The HDB BTO Oct 2023 exercise is in the pipeline, and it’s bringing a whopping 6,800 new flats to the table in Choa Chu Kang, Kallang/Whampoa, Queenstown, and Tengah.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why’s this BTO exercise happening in early October this time around?” The reason for this timing shift is a bit of a hiccup in the HDB Portal during the May BTO launch. Those technical glitches caused some major delays, and as a result, some applicants had to wait an extra month until end-August to get their ballot results, instead of the usual end-July schedule.
But fret not, the 3rd BTO launch of 2023 has finally arrived, and we’re here to spill the beans on what’s up for grabs.
Choa Chu Kang
Choa Chu Kang takes the lead in this BTO launch with a generous offering of 1,870 units, although it falls short of the record held by Tampines GreenVerge, which launched 2,022 units in 2020. Nevertheless, it’s a substantial BTO project, among the largest in recent times.
Image adapted from: HDB
With the full range of unit types from 2-Room Flexis to 5-Room and even 3Gen flats, we anticipate strong demand for Choa Chu Kang, especially among those seeking a western location that’s not too far out (e.g., Jurong, Boon Lay, Tengah).
Highlights:
- Availability of 5-Room flats, a perennial favourite that’s not offered in every BTO estate, and favoured for their spaciousness.
- Numerous nearby schools.
- Nestled in a green, nature-rich environment with direct access to the Rail Corridor.
Kallang/Whampoa
Similar to previous Kallang/Whampoa launches, this upcoming October BTO exercise will feature BTO offerings across multiple projects. To ensure you’re on the right track, double-check your application and confirm that you’re targeting the correct Kallang/Whampoa project. The last thing you want is to discover you’ve used a ballot for the wrong project.
In this exercise, Kallang/Whampoa will have a total of 2,910 units available.
Image adapted from: HDB
Two of the projects are in close proximity, situated at Jalan Rajah and Jalan Tenteram, just off Balestier and alongside the Kallang River. This location appears to be earmarked for significant residential development, as flats were also launched here in the February 2023 exercise.
Highlights:
- Convenient accessibility, particularly if you drive, with proximity to major CTE and PIE highways.
- Two shopping malls, Balestier Plaza and Zhongshan Mall, within reasonable distance.
- A relatively serene neighbourhood, ideal for those seeking a quieter atmosphere away from busy neighbourhood centres or MRT stations.
Image adapted from: HDB
The third site is located along Geylang Road, in a completely different area. We anticipate this will likely be the top choice for this upcoming exercise, as it’s centrally located with access to four nearby MRT stations. Our hunch is that it will also be designated as a PLH flat, so keep in mind that you’ll need to comply with the various terms associated with its PLH status, such as the 10-year MOP (Minimum Occupation Period).
Image adapted from: HDB
Highlights:
- Quick access to four nearby MRT stations.
- Conveniently located in the central area with easy access to the CBD.
- Proximity to Singapore’s sports hub, including the Sports Hub, Kallang Squash and Tennis Centre, Kallang Netball Centre, and a forthcoming Kallang Football Hub.
Queenstown
If you’ve been following BTO updates, you’re probably aware that Queenstown is like the A+ student who consistently outperforms the rest of the class. This time, we can brace ourselves for another round of high demand for Queenstown BTO flats.
This time, there will be 970 3-Room and 4-Room flats up for grabs in Queenstown. These flats will be situated at the intersection of One-North Crescent and Commonwealth Drive, with a portion of the Green Corridor running through the area.
Image adapted from: HDB
Highlights:
- Conveniently close to Commonwealth MRT, just a short walk away.
- A cluster of well-known schools in the vicinity.
- Similar to Choa Chu Kang, the BTO project offers direct access to the Rail Corridor, right at your doorstep.
Tengah
As the newest housing estate in Singapore, Tengah has been a mainstay in the past few BTO exercises, as it continues to take shape and develop into a bustling neighbourhood. In the upcoming BTO launch, Tengah will offer 1,010 units, ranging from 2-Room Flexis to 5-Room flats.
Image adapted from: HDB
If you’re gunning for a 5-room flat and don’t mind staying in a very young estate in the West, then you actually might stand a good chance in balloting for one. In our previous Tengah estate guide for this upcoming BTO exercise, we noted that the application rate for 5-room flats in Plantation Verge (Tengah) was 1.8 in the May 2023 BTO exercise, compared to 3.5 in Bedok and a staggering 13.8 in Serangoon.
Highlights:
- 5-Room flats available, with potentially higher chances of securing one compared to Choa Chu Kang.
- A future MRT station (along the Jurong Region Line) right at your doorstep.
- A good number of (future) schools are in close proximity, including ACS (Primary), which is on the other side of Tengah but still conveniently accessible.
HDB BTO Oct 2023
In case you missed it, do also note that there are several special terms and conditions that kick in for this upcoming BTO exercise and all future BTO exercises after.
First, if you’re a first-time applicant and you’re invited to select a BTO flat but choose not to, you’ll be considered a second-timer in subsequent flat applications for a year. Additionally, if you’re applying under the new First-Timer (Parents and Married Couples) priority category, you’ll receive an extra ballot chance, totaling three chances.
Our advice is to be absolutely certain about your preferred BTO project and be flexible with your unit choice when invited to select a flat. Being a second-timer can significantly reduce your chances in future BTO or SBF unit applications.
For a detailed analysis of the estates featured in this upcoming BTO exercise, don’t forget to check out our estate guides.
- HDB BTO Aug 2023 Kallang/Whampoa Review
- HDB BTO Aug 2023 Queenstown Review
- HDB BTO Aug 2023 Choa Chu Kang Review
- HDB BTO Aug 2023 Tengah Review
Cover image adapted from: HDB
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