Shoebox units - typically 500 sq ft or smaller, with lower total prices to go with them - are gaining a foothold in Singapore's property market.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) expects the number of small units to surge from 2,400 to beyond 8,200 units by the end of 2015, The Straits Times reported.

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With maximising of storage and living space becoming a design priority, property developers such as City Developments Limited (CDL) and Far East Organization have incorporated space-saving features into their new projects.

For example, CDL has a unique storage space system for some of its developments like The Palette in Pasir Ris.

One-bedroom apartments at The Palette range from 495 sq ft to 700 sq ft. Said project manager Allen Ang: "We are always looking into exploring new ideas where space saving is key."

He found a customised hinge system to prevent storage cover from slamming. His patent-pending design is a hit with the customers.

Far East Organization has also taken the design of living space to a new level with its newly launched Hillsta project in Choa Chu Kang. The development is a mix of Soho, condo and townhouse units, with Soho one-bedroom units ranging from about 540 sq ft to 600sq ft.

The Soho units have a 3.4m floor to ceiling height, and buyers are given the option to include a platform that can accommodate a bed.

This article was first published in The New Paper.