Newton Lodge, a 16-unit apartment block near Novena MRT station, is making a second attempt at a collective sale.

The vendors are expecting a minimum of $44 million for the freehold 21,409 sq ft site zoned "residential", which reflects a land rate of $1,468 per sq ft per plot ratio (psf ppr), based on an allowable 1.4 gross plot ratio. The minimum asking price is the same as that in its previous attempt in January. If the sale is achieved, each owner gets between $2.5 million and $3 million.

Should the deal factor in an additional 8 per cent bonus gross floor area for balconies and communal areas, the reserve price translates to a lower rate of about $1,359 psf ppr. Development charges are not payable for the redevelopment.

The property may be redeveloped into a low-rise apartment project comprising up to 27 units, with an average size of 100 sq m per unit.

Newton Lodge is located about 400m from Novena MRT station and the Novena commercial cluster.

The Government intends to turn the Novena area into Singapore's largest healthcare hub by 2030.

When completed, Health City Novena, spanning across 17ha, will form an entire ecosystem revolving around health services as well as medical research and education, and integrated with commercial, leisure and public community spaces.

Subject to approval from the authorities, the Newton Lodge site may also be suitable for redevelopment into serviced residences or a custom-built co-living development. If approved for serviced apartments, it could potentially house around 50 to 60 rooms.

"Professionally run and organised co-living concepts... are still in their infancy in Singapore, and are expected to grow," said Mr Karamjit Singh, senior consultant at JLL. "We are beginning to receive a lot more inquiries from new co-living operators and investors looking to venture into Singapore."

The tender for Newton Lodge closes on July 11 at 2.30pm.

Newton Lodge is located about 400m from Novena MRT station and the Novena commercial cluster.