BTO season is almost upon us again! This upcoming Oct 2024 BTO launch will see 8,573 BTO units offered across 15 projects in 9 neighbourhoods. Under the new BTO classification system, there will be 8 Standard projects, 7 Plus projects, and 1 Prime project.
Under the Plus category, the two Kallang/Whampoa projects—Kallang View and Towner Breeze—stand out. If you’re considering whether to apply for these projects, here’s a quick overview weighing their pros and cons.
Upcoming Oct 2024 Plus BTO launches in Kallang/Whampoa
Kallang View
Image credit: HDB
Kallang View is an upcoming Oct 2024 BTO launch with 271 units up for grabs. There are about 70 3-room flats and 200 4-room units on offer. Located between Geylang Bahru and Kallang MRT stations, the former station is a 7-minute walk away while the latter is a 15-minute walk away.
From Geylang Bahru MRT station, future residents are 2 MRT stops away from MacPherson MRT station (Downtown Line, Circle Line); 5 MRT stops from Chinatown MRT station (North East Line, Downtown Line). You could get to the Central Business District (CBD) in under 15 minutes via MRT station.
Bounded by the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway and Upper Boon Keng Road, this project overlooks the Pelton Canal and has a Park Connector attached.
While there are no hawker centres, supermarkets, or provision shops in the immediate vicinity, that is set to change once the project is built. Meanwhile, residents can take advantage of Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre and Fairprice Kallang Bahru which are a 10-minute walk from the site.
Those with young children may want to consider how there are no nearby primary schools. The closest educational institutes are James Cook University (Singapore) and The Winstedt School.
Towner Breeze
Image credit: HDB
Towner Breeze is a 355-unit BTO launch, bounded by the Central Expressway and May Road. In this project, there are only 2-room Flexi and 4-room flats available.
The nearest MRT station to the launch is Boon Keng MRT station, which is a 10-minute walk away. Via the North East Line station, future residents are two MRT stops away from Little India MRT station (North East Line, Downtown Line); three MRT stops from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station (North East Line, Circle Line, North South Line); five stops from Outram Park MRT station (North East Line, East-West Line, Thomson-East Coast Line).
Residents can also access the amenities and dining options located by Boon Keng MRT stations for their daily needs. Nearby schools include Hong Wen School, Northlight School, Bendemeer Secondary School, Bendemeer Primary School.
Like the Kallang View project, future residents have a park connector at their doorstep. The Whampoa Park Connector gives access to paths along the Whampoa River, which make for a pleasant stroll in the evenings.
Key highlights of Kallang View and Towner Breeze
Within walking distance of an MRT station, close to the CBD
The clear advantage of these two Plus Kallang/Whampoa Oct 2024 BTO flats is that they are a stone’s throw from the city centre. Those who work in the CBD and Downtown Core can expect a fifteen-minute or less commute. Each project’s nearest MRT stations are accessible with just a 10-minute walk.
Good connectivity to the rest of island
Additionally, you can easily switch MRT lines due to the nearest MRT interchange stations being merely a few stops away. If you do not wish to take the MRT station, both locations are well-serviced by numerous buses that can take you across the island.
Developed amenities in established neighbourhoods
Image credit: Google Maps
Both the Geylang Bahru and Boon Keng neighbourhoods have developed amenities. Hawker centres, an NTUC Fairprice, among other shops and conveniences are easily accessible. And if the surrounding neighbourhood doesn’t offer you what you need, you can always travel to the city centre.
Overlooking canals and access to the park connector
Image credit: Google Maps
As both projects are close to the tributaries that feed the larger Kallang River, future residents will enjoy views of the water.
Being able to live in the heart of the city while still having convenient access to the Park Connector Network is a huge plus for those who enjoy exercising. Strolling or jogging by these waterways becomes easy.
Potential drawbacks of Kallang View & Towner Breeze
Longer MOP, cannot rent out entire flat, tighter resale criteria
Plus projects have a Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) of 10 years. Furthermore, you are not allowed to rent out the entire flat, even after the MOP is fulfilled.
Unlike Standard flats, there will be some resale flat restrictions that come with Plus flats. For example, at least one buyer must be Singaporean when buying a resale Plus flat. Additionally, resale buyers will have an imposed income ceiling of $14,000 for both families and singles
Also, there will be a subsidy clawback upon selling the unit on the open market for the first time. These restrictions are put in place to encourage families to put roots down in these neighbourhoods. More importantly, these rules limit the lottery effect and discourage those who intend to “flip” BTO flats for a quick profit.
That being said, competition might not be as tough due to these additional rules.
Likely to be more pricey than Standard flats
With the stellar location and built up amenities in the neighbourhood, it is expected that the Kallang View and Towner Breeze BTO flats will be more pricey. However, the good news is that there will be more subsidies provided for Plus flats to keep them affordable.
If we’re looking at the old Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) model as a guide, we can expect 2-room Flexi units to start from about $190,000, 3-room flats at about $360,000, and 4-room flats to cost about $530,000 onwards.
Less schools in the city centre
Those who intend to have children may have to contend with travelling further distances when sending their kids to school.
Of the two Plus Oct 2024 BTO projects in Kallang/Whampoa, Towner Breeze is closer to a range of primary schools. However, both BTO launches are not near many secondary schools or public tertiary schools.
How Kallang View & Towner Breeze matches up to other Plus BTO projects
All Plus projects in the October 2024 BTO launch
| BTO project | Flat type and unit mix | Biggest selling point |
| Kallang View (Kallang/Whampoa) | 271 flats (3-room, 4-room) | Near CBD, within 7-minute walk of Geylang Bahru MRT station |
| Towner Breeze (Kallang/Whampoa) | 355 flats (2-room Flexi, 4-room) | Near CBD, within 10-minute walk of Boon Keng MRT station |
| Central Trio (Ang Mo Kio) | 422 flats (2-room Flexi, 4-room) | Between Yio Chu Kang and Ang Mo Kio MRT station, many malls and schools nearby |
| Bayshore Vista (Bedok) | 734 flats (2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room) | Near East Coast Park, new neighbourhood, walking distance of Bayshore MRT station |
| Bayshore Palms (Bedok) | 710 flats (2-room Flexi, 4-room) | Near East Coast Park, new neighbourhood, walking distance of Bayshore MRT station |
| Kembangan Wave (Bedok) | 348 flats (2-room Flexi, 4-room) | 2-minute walk from Kembangan MRT station, Bedok Mall and amenities easily accessible |
| Merpati Alcove (Geylang) | 433 flats (Community Care Apartments, 4-room) | 1-minute walk from Mattar MRT station |
While prices of the Plus projects have not yet been released, it is safe to say Kallang View and Towner Breeze will likely be the most expensive. This is because the two projects are closest to the city centre. A close second and third could be Central Trio and Merpati Alcove, respectively. However, it is unlikely that the price differential between the various Plus projects to be too great.
Those who enjoy living in the east will undoubtedly find the Bayshore Vista, Bayshore Palms, and Kembangan Wave projects enticing. The two Bayshore BTO launches are the largest, likely because they are launches in a new neighbourhood. Those who do not mind waiting for facilities to be slowly built in Bayshore can try for these homes. Chances are, you’ll secure a unit in this coveted project. Did we mention the Bayshore units will have floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise sea views?
Conclusion: A worthy bid? Who should apply?
If you commute regularly to the CBD, enjoy the hustle-and-bustle of city living, and want to live in already-established neighbourhoods, Kallang View and Towner Breeze are for you. However, competition for these units may be stiff due to limited quantities.
Additionally, these homes may be more suited to those who intend to keep families small (the largest flat type is a 4-room flat for the two projects). Schooling options are also limited, so your child may have to commute longer daily distances.
Read our review on Crawford Heights, the only Prime project to be launched this October 2024.
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Cover image adapted from: HDB
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