Hundreds thronged the showflat of The Hillford, the first development here being sold as a "retirement resort" on Saturday.

The project in Jalan Jurong Kechil, which has a leasehold of only 60 years compared with the usual 99, is also one of the first property launches for the new year. It will have a 24-hour concierge service, a full-time resort manager, and commercial units such as restaurants and clinics.

For ease of movement, corridors will be wider and each block will have two lifts. Toilets in the units will have emergency call buttons leading to the concierge.

The visitors to the showflat ranged from those in their 40s - mostly looking to buy and rent out - to those over 70 years old exploring the possibility of moving in.

"I'm here as I'm curious, the units are small and it's easier to tidy up," said a 70-year-old retiree who wanted to be known as Mdm Tan.

The development by World Class Land has 281 residential units. While the showflat opened yesterday units will start being sold only in about two weeks' time.

The indicative prices start from $388,000 for a 398 sq ft one-bedroom unit, $498,000 for a 506 sq ft two bedder, and $648,000 for a 657 sq ft two-bedroom dual key unit.