Unearthly Riches: Why Homes Built on Former Burial Grounds Thrive in Singapore”

Superstitions and urban legends often cast a shadow over homes built on former cemeteries, with stories of ghostly encounters and haunted grounds. Many people avoid properties with a history of death or cemeteries beneath them, but others view these spaces as "green lungs" or a unique amenity. This duality has led to mixed perceptions about living on or near former burial grounds.

In land-scarce Singapore, however, these spaces have had to make way for development, leading to urban areas on land previously designated for graves. Singapore’s approach to land redevelopment has consistently optimised the use of available land, including former graveyards. But how have property prices performed in these areas?

Through a fascinating project to digitise Singapore’s historical cemeteries, it’s estimated that the island once held around 30 burial grounds. We take a look at property prices and demand for homes in three redeveloped cemetery sites: Tai Suah Ting, Tiong Bahru, and Peck San Theng.

Tai Suah Ting: From Resting Place to Prime Real Estate

In 1845, Ngee Ann Kongsi established the Tai Suah Ting cemetery on a large parcel of land near today’s Orchard Road. The site remained undisturbed until 1957 when it was cleared for commercial and luxury developments. Now, this area boasts some of Singapore’s most luxurious real estate. District 9, where Tai Suah Ting was located, consistently shows the highest demand median prices in Singapore, according to DataSense by PropertyGuru . Despite recent cooling measures targeting foreign buyers, demand for properties in this prime district remains resilient, showing that historical context hasn’t deterred buyers from the area’s exclusive appeal.

Figure 1: Demand and Supply Index of a Project at Orchard Road

Tiong Bahru: From “New Cemetery” to Hip Urban Enclave

Tiong Bahru’s name itself reflects its history as a cemetery, derived from “tiong” (Chinese for “cemetery”) and “bahru” (Malay for “new”). By the 1920s, a village had grown around the burial ground, leading to a large-scale relocation of graves to Bukit Brown. This transformation made way for the iconic Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flats, which are now some of the most sought-after residences.

Despite an expiring lease and limited tenure, Tiong Bahru’s SIT flats have seen steady price appreciation since 2017. The latest transaction values a flat at S$745,000, underscoring the neighbourhood’s enduring appeal. Known for its blend of traditional eateries, chic cafes, and a nostalgic charm, Tiong Bahru has turned from taboo to trendy.

Figure 2: Average HDB transaction price of an 88 Sqm Unit former SIT flat at Tiong Bahru

Peck San Theng: From Cemetery to Sought-After Bishan

Peck San Theng cemetery, located in present-day Bishan, served as a burial ground for over a century before exhumation began in 1982 to pave the way for Bishan New Town. Today, Bishan is one of Singapore’s most popular HDB towns, thanks to its excellent connectivity via the North-South and Circle MRT lines and its proximity to top-tier schools.

Property prices in Bishan have consistently grown, with the average price of a five-room flat on a steady upward trend since 2017. The high demand in this area reflects a broad acceptance and even enthusiasm for properties on land with a storied past.

Figure 3 Average Transacted Price of a 5-room flat in Bishan

Why Do Redeveloped Graveyards Thrive?

Rapid urbanisation, transportation improvements, and shifting perspectives have contributed to the success of these redeveloped sites. What were once rural agricultural areas far from the urban core have become accessible, thriving neighbourhoods as the city expanded outward. The question for the future, however, is how burial grounds will evolve in a dense urban environment with increasing land scarcity.

Singapore’s unique journey of transforming former cemeteries into high-demand urban spaces is a testament to its pragmatic approach to land use. And it might just make you wonder—what lies beneath doesn’t always deter what rises above.