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 the HDB’s data:
| TOWNS | 3-ROOM | 4-ROOM | 5-ROOM | EXECUTIVE |
| ANG MO KIO | $340,000 | $480,000 | $655,000 | * |
| BEDOK | $330,000 | $455,900 | $645,000 | * |
| BISHAN | * | $600,000 | $804,000 | * |
| BUKIT BATOK | $335,000 | $468,000 | $634,800 | $715,000 |
| BUKIT MERAH | $371,800 | $766,500 | $828,000 | – |
| BUKIT PANJANG | $360,000 | $460,000 | $555,000 | $718,000 |
| BUKIT TIMAH | * | * | * | * |
| CENTRAL | $465,000 | $972,500 | * | – |
| CHOA CHU KANG | $380,000 | $472,500 | $552,500 | $647,500 |
| CLEMENTI | $370,500 | $728,000 | $656,500 | * |
| GEYLANG | $293,900 | $630,000 | $720,000 | * |
| HOUGANG | $340,000 | $471,000 | $585,000 | $780,000 |
| JURONG EAST | $346,000 | $450,000 | $640,000 | * |
| JURONG WEST | $333,900 | $457,000 | $530,000 | $631,000 |
| KALLANG/WHAMPOA | $377,500 | $690,000 | $804,000 | * |
| MARINE PARADE | $384,000 | * | * | – |
| PASIR RIS | * | $480,000 | $580,000 | $720,000 |
| PUNGGOL | $409,000 | $515,500 | $621,900 | * |
| QUEENSTOWN | $360,000 | $779,000 | $935,000 | – |
| SEMBAWANG | * | $439,000 | $501,500 | $568,000 |
| SENGKANG | $398,000 | $492,000 | $540,500 | $638,000 |
| SERANGOON | $360,000 | $491,900 | $626,800 | $800,000 |
| TAMPINES | $370,000 | $488,000 | $589,000 | $730,000 |
| TOA PAYOH | $309,000 | $630,900 | $894,900 | * |
| WOODLANDS | $335,000 | $430,000 | $505,000 | $701,000 |
| YISHUN | $345,000 | $450,000 | $580,000 | $690,000 |
Data retrieved: 28th February 2022
Most Popular Types of HDB Resale Units
You might also find it interesting to know that in 2021, the highest resale unit type applied for were 4-bedder units, followed by 5-bedder, and then 3-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 |
| 1Q2021 | 5 | 111 | 1,677 | 3,217 | 1,996 | 575 | 7,581 |
| 2Q2021 | 4 | 103 | 1,484 | 3,078 | 1,866 | 528 | 7,063 |
| 3Q2021 | 2 | 118 | 1,831 | 3,593 | 2,268 | 621 | 8,433 |
| 4Q2021 | 0 | 114 | 1,785 | 3,347 | 2,085 | 609 | 7,940 |
| Total for 2021 | 11 | 446 | 6,777 | 13,235 | 8,215 | 2,333 | 31,017 |
Data retrieved: 28th February 2022
3 Cheapest HDB Towns In 2022
5-Room Resale Units
Sembawang ($501,500)
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Image credit: HDB
The cheapest in 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
Woodlands ($505,000)
Image credit: @w74406
While Woodlands may be the second-cheapest estate in terms of 5-bedder resale units, we expect that this may not be the case in the future. Since 2017, Woodlands has seen many changes and enhancements which has really rejuvenated the entire estate to be more than just a sleepy town facilitating travel between Singapore and Malaysia.
One exciting development that’s currently underway is a planned new town plaza in Woodlands Central next to the MRT station, which will promise a vibrant community space for residents to come together for activities and interaction.
Our pick for a recreational highlight is the Woodlands Waterfront Park, which is the northernmost point of mainland Singapore. Its main draw is its unobstructed views of Johor Bahru along the waterfront.
And once you’re done, you can pop by the Rasa Istimewa Waterfront Restaurant, which serves both Malay and tze char style dishes.
Explore the Marsiling Bunkers
Image credit: Beyond Expeditions SG
Woodlands is chock-full of highlights from unique playgrounds and lookout tower at neighbouring Marsiling Park to the abandoned Marsiling Tunnel and WWII bunker.
Venturing out, it’s also conveniently located not too far away from the Kranji countryside, which offers an abundance of possible activities to do with the family over the weekends. You can enjoy a short scenic trek over at the nearby Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, pet and feed goats at Hay Dairies, or even take part in a farm tour at Bollywood Veggies.
4-Room Resale Units
Yishun ($450,000)
Image credit: SAA Architects
Contrary to popular belief, Yishun is not all about murderers, animal abusers and strange sightings. Though, we have had a cow sighted at a HDB lift landing…
Coming in third in terms of the lowest priced 4-bedder resale HDB units behind Sembawang and Woodlands, Yishun is actually a very vibrant estate town with many offerings in terms of dining, retail and recreational options.
Similar to Sembawang, Yishun is also a food lover’s paradise, with noteworthy eating spots such as the 618 SIM Carrot Cake and the newly opened Chen Kin HK Wanton Noodle by an ex-Crystal Jade chef.
As of 29th February 2022, there are over 470 resale HDB units up for sale in Yishun alone, and many of them are located fairly nearby to amenities for easy convenience.
The northern part of Yishun is also currently undergoing development to further transform the area – think new ECs and BTOs – so you can be sure that the overall property value in Yishun will increase in due time.
The crown jewel of Yishun is definitely Northpoint City. After all, it’s not just a mega shopping mall, but also where the Yishun Integrated Transport Hub is.
Jurong East ($450,000)
Image credit: My Nice Home by HDB
Also coming in third alongside Yishun 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.
The heart of Jurong East starts at its MRT station. In its immediate vicinity, you have three shopping malls: JEM, Westgate and JCube. 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.
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.
Our top pick has to be the Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee, Joo Siah Bak Koot Teh, which has been around for over 30 years!
Image credit: @eatbooksg
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.
3-Room Resale Units
Geylang ($293,900)
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 2022
And that’s it! Our list of the five cheapest estates for you to buy a resale HDB unit in 2022, 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.
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