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Pasir Ris 8 vs RCR Condos Travel Times - Interesting Observations

I discovered some interesting observations when comparing Pasir Ris 8 against other RCR condos on the east side. The table below shows the travel times using public transport to 2 popular destinations - Orchard and Raffles place.

The data was generated using Google Maps, setting the start-off time at 8am on Monday 8 Sep 25. The condo average sale price per square foot (psf) was taken from EdgeProp as of 7 September 2025. 

Interesting Observations

Among all the condos above, Pasir Ris 8 is located furthest from the 2 destinations. But here are some of my interesting findings.

1. Travel times to Raffles place is almost similar for all the condos. Only a 6 mins variation among the slowest and fastest time. Traveling from Pasir Ris 8 takes 39 mins vs the fastest time of 33 mins from the Continuum. But you have to pay $800 psf more for 6 mins of time saving. Is the price worth it?

2. Only Pasir Ris 8 gives residents a direct MRT line to Raffles place, City hall due to the Green east-west MRT line, while all the others require at least a change in MRT or bus. Proximity to Green MRT line has its advantages.

3. Travel times to Orchard MRT show more variation. Traveling from Pasir Ris 8 takes the longest time at 48 mins. The fastest time is from Chuan Park at 31 mins. A good 17 minutes difference! You have to pay about $550+ psf more for the privilege. 

4.  Emerald of Katong condo is marketed as "near MRT". But on Google Maps, you need to walk about 650-700m (or about 10 mins) to the Tanjong Katong MRT station and it is mostly unsheltered! I think most residents might just grab a bus down to the MRT instead if it is hot or rainy. So time can be wasted especially in bad weather.

5. The Continuum is also near Tanjong Katong, but it is really far away from any MRT station. The nearest Paya Lebar MRT is about 1 km away, not really walkable, and most will take a bus to the MRT first. A resident will take almost the same time to Orchard as one who live in Pasir ris 8. It is the most expensive condo here (freehold status) but does not hold vastly superior public transport connections. This condo might be better for those who drive.  

6. Chuan Park is along Lorong Chuan and the circle line is 170 metres outside the condo with a sheltered walkway. Residents have easy access to the MRT. Travel times to both places are relatively fast. But users of circle line will know that transfers to other train lines are needed to get to popular destinations in Singapore. 

Conclusion 

If you look at the average sale prices of the RCR condos, you may wonder if paying the extra $600-800 psf is worth it for travel conveniences. Of course, there are other condo attributes which may justify the higher price, like interior finishing, location prestige, freehold status etc.. Nevertheless, I feel Pasir Ris 8 can be a steal now despite prices going up after TOP.  Why? Because for every 1000 square feet of space, you pay $600-800k less! And if you are unhappy with the slightly longer travel times, $600-800k may just buy you a lifetime supply of cars or taxi/grab rides! 

   

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