As an estate that’s close to town and has plenty of amenities, Kallang/Whampoa is always a popular choice when it’s up for grabs in BTO launches. The mature estate, which sits in the District 12 Rest of Central Region (RCR), is famous for its rich heritage and a multitude of amenities that have been built over the years. It is well-connected to the rest of Singapore via public transport and car.
If you missed out on getting a flat in Kallang/Whampoa at the last BTO exercise in May, fret not because this time around, there will be 2,910 flats up for sale at the upcoming August 2023 launch. Here’s why this estate – despite some flaws – will likely be the hottest location in the August 2023 BTO exercise.
Where will the new BTO flats be located?
From what we know, Kallang/Whampoa will see about 2,910 flats being launched this August, across 3 projects in different locations. Of the 3, 2 are relatively close to each other, while the third is further away.
1,040 units at Jalan Tenteram
Image adapted from: HDB
The first site is located just along Jalan Tenteram in Whampoa, bordering the intersections between the PIE and CTE expressways. The site will house 1,040 units of 3-room and 4-room units. Based on past BTO launch prices in the area, you can expect prices for a 4-room flat to be between $460K-$690K.
Ironically, one of the biggest drawbacks of this site, which will undoubtedly affect the application response for this project in central Singapore, is its location.
Image credit: shawnanggg
As the project is located right next to two major highways, you can expect a fair amount of traffic noise throughout the day. High-floor units may be subject to more traffic noise, while low-floor units may be susceptible to the dust pollution that will be generated from the highway. Well, at least you get to pick your poison?
In addition, the site isn’t near any MRT station. The closest stations are Toa Payoh or Potong Pasir, both of which are 10-minute bus rides away.
Still, the location is actually pretty decent, all things considered. For one, towns such as Toa Payoh, Potong Pasir, and Boon Keng are not too far away, and these estates have all your usual amenities and popular food haunts as well. For families with children, there are institutions such as St Andrew’s Junior School and Bendemeer Secondary School located nearby.
Another concern is if this project will be considered a PLH flat, given that a few other projects within the same estate have been launched as such. But in this case, it’s unlikely as the location isn’t exactly prime.
Hence, we foresee this project being the least popular out of the three Kallang/Whampoa BTO sites this time around. And so, if you’re not too fussy and don’t mind dealing with the noise and dust pollution that comes with living next to a highway, you’ll stand a pretty good chance of snagging a flat here.
730 units at Jalan Rajah
Image adapted from: HDB
The second site of the Kallang/Whampoa BTO launch is just a short walk away from the Jalan Tenteram one. Here, there are 730 units of 2-room Flexi and 4-room flats being launched. If the site’s name sounds familiar, that’s because it’s almost right next to the Rajah Summit BTO project, which was launched back in February 2023.
Image credit: HDB
The lack of 3-room options may deter some, but it shouldn’t be an issue unless you’re on a very strict budget. For example, Rajah Summit had 3-room flats priced at $326K before grants and subsidies, whereas 4-room flats were from $459K onwards. Our take is that the difference isn’t that significant in the grand scheme of things, so those with a bit more flexibility in their budget can and should go for the 4-room option instead.
Location-wise, this upcoming Jalan Rajah project will be marginally better than the Jalan Tenteram one. You’re still relatively close to the PIE stretch, but flats here will be shielded from the CTE stretch. Looking at the map, the site is closer to amenities and other projects compared to the Jalan Tenteram one which is tucked away in a corner, but you’re still going to have to take a 10- to 15-minute bus ride to the nearest MRT station.
Image credit: Jasim uddin
The project is located near Zhongshan Mall and Balestier Plaza. Though they are on the smaller side, they still have all the usual shops that you’ll need – restaurants, supermarkets, and an array of retail options. And since the estate is a mature one, you can easily find mom-and-pop shops around the neighbourhood.
The previous Rajah Summit BTO wasn’t launched as a PLH flat, so it’ll be highly likely that this won’t be classed as one either.
On the whole, we expect this site to perform marginally better than Jalan Tenteram in terms of application rates.
1,140 units at Geylang Road
Image adapted from: HDB
The third site of the Kallang/Whampoa launch is located along Geylang Road, and will see 1,140 units of 2-room Flexi, 3-room, and 4-room flats being launched. According to online estimates, prices for a 4-room flat will start from $460K, right up to just under $700K.
Right off the bat, this will likely be the hottest location not just amongst the three sites for Kallang/Whampoa, but across the entire August 2023 BTO exercise.
Image credit: Land Transport Guru
There are many things to love about this project. For one, it’s located between Kallang and Mountbatten MRT stations. The former gives you access to the East-West Line, while the latter is connected to the Circle Line. Kallang MRT is just a short 5-minute walk away from the project, and you can take a short bus ride to Mountbatten MRT. As for schools, there are none in the immediate vicinity, so that may be a dealbreaker for some.
Another slight downside to the project is that it’s located right next to KPE, which means you’ll have to deal with the noise and dust pollution generated by traffic. However, unlike Jalan Tenteram and Jalan Rajah, the location here is much more attractive, so homebuyers can easily look past this downside. As such, this project will likely be launched as a PLH flat.
If you’re a sporty person – or just an average Joe looking to get fitter – then this location will be quite ideal as it’s not too far away from Singapore’s sporting district. The likes of the Sports Hub, Kallang Squash and Tennis Centre, Kallang Netball Centre, and a future Kallang Football Hub are located nearby. This precinct also encompasses Kallang Leisure Park and Kallang Wave Mall, which offer your usual mix of dining joints, supermarkets, and retail options.
And when your favourite musical act has a concert at the Indoor Stadium or National Stadium, you get to flex on the other attendees thronging the nearest bus stop and MRT station – you can just take a leisurely stroll back home.
Tightening of rules for first-timer applicants
In case you missed it, there will be a set of special conditions in place for the upcoming August 2023 BTO launch.
Image credit: The Smart Local
First-timer applicants who manage to successfully snag a flat but choose to turn down the chance to select one will automatically be classified as second-timers for a year. Previously, this only happened if you rejected the opportunity twice. Fortunately, there are contingencies in place so that those at the back of the queue aren’t all that disadvantaged. If you’re left with 10 or less units to choose from, this penalty for non-selection will be waived.
Naturally, being considered a second-timer has its disadvantages. Only 5% of units in new projects are allocated for second-timers. Also, if you choose to reject the option to select the flat again, you’ll be barred completely from applying for a flat for a year.
August 2023 BTO at Kallang/Whampoa: Mixed response, but with one clear winner
Once again, Kallang/Whampoa is set to continue being one of the most popular estates. For the upcoming August 2023 BTO exercise, expect application rates for Kallang/Whampoa to be a mixed bag. On one hand, you can expect lower application rates for Jalan Tenteram and Jalan Rajah, but the Geylang Road project will undoubtedly be one of the hottest picks of the lot.
Check out our other HDB BTO August 2023 reviews here:
Prime yourself with some of our BTO-related stories:
- Getting a BTO under 21
- HDB BTO defects guide
- Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme – HDB rental as low as $400
Cover image adapted from: HDB
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