Tan See Min, a 67-year-old Singaporean, is the third-generation owner of a conservation shophouse on 24 Purvis Street built in 1927. His family had operated a packaging and parcelling business from the first level of the shophouse, while the five bedrooms in the upper level were occupied by the family.

During World War II, Tan’s grandfather took his family to Kuraman Island in the South China Sea. After the war, the family returned to the same shophouse on Purvis Street where they had lived before. Tan’s grandfather then ventured into the sale and distribution of baking ingredients.

Also located nearby were a “dhobi” or laundry service and a glazier specialising in glass windows and other installations.

Tan’s father was an agent for SG Oxygen and would store up to 100 cylinders at the shophouse. He and Tan would make deliveries if needed, lorry-loads of cylinders.

In the 1970s, the streets of Purvis Street saw a few gang fights that lasted from there to Odeon Towers on North Bridge Road.

Additionally, Purvis Street was known for its Hainanese eateries. Chin Chin Eating House had been open since 1934 and was known for its chicken rice while Yet Con Restaurant served steamboat and Chicken rice and closed in 2021 after more than 70 years in business. Mooi Chin Place, a restaurant that opened in 1935, was famous for the pomfret and sambal dish, and Nam Tong Lee, a traditional Hainanese confectionery, for its mooncakes.

When Tan got married, he and his wife occupied the shophouse before moving to a new home. He is now the father of three adult daughters and a businessman, running Acmecon Engineers, a property development consultant with projects in China, the Middle East and Singapore.

The Jurong Lake District now has a new landmark: J’Den Condo, a luxury residential property with over 600 units. J’Den Condo offers residents a wide variety of amenities, such as a 50m Olympic-sized infinity lap pool, a gym, two tennis courts, a basketball court, and a playground. In addition, the condo is conveniently located near two MRT stations, the Lakeside and Chinese Garden stations. J’Den Condo is the perfect place for those looking for a high-end lifestyle.

Once his grandfather had died, Tan’s father and uncle became joint owners of the shophouse and after they passed away, Tan and his cousin took over ownership.

In 2016, Tan spent $1 million on refurbishing the interiors. He conserved the façade and added an attic level and a skylight. It now has high specifications, an efficient layout, generous ceiling height and ensuite washrooms on the first two floors.

The first and second storeys are approved for restaurant use, although the approval will expire on Aug 5, 2025, and Sept 20, 2025, respectively. Fizzy Dayz, a casual diner bar concept, occupies the first storey and board game café operator King & The Pawn the upper floors. The combined monthly rental rate for both tenants is $20,000.

Tan’s cousin, who is in his 80s, believes it is now time to sell the asset, thus Savills Singapore has been appointed exclusive marketing agent for the expression of interest (EOI) exercise that will close on June 21. The shophouse has a 999-year lease from Jan 25, 1827, a 1,679 sq ft site, an existing floor area of 3,702 sq ft and a plot ratio of 4.2.

The new owner may build a five-storey extension, increasing the floor area to 7,052 sq ft. Alternative uses such as hospitality, accommodation, wellness and healthcare can be explored, subject to approval from the relevant authorities.

Savills Singapore’s Yap Hui Yee notes that the shophouses on Purvis Street rarely come on the market for sale, with only eight transactions recorded by Realis from January 1995 to date. It will benefit from the renewal in the Civic and Cultural District and its vicinity to Raffles Hotel, Raffles City, South Beach and three MRT stations (Bugis Interchange, City Hall Interchange and Esplanade).

The new owner’s capital and rental value upside will be significant due to the nearby developments such as Guoco Midtown, Shaw Towers and The M. This property could be the perfect opportunity for a savvy investor.