Now that the dust has settled from the last BTO launch in May, those who were unsuccessful in securing a flat or weren’t too interested in its offerings might look to the next launch, scheduled for August. There will be over 6,300 BTO units up for sale in 6 estates: Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East, Tampines and Woodlands. Naturally, these units will see a wide range of flat types, ranging from 2-room units to 4-room units.
However, what certainly piques our interest is that unlike the recently concluded May launch, Choa Chu Kang will be the only non-mature estate offering 5-room units, so we can probably expect a good amount of buzz and interest over them.
If you’re looking to apply for a flat during the August 2022 BTO launch, here’s our breakdown on the Choa Chu Kang BTOs, and why they would be a good pick.
Location of Choa Chu Kang August 2022 BTO project
Image credit: HDB
Taking a look at the project details for Choa Chu Kang, there will be 980 units of 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room units available for application, though the exact breakdown is not known. The project sits right in the Keat Hong township, along the intersection of Keat Hong Link, Choa Chu Kang Ave 7 and Choa Chu Kang Grove. Fun fact: the whole Keat Hong precinct is named so because it used to be where the SAF’s Keat Hong Camp used to be.
One thing we can expect is that the newest project will be called “Keat Hong ___”. After all, the neighbouring HDB blocks include Keat Hong Verge, Keat Hong Mirage and Keat Hong Pride, and so the newest project would likely be named something along those lines as well.
Image adapted from: Google Maps
While the location isn’t exactly the most fantastic, there are still a good amount of amenities and connectivity options around the vicinity that won’t make you feel like you’re living in the middle of nowhere.
Transport options
If you happen to drive, you’ll be glad to know that the location is fairly decent, with major roads like Bukit Batok Road and Woodlands Road connecting the town to the wider Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Panjang districts. Else, getting around to other parts of Singapore won’t be too difficult, with the major highways of the BKE and KJE just a short drive away.
In terms of public transport options, the new BTO will be situated quite close to the LRT stations of Keat Hong and Teck Whye, at just a 5 to 10-minute walk away. Of course, there are plenty of bus options around the area so getting around wouldn’t be too much of a problem. The major MRT station here would be Choa Chu Kang MRT, which is about a 12-minute bus ride away.
Retail options and other amenities
Image credit: Capitaland
Apart from the smaller provision shops peppered around the estate, the closest large shopping malls would either be Lot One (adjacent to the Choa Chu Kang MRT station), or Junction 10. Both will require a travel time of over 15 minutes via public transport.
Though there aren’t too many amenities available right now, this is set to change in the long run, with more planned developments like a civic and community institution and a health and medical care facility in the pipeline.
Schools
There are a fair number of schools around the area. The new BTO project is actually just across the road from ITE College West, and schools like Choa Chu Kang Primary and Secondary schools, Teck Whye Primary and Secondary schools and Jurong Pioneer Junior College are just a short bus ride away. For families with young children, you’ll have Little Footprint Preschool and PCF Sparkletots about 5-10 minutes away.
Indicative prices
When it comes to prices, we unfortunately won’t know the exact prices of the new BTO flats until the launch date. However, what we can do is to look at the past launch prices of the surrounding past BTOs, which can give us a rough indication on how the new flats’ prices will be like.
Based on our checks, the best reference point would be the neighbouring Keat Hong Verge, which was a BTO project launched in August 2020. Then, prices for a 4-room unit started at $253,000, and a 3-room unit at $164,000.
If you’re interested in a 5-room unit, unfortunately there isn’t much to go on, but you’ll be interested to know that the median price of a 5-room unit in the area goes for about $565,000.
Image adapted from: HDB
Looking at the recently-transacted resale HDB units in Choa Chu Kang, prices are comparatively similar, and so there will be a modest appreciation in the long run, especially for 5-room units which are in shorter supply.
Redevelopment plans for CCK
Even though Choa Chu Kang is seemingly ulu for now, this is set to change with some redevelopment and transformation works in the pipeline over the next few years.
Image credit: SAFRA
For one, there will be a new SAFRA clubhouse opening later this year. It’ll be located next to Lot One and Choa Chu Kang MRT, and will feature a whole host of fitness and wellness facilities, alongside other recreational and F&B outlets.
For instance, there will be a sheltered swimming pool, an aqua gym, a sheltered futsal court and a sky running track at the new clubhouse. What’s also interesting is that the complex will be designed to be eco-friendly with energy-saving solar panels and natural ventilation.
Other than that, there are already works underway to improve the Choa Chu Kang township. According to the URA’s Master Plan for Choa Chu Kang, some upgrades to the area include improving access to green spaces like the Rail Corridor and also Limbang Park.There are also planned residential and commercial developments, all of which will definitely inject more vibrancy into the precinct.
Who should consider Choa Chu Kang for August BTO 2022?
So, with all that being said, who should consider Choa Chu Kang for the upcoming BTO launch?
Well for one, the BTO offerings would most likely be cheaper as compared to the other estates. Compared to places like Ang Mo Kio, Queenstown and Bukit Merah, Choa Chu Kang is considered a little out of the way, and so its location would certainly affect its price. If you’re on tight budget and don’t mind staying slightly further away from the central locations, then Choa Chu Kang is definitely a viable location. It’s also a fairly decent location, for those who are working in the West.
Of course, the biggest draw of Choa Chu Kang is that it’s the only non-mature estate in the August launch that will have 5-room units for sale. If you’re planning to have children in the future, then having the luxury of space would be a definite plus. It’s not very often that 5-room BTOs are up for application, even though the location isn’t the most ideal.
Don’t be too fazed by the perceived uluness of Choa Chu Kang; with the injection of new developments in the future, the estate will be pretty vibrant with a whole suite of amenities for residents.
How do you apply for it during BTO applications?
If all that has got you excited for the August launch, here’s what you can do in preparation for the application window.
For starters, it wouldn’t hurt to do your homework to check your eligibility for applying for a BTO. The easiest way is with HDB’s eligibility checker, but in a nutshell, you (or your spouse) have to be a Singaporean citizen or PR, and you must not own any other property. Take note of income ceilings too, which will differ from project to project.
When August eventually comes about, you’ll have about a week to submit your application. After which, it’ll mostly be a waiting game for the results. All the best!
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal, HDB
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