Singapore’s shophouse market enters 2026 on a stable and constructive footing, underpinned by resilient macroeconomic conditions and disciplined investor participation. Following strong economic momentum through 2025, with growth broad based across manufacturing, services, and trade related sectors. This supportive macro backdrop has provided a firm foundation for commercial real estate segments closely linked to business activity, consumer spending, and lifestyle driven demand, including shophouses.
While the increase was measured, it reflects underlying resilience in the segment amid a higher interest rate environment and cautious capital deployment. The ability for transaction volumes to hold and improve marginally suggests that buyers continue to identify value in well located and income generating shophouse assets, particularly those with strong tenant profiles and long-term repositioning potential. This pattern of activity indicates selective and purposeful acquisitions rather than speculative behaviour, supporting market stability heading into 2026.
Freehold shophouses continued to anchor market activity in 2025. This dominance underscores the enduring appeal of freehold tenure among investors prioritising long term ownership, asset security, and capital preservation. In a market characterised by structurally limited supply, freehold shophouses are widely viewed as generational assets, sustaining demand even in a more selective investment climate.
District level transaction patterns highlighted a clear preference for established city fringe and lifestyle driven precincts. District 08 recorded the highest number of caveated transactions, supported by strong footfall, central positioning, and cultural vibrancy. District 15 followed closely, reflecting sustained demand for heritage shophouses within Katong and Joo Chiat, underpinned by lifestyle appeal and tenant retention. Other districts such as Districts 07, 14, and 19 also saw continued activity, indicating selective interest in well-connected locations with evolving commercial profiles.
Looking ahead, demand for shophouse assets is expected to remain resilient in 2026. Structural supply constraints, sustained investor interest, and a more accommodative interest rate environment are likely to support transaction activity. Investor focus is expected to remain centred on freehold and long tenure shophouses located within established commercial and lifestyle precincts. Overall, the shophouse market is positioned for stable and selective growth, supported by sound economic fundamentals and enduring tenure preferences.
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Prepared By:
Mohan Sandrasegeran
Head of Research & Data Analytics
Email: mohan@sri.com.sg




