As we approach the end of the year, the final Build-To-Order (BTO) launch has also approached. If you have not managed to ballot for a unit in the past launches, here’s your chance! The highly anticipated November BTO Launch will feature 8 sites. The launch includes a central location, Rochor, alongside mature estates like Kallang/Whampoa. If you’re still pondering, this article will give you a quick rundown of the main pros and cons of each site.
Rochor (Central)
This is undoubtedly an attractive location due to its proximity to central areas. This BTO launch is also right next to the upcoming Jalan Besar MRT Station and sits next to Sim Lim Tower. This launch also features 3-room and 4-room flats with a total of 960 units. This makes it a decent sized establishment, suitable for smaller families. It is also mere minutes away from Bugis MRT by foot and is near Stamford Primary School and LaSalle. Besides its prime location, it also has many amenities nearby, including religious institutions.
However, if you are planning to bid for this BTO in hopes of getting windfall gains in the future, hold your horses. Rochor BTO has also been highlighted as the first BTO under the new scheme Prime Location Public Housing (PLH). Which means, it falls into the 10-year MOP, subsidy claw backs upon sale and ringfencing of resale buyers. This means that the prices of these units maybe limited upon resale. Sellers may have less gains than other central HDB units, such as the Pinnacle@Duxton. Nonetheless, these flats are likely to be sought after due to its prime location.
Kallang/Whampoa
The Kallang/Whampoa site offers 430 units, split between 2-room flexi and 4-room flats.
Although it is a distance away from Farrer Park MRT and Little India MRT, it offers great convenience by bus. As it is right next to the Central Expressway, it may not be suitable if you are a strong believer of Feng Shui. Even so, it is conveniently located next to the neighborhood centre.
From past application rates, this area has been quite popular amongst applicants.
Choa Chu Kang
This site has only 60 2-room Flexi units and is likely to cater for elderly. There is a polyclinic nearby and is located at the centre of Yew Tee Town. It is next to Yew Tee MRT, Yew Tee Square and Yew Tee CC. Additionally, Yew Tee Park is also next to the establishment.
This is likely to be part of the Yew Tee Integrated Development, which is the project’s working name. This development will have a polyclinic, a kidney dialysis centre and a hawker centre. In hopes of creating a vertical kampung, this launch would also be connected by a green spine from Keat Hong to Limbang to Yew Tee.
Jurong West
The Jurong West launch features 220 units split between 3-room and 4-room flats. It will be suitable for smaller families, or young newly-weds. It may not be near Pioneer MRT Station but is within walking distance to education institutions, such as Juying Secondary School and Xingnan Primary School. It is also not too far from National Technological University NTU). Moreover, as it is quite near PIE, it will become a convenient site if bus routes were to pass by in the future.
There is amenities such as Jurong West Sport Hall and parks like Yunnan Gardens. This makes the site desirable for those who wish to live in the quieter suburbs. Do note that the town centre and Jurong Point are at least 1 MRT stop away. Hence, making this site less attractive due to its inaccessibility.
Hougang
Amongst the November BTO launches, there are 2 sites in Hougang. The first plot features 300 units, with a combination of 4-room and 5-room flats.
The second plot is just across the street. It is slightly larger, offering 390 units comprising of 4-room and 5-room flats.
There are larger flats being offered in this BTO launch. Hence, larger families can consider this as a viable option.
These developments are situated near medical centres and greenery. However, it may be less accessible as it further from public transport such as Kovan MRT station and Bartley MRT station.
From the application history for 4-room flats, this BTO launch is likely to remain highly contested.
Tengah
In the upcoming BTO launch, 2 sites are located in the highly anticipated Tengah.
Both sites offer a variety of units ranging from 2-room Flexi to 5-room flats, with the first location offering 1,000 units.
Situated across the road, the second plot has 1,120 units available.
Tengah will be Singapore’s first sustainable town. It would also feature high-technological elements, alongside car-free zones. Aside from a central cooling system, residents in Tengah would get to enjoy the forest town with parks within walking distance.
Additionally, these two sites are situated relatively close to Bukit Batok. This means accessibility to schools like Dunearn Secondary School and medical centres. The upcoming integrated neighbourhood centre would include a bus interchange. It will also include Tengah Plantation MRT in Jurong Region Line (JRL) and a local polyclinic.
From past take-up rates, 5-room types were the most popular, suggesting that larger families have plans to move into Tengah.
Regardless of which development you have set your eyes on, it is best to be prudent on application criteria and financing. You can find out your loan eligibility in this article. Or, you can speak to our mortgage advisors for personalized advice today.
