According to the HDB’s Resale Price Index, which tracks the overall price movement of the public housing market for resale properties, prices saw a steady increase since the 4th quarter of 2020 till now.
TLDR; it’s getting more expensive to get a home. If you’re looking for a resale HDB this year, here’s our list of the five cheapest estates to buy a resale HDB, across various unit types.
Disclaimer: Our list factors in the most updated median HDB resale prices.
Latest Median HDB Resale Prices
Here’s a breakdown of the latest median resale prices based on HDB’s data:
| Towns | 3-Room | 4-Room | 5-Room | Executive |
| Ang Mo Kio | $399,000 | $531,500 | $905,000 | * |
| Bedok | $378,000 | $514,000 | $740.000 | * |
| Bishan | * | $706,500 | * | * |
| Bukit Batok | $380,000 | $591,500 | $748,900 | * |
| Bukit Merah | $400,000 | $895,000 | $895,000 | * |
| Bukit Panjang | $390,000 | $528,000 | $645,000 | $818,000 |
| Choa Chu Kang | * | $510,000 | $600,000 | $760,000 |
| Clementi | $390,000 | $600,000 | * | * |
| Geylang | $345,000 | $588,000 | * | * |
| Hougang | $404,000 | $563,500 | $700,000 | $907,500 |
| Jurong East | $368,000 | $483,400 | $646,500 | * |
| Jurong West | $370,000 | $495,000 | $580,000 | $716,900 |
| Kallang/Whampoa | $403,000 | $848,000 | $924,000 | * |
| Pasir Ris | * | $570,000 | $688,000 | $828,000 |
| Punggol | $490,000 | $633,000 | $728,000 | * |
| Queenstown | $430,000 | $897,000 | * | * |
| Sembawang | $452,000 | $565,000 | $593,000 | * |
| Sengkang | $470,000 | $580,000 | $629,000 | $775,000 |
| Serangoon | $402,500 | $604,000 | $772,900 | * |
| Tampines | $440,000 | $600,000 | $700,400 | $878,500 |
| Toa Payoh | $365,000 | $834,000 | $870,000 | * |
| Woodlands | $393,000 | $512,000 | $615,000 | $848,000 |
| Yishun | $403,400 | $535,000 | $650,000 | $825,000 |
Note: The table is based on data from early-2024.
Most Popular Types of HDB Resale Units
You might also find it interesting to know that in 2024, the highest resale unit type applied for were 4-bedder units, followed by 3-bedder, and then 5-bedder units. Not surprising, given that many would typically purchase bigger units in anticipation of having a larger family size in the immediate future, such as when they have kids.
| Quarter | 1-Room | 2-Room | 3-Room | 4-Room | 5-Room | Executive | Total |
| 1Q2023 | 1 | 196 | 1,847 | 2,956 | 1,565 | 414 | 6,979 |
| 2Q2023 | 2 | 156 | 1,511 | 2,970 | 1,518 | 357 | 6,514 |
| 3Q2023 | 0 | 188 | 1,653 | 2,932 | 1,532 | 390 | 6,695 |
| 4Q2023 | 3 | 189 | 1,633 | 2,901 | 1,435 | 386 | 6,547 |
| 1Q2024 | 1 | 208 | 1,719 | 3,056 | 1,639 | 445 | 7,068 |
Note: The table is based on data from early-2024.
The Cheapest HDB Towns In 2024
1. Jurong West: $580,900 (5-room resale)
Image credit: HDB
Currently, you can find the cheapest 5-room resale flats in Jurong West. Previously, Jurong West was primarily an industrial estate, with a myriad of factories dotted along its vicinity.
Now, it has enjoyed extensive growth into an established town with excellent connectivity. In fact, the Jurong Region Line is slated to be introduced with 6 new stations to further improve residents’ accessibility to other parts of the west.
Image credit: Land Transport Authority
Aside from its burgeoning transport network, Jurong West is also home to attractions like the Singapore Discovery Centre, an interactive museum with exhibits centred around Singapore’s military history. Visitors who prefer more hands-on activities may also enjoy the paintball, archery, and laser tag attractions.
Image credit: Singapore Discovery Centre
For shopping mall offerings, the estate is also home to Jurong Point, the 5th largest shopping mall in Singapore. Patrons may immerse themselves in the exotic “Mongkok” street, a dining and shopping area styled to be reminiscent of the streets of Hong Kong.
Image credit: EatBook
Additionally, the “&JOY” Japanese-themed street is also available for those who prefer Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re craving Dim Sum or Ramen, Jurong point will only be a stone’s throw away for those residing in Jurong West.
2. Sembawang: $593,900 (5-room resale)
Image credit: HDB
Coming in second for the 5-room resale median price bracket, Sembawang is a relatively smaller non-mature estate sandwiched between the larger and older estates of Woodlands and Yishun. Formerly a rubber plantation estate with a bustling naval base and shipyards, Sembawang now is a thriving town, with many existing HDBs and even new condo developments sprouting up in the nearby Canberra district. Based on our checks, there are also a couple of resale HDBs available for purchase in Sembawang Close, Sembawang Drive and Canberra Crescent.
In terms of amenities, you’ll have the two main shopping malls: Sembawang Shopping Centre and Sun Plaza, which offer many dining and retail options. If you’re a foodie, you’ll be happy to know that Sembawang is also growing to be a foodie’s heaven. Think the original Sembawang White Bee Hoon, XXL Halal Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Cutlet, and Biryani cooked in bamboo.
Image credit: @e._.laine
The standout highlight of Sembawang has to be Sembawang Park. While it isn’t as big as the more popular East Coast Park, Sembawang Park does have plenty of offerings for the family, and especially if you have kids. Check out this guide of five things to do at Sembawang Park.
The Sembawang Hot Springs Park is also another iconic landmark
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
3. Choa Chu Kang: $510,000 (4-room resale)
Image credit: HDB
Choa Chu Kang is a bustling estate teeming with rich cultural heritage, from its significance in Singapore’s wartime history to little known details—like the fact that the town was once home to many tigers. These tigers were often hunted for the bounty associated with them.
Image credit: Tan Tuan Khoon, National Archives of Singapore
While you may not find any more Tigers to hunt in the town’s vicinity, there are other less exotic things you can do in Choa Chu Kang. For one, the estate is home to Safra Choa Chu Kang, a major entertainment hub where water activities can be done in the sheltered infinity pool.
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
If you prefer activities where you remain dry, Safra Choa Chu Kang also offers an array of sports facilities you can book with a group. Alternatively, golf enthusiasts will enjoy the town’s close proximity to Warren Golf & Country Club, which houses a massive golf course, as well as a quaint driving range to practise your swings.
Image credit: Warren Golf & Country Club
On top of its already existing amenities, Choa Chu Kang is set to undergo major development in the form of new commercial and social hubs. Prospective Choa Chu Kang residents will be pleased to know that there is much in store for them in the future.
Image credit: HDB
4. Jurong East: $483,400 (4-room resale)
Image credit: My Nice Home by HDB
Also coming in third alongside Woodlands is Jurong East, another relatively cheap estate for a 4-bedder HDB resale unit. Most of us may be familiar with Jurong East being the end of the line for the North-South MRT line; far from being ulu, it’s definitely a place to consider living in especially if you work in the West, or just are a “West Coast, best coast” kind of person.
That being said, living in Jurong – or anywhere along the ‘extremities’ of Singapore really – does come with its cons – travelling time to the city will take longer, sometimes the location might turn off your friends from visiting you regularly.
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
The heart of Jurong East starts at its MRT station. In its immediate vicinity, you have 2 shopping malls: JEM, and Westgate. These house favourites such as IKEA, Decathlon and Don Don Donki. IMM, which boasts a huge variety of outlet shops, is also a mere couple bus stops away – perfect if you’re looking for a bargain.
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
Another highlight of Jurong East has to be the Jurong East Swimming Complex, which is basically the West’s version of Wild Wild Wet or Adventure Cove Waterpark. The complex has three mega water slides, a lazy river and even a jacuzzi, which is amazing considering that it’s a public swimming pool and costs less than $2/entry on the weekends.
Image credit: @eatbooksg
Our top pick has to be the Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh, which has been around for over 30 years!
When it comes to food options, fret not. Jurong East has a vast selection of food gems ranging from classic hawker favourites to hipster cafes not just around the Jurong East hub alone, but peppered all around the estate town.
5. Geylang: $345,000 (3-room resale)
Image credit: HDB
In terms of 3-bedder resale HDBs, we were pretty surprised to see Geylang listed as the cheapest estate. After all, Geylang today is a bustling culturally-rich neighbourhood, underpinned by a long Malay heritage.
Image credit: @ouhello
In short, Geylang is a food paradise. With places like Swee Guan Fried Hokkien Mee, Sia Kee Duck Rice and J.B. Ah Meng Seafood, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice when it comes to getting a bite to eat. And of course if you’re feeling hungry in the wee hours, Geylang has a couple of 24/7 food outlets like 126 Dim Sum Wen Dao Shi (揾到食) and Imam Banana Leaf Restaurant.
Image credit: ahxuncorner
One of the crowning highlights of Geylang has to be Geylang Serai Market. During pre-covid times and especially during the Hari Raya period, the entire area transforms to a very vibrant and bustling neighbourhood, with lights, makeshift stalls and pasar malams lining the streets to usher in the festive mood.
Its location is also a big plus, being relatively central and connected to other parts of Singapore like the East and even the city. However, it’s a fairly mature estate with no major redevelopment planned in the immediate future, and so property prices have more or less plateaued.
Plus, while the government has made efforts to rezone Geylang, there’s still a small but significant mindset that associates Geylang with vice and its red light district, and so that may cause families with young children to think twice before purchasing a resale flat in Geylang.
Cheapest estates to buy a resale HDB in 2024
And that’s it! Our list of the five cheapest estates for you to buy a resale HDB unit in 2024, based on the HDB’s median property price index. Whether it’s the foodie paradise of Geylang, the family-filled fun at Jurong East or the great outdoors and nature of the north, each estate has its unique character and plus points that makes a case for a wonderful place to live in.
For more housing market content:
- 5 co-living studios for singles
- What you can buy in Thailand for the price of a 5 room
- Most affordable neighbourhoods to buy a 5-room HDB flat
Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal, HDB
This article was originally published on 8th March 2022, and was updated on 30th April 2024.
Drop us your email so you won't miss the latest news.
