As we count down to the end of 2023, all eyes are on the last BTO exercise of the year, which is happening this December. This time around, there are 6,010 brand new BTO flats up for sale across 8 projects in 7 estates. This is probably one of the most diverse BTO exercises ever, given that typically you’d only have 4 or 5 estates per BTO launch. In any case, having more choices couldn’t hurt.
If you’ve been holding out for some better BTO options, or just have been terribly unlucky to get a flat this year, then join us as we break down all the deets to the final BTO exercise of 2023.
Woodlands
One of our top picks for this December BTO exercise is Woodlands where there are 2 projects launching next to each other. The first site is right next to Woods Square, which is adjacent to Causeway Point shopping centre and the Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub. 840 units will be available here in most HDB configurations from 2-Room Flexis right up to 5-room flats.
Image credit: HDB
Given the proximity to a shopping centre, bus interchange and MRT station – it is literally across the road, after all – you can expect them to be one of, if not the most popular projects this BTO exercise. We expect the 5-room flats to be hotly contested, especially since most homebuyers would want large homes.
Image credit: HDB
The second site is actually just across the road, and has 380 units of 3- and 4-room flats on offer. It’s actually quite a good pick if you want a little bit of separation away from the hustle and bustle of Woodlands Central, though you might have to bear with the noise and bright lights from the sports complex across the road from the project site.
Highlights:
- Next to Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub, which comprises a bus interchange and 2 MRT lines (North-South Line and Thomson-East Coast Line)
- Close proximity to plenty of schools
- Likely to be affordable and reasonably priced
Bishan
Another estate that we’re anticipating to be a star performer in this Dec 2023 BTO exercise is Bishan. This is because it’s very rare for a mature estate like Bishan to have BTO flats for sale, given how the estate is more or less fully developed and doesn’t have any space to accommodate new flats.
To be precise, the new BTO flats (730 units of 3- and 4-room) are located along Sin Ming Road, which is further away from the main Bishan Central that most of us would be familiar with. Fun fact: the last flats that were built in this area were completed back in 1988!
Image credit: HDB
Highlights:
- Easy access to 3 MRT lines (North-South Line, Circle Line, and Thomson-East Coast Line)
- Close proximity to some reputable brand-name schools like Ai Tong, Catholic High and Raffles Institution
- Located next to private residential developments like condos and landed houses, which helps to drive up its appeal factor in the long run
Bedok
Another estate that will feature 2 projects in the upcoming BTO launch is Bedok, which will have 470 units of 3-, 4- and 5-room flats in one project, and 760 units of Community Care Apartments, 3-, 4- and 5-room flats in the other. Both projects are essentially side by side, along Chai Chee Lane and Bedok North Road.
Just to rejig your memory: Community Care Apartments are regular HDB BTO flats that are outfitted with elderly-friendly features such as non-slip flooring and grab bars in toilets to aid seniors, as well as other community services meant to assist the elderly with moving in and living in the estate.
Image credit: HDB
Highlights:
- Right next to the entrance to the PIE expressway
- Bedok North MRT station would be just a short 5 min walk away, depending on the future pedestrian features
Bukit Merah
Making its return to the BTO scene since its last appearance in August 2022, Bukit Merah has 900 units of 2-room Flexi, 3- and 4-room flats up for sale. Located along Alexandra Road, the BTO project is in quite a favourable central location and thus will be another popular pick for homebuyers.
Take note that if past data is anything to go by, this BTO project will be classified as a PLH flat, owing to its location being at the city fringe in central Singapore. However, if you’re willing to overlook the 10-year MOP and other restrictions associated with its PLH status, then Bukit Merah can be a great location for young families.
Image credit: HDB
Highlights:
- A 10-minute walk to Redhill MRT
- Right next to the Alexandra Canal for a waterfront living vibe
- Plenty of schools nearby, including several brand-name schools like Gan Eng Seng School and Crescent Girls School
Bukit Panjang
With only 330 units of 2-room Flexi and 4-room flats up for sale, the upcoming Bukit Panjang BTO project is a small development that’s nestled amidst nature and several existing and upcoming condominiums nearby. While this means that you get to escape from the typical hustle and bustle of town centres, the tradeoff is that amenities like shopping malls and MRT stations are a longer walk away.
Image credit: HDB
Highlights:
- Close to nature spots such as Dairy Farm Nature Park, Chestnut Nature Park and the Rail Corridor
- Located fairly close to 3 LRT stations
- Will be one of the cheaper-priced BTO flats for sale during this launch exercise
Jurong West
If you’ve been living in the West all your life, and have no plans of changing that status, then the upcoming Jurong West BTO might be your cup of tea.
For this upcoming Dec 2023 BTO exercise, Jurong West will feature 710 brand new BTO flats, with the full suite of unit types from 2-room Flexis right up to 5-room flats. Its exact location is along Jurong West Street 42, but perhaps what’s more exciting is that it’ll be right next to a canal, giving residents waterfront living vibes that add appeal to its location.
Having a body of water in between the project and the PIE is also beneficial as it will break up some of the noise and dust pollution generated by the expressway.
Image credit: HDB
In case you didn’t already know, there are massive plans underway to rejuvenate the entire Jurong district over the next few years. Eventually, the goal is for Jurong to be Singapore’s ‘second CBD’, with a complete redevelopment of the Jurong Lake District area and its surrounding parts to accommodate more offices, commercial spaces and residential developments. Going by its location, this upcoming Jurong West BTO project will certainly benefit from these plans, making this a fantastic location that’s bound to attract healthy demand for units.
Highlights:
- Plenty of schools nearby, making this an excellent choice for those with or planning to have kids
- Site will be close to the future Jurong Innovation District, which could also mean a healthy rental demand
- Estate is quite developed, so there will be no lack of amenities and eating spots available
Queenstown
Historically, Queenstown has always been a high-performing estate at BTO launches. And for good reason: its excellent location at the city fringes, coupled with its association of being an atas neighbourhood with the many condominiums and landed housing estates nearby, makes Queenstown one of the stellar picks if you ever had to choose a region to live in.
For December’s BTO exercise, you can’t get any better than the upcoming Queenstown BTO project – 890 units of 3-room and 4-room, located right next to Dover MRT.
For those who are familiar with the area, you might recognise this as the Eastern half of the existing Dover forest, which is being progressively cleared out to make space for new residential developments in the area. There have already been prior BTO projects launched in the immediate vicinity, so it seems like this will be the final HDB BTO project.
Image credit: HDB
Because of its fantastic location, there’s a high chance that this Queenstown BTO project will be yet another PLH project. It’ll also likely cost significantly more than the rest of its counterparts in this Dec 2023 BTO exercise. However, one saving grace is that there are only 3-room and 4-room flats available, so larger families will likely turn their attention elsewhere where 5-room flats are offered instead.
Highlights:
- Literally right next to the existing Dover MRT station
- Right next to Ulu Pandan canal, which gives you a view
- A decent number of tertiary-level institutes nearby
HDB BTO Dec 2023 exercise
If you’ve been holding out on a BTO application waiting for some good choices to come about, then December’s selections are definitely worth considering. Based on what we know so far, our take is that the most popular estates will be Queenstown, Woodlands and Bukit Merah, primarily due to their very favourable locations but also because of other factors such as the availability of amenities and schools nearby.
Also to note, first-time applicants who are invited to select a BTO flat but choose not to for whatever reason will be considered second-timers in subsequent flat applications for a year. As such, it’s important to be absolutely sure about your preferred BTO project, and be flexible with your unit choice when invited to select a flat.
If you’re applying under the new First-Timer (Parents and Married Couples) priority category, the good news is that you’ll receive an extra ballot chance, giving you a total of 3 chances.
Read more articles here:
- 10 Housing Terms Explained In Plain English
- Why Do Some HDB Blocks Have VIP Lobbies?
- Is It Safe To Find Rental Units On Carousell & Facebook Groups?
Cover image from: TheSmartLocal, HDB
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