Emerald of Katong New Launch Condo 2026 — Full Review, Prices, Floor Plans & VVIP Registration

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Emerald of Katong has captured the imagination of Singapore’s property market — a rare new launch condo at the heart of the beloved Katong/East Coast enclave, where peranakan heritage shophouses, renowned hawker food, and a vibrant café culture create one of Singapore’s most sought-after lifestyle addresses. Here is our complete review.

Emerald of Katong — Project Overview

Emerald of Katong sits on Jalan Tembusu, just off East Coast Road in the heart of District 15 — one of Singapore’s most coveted residential addresses. Developed by Sim Lian Land, a developer with a proven track record of delivering quality mass-market and mid-tier condominiums, the project comprises approximately 846 units across a mix of 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom configurations.

Perhaps the single most important fact about Emerald of Katong: it is freehold tenure. In a district where residential land is tightly constrained and freehold sites are becoming increasingly rare, this is a fundamental differentiator. Buyers are not purchasing a depreciating leasehold asset — they are acquiring perpetual land ownership in one of Singapore’s most established and beloved neighbourhoods.

Key project facts at a glance:

• Developer: Sim Lian Land Pte Ltd
• Location: Jalan Tembusu, off East Coast Road, District 15
• Tenure: Freehold
• Total Units: ~846 units
• Unit Types: 1-Bedroom to 4-Bedroom
• Expected TOP: 2028 (indicative)
• Nearest MRT: Tanjong Katong MRT (Thomson-East Coast Line, TEL Stage 3)
• Nearby Malls: Katong Mall, Parkway Parade, i12 Katong

Emerald of Katong Location Advantages

Location is everything in Singapore property, and Emerald of Katong’s address on Jalan Tembusu places it at the intersection of connectivity, lifestyle, and education — the three pillars that drive sustainable residential demand.

Transport Connectivity

Tanjong Katong MRT (TEL) is within walking distance of the development. The Thomson-East Coast Line is one of Singapore’s newest and most strategic MRT lines, connecting residents directly to Gardens by the Bay, the CBD (Marina Bay), Stevens interchange (for North-South Line), Orchard Road, and ultimately Changi Airport at the eastern end. For professionals working in the CBD, this is a game-changer — a direct, air-conditioned commute without transfers.

Lifestyle & Recreation

East Coast Park is a short drive or cycling ride away, offering Singapore’s most beloved stretch of beach, barbecue pits, cycling paths, and seafood restaurants. The Katong/East Coast Food Trail is legendary: 328 Katong Laksa, Joo Chiat Complex, Nam Kee Pau, and dozens of generations-old eateries are practically on the doorstep. Marine Parade Road’s growing café and dining scene adds a contemporary layer to this already rich enclave.

Education

District 15 is home to some of Singapore’s most sought-after primary schools. Families considering Emerald of Katong will note proximity to Tao Nan School, Tanjong Katong Primary School, and Ngee Ann Primary School — all within the 1–2km registration radius that Singapore parents actively plan around when choosing a home address.

Land Scarcity Premium

Freehold residential land in D15 is extremely limited. The planning zones along East Coast Road and its side streets are fully built-up, and new government land sales in this precinct are rare. Each new freehold launch represents a diminishing supply of perpetual ownership sites — which is precisely why The Continuum and Emerald of Katong have attracted disproportionate buyer attention relative to their unit count.

Emerald of Katong — Floor Plans & Unit Mix

With approximately 846 units, Emerald of Katong offers a well-considered unit mix that caters to investors, HDB upgraders, young couples, and multi-generational families alike.

1-Bedroom (474–570 sqft)

Designed for solo investors, couples, and rental yield plays. At 474–570 sqft, the 1-bedroom units are efficiently laid out and well-suited to the strong expat rental market in D15. For investors seeking gross rental yields in the 2.8–3.5% range, these units represent the lowest capital entry point into a freehold D15 address.

2-Bedroom (710–893 sqft)

The bread-and-butter of Singapore’s new launch market. The 2-bedroom range at Emerald of Katong targets young couples and HDB upgraders — arguably the largest buyer segment in 2025–2026. At 710–893 sqft, these units provide enough space for a growing household while remaining accessible in absolute quantum.

3-Bedroom (1,044–1,292 sqft)

For families and D15 lifestyle seekers, the 3-bedroom units at 1,044–1,292 sqft offer practical family living within the Katong enclave. Parents with school-going children will particularly value the primary school proximity and East Coast Park access. Higher-floor 3-bedrooms may offer sea or city views, adding significant lifestyle and resale value.

4-Bedroom (1,528–1,615 sqft)

The premium tier, targeting large families and discerning buyers who want a statement freehold address in D15. At 1,528–1,615 sqft, these units are generously sized by Singapore new launch standards and are expected to attract both Singaporean families and foreign buyers (post-ABSD holding period) given the freehold status.

Key design highlights: High-floor units are expected to command sea and/or city views; freehold tenure adds intrinsic long-term land value; Sim Lian’s track record (Treasure at Tampines, Parc Clematis) signals reliable build quality and project delivery.

Emerald of Katong — Indicative Prices 2026

All prices below are indicative, based on publicly available market information and comparable D15 benchmarks. Actual prices are subject to developer’s pricing decisions and may have changed. Verify with the developer’s appointed agent before making any decision.

Comparable project benchmarks:

• Tembusu Grand (leasehold, D15, launched 2023): average ~$2,300–$2,500 psf at launch — note this is leasehold 99-year
• The Continuum (freehold, D15): average ~$2,700–$2,900 psf — direct freehold D15 comparable

Against these benchmarks, Emerald of Katong’s indicative $2,400–$2,600 psf range for a freehold D15 address represents a compelling entry point — particularly for buyers who have been priced out of The Continuum or who prefer Sim Lian’s developer profile.

Emerald of Katong Rental Yield & Investment Case

For investors, the Katong/East Coast precinct has one of Singapore’s most consistent expat rental demand profiles. The enclave is popular with Japanese, Korean, Western, and Chinese expatriates, drawn by the leafy streets, proximity to East Coast Park, international schools in the broader East region, and the village-like atmosphere that contrasts with the more corporate feel of Districts 9 and 10.

Rental Yield Estimates

• Gross rental yield: indicatively 2.8–3.5% depending on unit type and rental achieved
• 1-bedroom units: highest yield percentage; strongest demand from singles and couples
• 2-bedroom units: balanced yield and capital appreciation profile
• 3–4 bedroom units: lower yield percentage but strongest absolute rental from expat families

Why Freehold Matters for Investment

Freehold tenure means no land value decay — unlike 99-year leasehold properties, which begin depreciating in land value terms as the lease shortens below 60 years. For an investor with a 10–20 year horizon, freehold in a supply-constrained D15 enclave is a structurally superior hold compared to leasehold at the same or similar price point.

Additionally, freehold status strengthens the resale case to foreign buyers. Foreigners paying 60% ABSD today are effectively making a long-term commitment — and for that demographic, freehold perpetual ownership is far more attractive than a leasehold asset that loses bankability over time.

For a deeper breakdown of how ABSD affects your purchase decision, see our ABSD Singapore guide. And for a detailed comparison of freehold versus leasehold considerations, read our freehold vs leasehold guide.

Should You Register for the Emerald of Katong VVIP Preview?

Emerald of Katong launched in 2024/early 2025 and recorded strong take-up, reflecting genuine buyer demand for freehold D15 product at this price point. For buyers considering whether to act in 2026, the question is whether remaining units — if any — still represent value.

Our view: freehold D15 at indicative $2,400–$2,600 psf is compelling relative to D15 resale freehold, which has been trading at $2,500–$3,000+ psf for well-maintained older stock. New launch premium is justified by new build quality, modern facilities, developer warranty, and the psychological premium of owning a brand-new unit in a new development with a fresh 2028 TOP.

Key reasons to register for the VVIP preview:

• Best unit selection: VVIP registrants get first choice of stacks and floors — high-floor sea/city view units are limited and sell first
• Direct developer pricing: No agents’ commission is charged to buyers; you pay the developer’s price directly
• Floor plan advisory: Alvin Tan provides personalised floor plan analysis to help you identify the best unit for your budget and objectives
• No obligation: Registering for VVIP does not commit you to purchase

If you are actively considering the Katong/East Coast new launch market, also read our comprehensive East Coast Katong District 15 guide for a full comparison of available new launches in this precinct.