explains later, that assumption can be risky.
Three common gaps homeowners don’t realise they have
Rohith outlines three areas many homeowners misunderstand:
1. Home contents coverage
This refers to everything you can remove from your home if you decide to move. He gives examples like appliances, furniture, electronics and personal items. Many assume these are automatically covered under a basic fire insurance policy, but they are not. Fire insurance protects the building structure, not your belongings.
2. Renovation works
Any carpentry, flooring, built-ins, electrical rewiring or plumbing upgrades fall under renovations. These improvements can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, yet many homeowners forget to insure them. If a major water leak or fire destroys your renovated interiors, the base insurance linked to your HDB flat or bank loan won’t cover the cost.
3. Personal liability
Rohith highlights this category because it’s often overlooked. Personal liability covers you when accidents affect neighbours or visitors – situations many people don’t expect. For example, a burst pipe in your home that damages the unit below could result in a hefty repair bill. Liability coverage steps in so you don’t have to pay out of pocket.
What about landlords?
When asked if a landlord needs a different policy, Rohith clarifies that most insurers offer plans that cover both owner-occupied and tenanted homes. However, landlords should pay attention to one detail: if you’re renting out a fully furnished unit, the coverage for contents becomes even more important. After all, any damage caused by tenants could translate into real costs.
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Can you claim renovation defects under home insurance?
At one point, Felicia raises a common question: what if a homeowner discovers that the contractor did poor work, leading to issues later?
Rohith clarifies that home insurance doesn’t cover workmanship defects. Insurance is meant to protect against sudden, unexpected events like leaks, fires or accidents – not long-term structural problems caused by poor renovation work. As such, homeowners should always verify their contractor’s track record and warranty.
Should you choose a higher coverage limit?
Rohith stresses that it’s better to be slightly over-insured than under-insured. Renovations and furnishings today can easily add up, especially for newer homes where owners prefer built-ins and higher-end materials. Since premiums are relatively affordable, increasing your coverage limit usually costs only a little more each year.
The biggest misconception: “All HDB owners already have insurance”
The hosts raise an important point: many Singaporeans assume that because their mortgage includes fire insurance, they’re fully protected. Rohith explains again that this is a dangerous misconception. Fire insurance only covers structural damage – not what makes a house feel like home.
If your flooring, carpentry and electronics are damaged in a fire or water leakage, you could be facing thousands of dollars in losses without a proper home insurance plan.
Insuring your home during renovation? Yes, it matters
Toward the end of the conversation, Rohith brings up one final tip that is often missed: homeowners should consider getting coverage even during renovation. Many renovation-related accidents, like flooding caused by hacking or drilling, are not covered by contractors’ standard policies.
This is especially important for older flats, where plumbing may already be delicate. Renovation mishaps can cause issues for neighbours, and liability could fall on the homeowner if the contractor’s coverage is insufficient.
Wrapping up
This week’s episode blends insights from two very different industry experts but arrives at one shared message – whether you’re buying a brand new freehold apartment or simply refreshing your current place, staying informed is the best way to protect your home and your finances. As Singapore’s property market continues to evolve, so do the expectations of homeowners. And with more choices than ever, both in homes and in insurance, it helps to understand what truly supports you in the long run.
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