We are only just a couple of weeks out from the upcoming October 2024 BTO exercise, and there is plenty of hype around the last BTO launch of the year.
For starters, it has the largest number of new flat offerings up for sale, and also the widest variety of estates as compared to previous launches. This means higher odds of finally securing your next home, while also having more options to choose from.
Whether you’re a first-time BTO applicant, or you’ve been unsuccessful in past exercises, read on for all you need to know about the last BTO launch of 2024.
What’s so special about the October 2024 BTO?
Before we dive into the specifics of the various flats and estates on offer, here’s a brief summary on what makes this October 2024 BTO exercise so unique as compared to past BTO launches.
Largest BTO launch of the year
Image credit: HDB
As we’ve shared earlier, this upcoming launch is slated to be the largest BTO sales exercise of 2024, and possibly bigger even than those of previous years. Up for grabs are 8,500 new BTO flats, which far surpasses the approximately 5,000 flats for June and 4,100 for February. In addition, these new flats are spread across 14 projects in 9 estates, so there’s more variety as compared to the 6 estates in each of the earlier exercises this year.
Bayshore: First HDB project in East Coast since the 1970s
Image credit: HDB
Making its debut on the BTO market is Bayshore estate, with about 7,000 flats on offer. While it isn’t technically a new estate per se, this is the first HDB development in the area since the Marine Parade neighbourhood was completed in 1975. Currently home to a stretch of private condominiums, there will be 2 new projects in the Bayshore development, which will run along East Coast Parkway.
New classification system with more inclusive rules
Image credit: DBS
Starting from this upcoming October 2024 BTO exercise, a new classification system of HDB flats will kick in. What were previously known as mature and non-mature estates will be replaced by 3 new bands of homes: Standard, Plus, and Prime flats, which were announced by former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last year.
In short, Prime flats are those in the most sought-after locations such as in Central Singapore, while Plus flats will be located on the fringes of the city, in what he called “choicier” locations. The rest of the flats will fall under the Standard classification.
Unlike before, where single buyers aged over 35 could only apply for BTO flats in non-mature estates, they can now apply for all flats under the new model. In the spirit of making public housing more inclusive, there will be more subsidies for Plus and Prime flats, though these will come with greater restrictions.
All estates in the October 2024 BTO Launch
Ang Mo Kio (430 units)
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 2-Room, 4-Room |
| Nearest MRT Stations | Ang Mo Kio, Yio Chu Kang, Mayflower |
| Nearby Schools | Mayflower Primary School, Presbyterian High School, Anderson Secondary School, Anderson Primary School, Ang Mo Kio Primary School, Ang Mo Kio Secondary School, Teck Ghee Primary School, Deyi Secondary School, Jing Shan Primary School, Pathlight School, Townsville Primary School |
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One estate that we predict will be quite popular at this upcoming launch is Ang Mo Kio, a large mature estate. Nestled right next to the existing Ang Mo Kio public library, the new Ang Mo Kio BTO is a fairly small project, with only 430 units on offer in 2- and 4-room layouts.
In terms of accessibility, you will be close to 3 MRT stations, which means you’re connected to the rest of Singapore via 2 MRT lines: North East Line, and Thomson-East Coast Line..
Otherwise, the project is right next to Ang Mo Kio Central, which is one of the bigger malls in the north. There are also many schools in the vicinity, so it’ll likely be a popular pick with young families or couples looking to start one, as well as singles who can apply to live near their parents with the Proximity Housing Grant.
Our prediction is that this Ang Mo Kio BTO project will be classified as Plus.
Bedok (1,780 units)
Image adapted from: HDB
| Flat Types | 2-Room, 3-Room, 4-Room |
| Nearest MRT Stations | Bayshore, Bedok South |
| Nearby Schools | Temasek Primary School, Temasek Secondary School, Bedok View Secondary School |
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This upcoming October 2024 BTO launch will see the debut of the new Bayshore HDBs, located at Bayshore Drive and just across from East Coast Park.
It’ll most likely be the star pick of this upcoming BTO launch, rivalling only the Kallang/Whampoa projects. Seaside living is undoubtedly immensely popular with many homebuyers, regardless if you’re a young couple or a large family. The lack of new HDBs in that region also adds to the exclusivity of the area, which is largely dominated thus far by private condominiums. With over 1,400 units on offer, there is quite a sizable supply, but do expect a high demand as well.
Apart from being close to East Coast Park, another plus point would be the fact that it’s right next to Bayshore MRT Station. It’s also near the ECP highway, and there are a handful of schools nearby.
Our prediction is that these Bayshore BTO projects will be classified as Prime.
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 2-Room, 4-Room |
| Nearest MRT Station | Kembagan |
| Nearby Schools | Telok Kurau Primary School, St. Stephen’s School, Haig Girls’ School |
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Aside from Bayshore, the other Bedok BTO project that’s set to be launched is located at Kembangan, right next to the MRT station. This is a smaller development, with only 340 units in 2- and 4-room configurations
One interesting aspect of this project is that it’s slated to be a mixed-use development, where the first few floors will be designated for commercial use, and the rest for residences. Notably, this trend of mixed-use developments is becoming more popular with developers, given the scarcity of land to build fully commercial developments like shopping malls.
Another interesting point to note is that this is the first HDB project to be launched in the Kembangan vicinity since the late 80s. As such, there is some exclusivity appeal tied to this project, which will likely add to its demand.
Our prediction is that this Kembangan BTO project will be classified as Plus.
Bukit Batok (690 units)
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 2-Room, 3-Room, 4-Room, 5-Room, 3Gen |
| Nearest MRT Stations | Bukit Batok, future Jurong-Region Line Station |
| Nearby Schools | Dulwich College, Millennia Institute, Bukit Batok Secondary School, Crest Secondary School, Bukit View Secondary School, Jurong Primary School, Princess Elizabeth Primary School |
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One of the projects that we expect will be priced very affordably is Bukit Batok, which is located at the fringes of Bukit Batok and bordering the new Tengah estate.
Presently, accessibility will be a slight issue since the closest MRT stations of Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak are a bus ride away, and there are slim pickings in terms of amenities and schools in the immediate vicinity. However, once the neighbouring Tengah neighbourhood is built up━including the new Jurong Region Line (JRL) MRT station which is located next to the project━residents will be able to enjoy increased connectivity and lifestyle options.
Otherwise, our take is that there aren’t as many attractive points about the location as those mentioned earlier, which will likely reflect in a more affordable price. And so, if you’re on a tight budget and willing to forgo the convenience of some amenities, then you can consider applying for a flat in this project. Furthermore, there will be 3Gen flats on offer here, with 4 bedrooms and 2 ensuites, so multi-generational families will want to apply for these flats.
Our prediction is that this Bukit Batok BTO project will be classified as Standard.
Geylang (420 units)
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 4-Room, Community Care Apartment |
| Nearest MRT Station | Mattar |
| Nearby Schools | Canossa Catholic Primary School, Canossian School, St Margaret’s School (Primary), Nexus International School, Geylang Methodist School (Primary), Cedar Primary School, Cedar Girls’ Secondary School |
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Located just next to Mattar MRT Station, and a short drive away from the PIE, the Geylang project should also see quite a healthy demand because of its centrality and accessibility to other parts of Singapore. Unlike some of the other projects in this launch, such as Jurong West, there are already existing amenities like hawker centres, wet markets and schools in the immediate vicinity, which will make it more attractive.
Although there are 420 units on offer, only 160 units are available for sale to the wider market. The other 260 units are community care apartments, which are only open to applicants aged 65 years and above. As such, you can expect fierce competition for the limited supply of flats.
Our prediction is that this Geylang BTO project will be classified as Plus.
Jurong West (1,840 units)
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 2-Room, 3-Room, 4-Room, 5-Room, 3Gen |
| Nearest MRT | Future Jurong-Region Line Station |
| Nearby Schools | Jurong Secondary School, Lakeside Primary School |
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Featuring the largest BTO offering of this sales launch, the Jurong West project has a whopping 1,840 flats across all unit types. Strategically located right next to Jurong Lake Gardens, future residents will benefit greatly when the entire Jurong Lake District is rejuvenated and transformed. As you may already know, the government has set plans in motion to make the Jurong Lake District the “second CBD” of Singapore, and so the area is seeing vast amounts of planned upgrades.
Based on the map that HDB provided above, it looks as though there is a dearth of schools and amenities in the immediate vicinity. However, you need not worry because the entire area is set for further redevelopment, and the entire area to the left will eventually be built up further, with 2 JRL MRT stations in the pipelines.
Our prediction is that this Jurong West BTO project will be classified as Standard.
Kallang/Whampoa (940 units)
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 3-Room, 4-Room |
| Nearest MRT Stations | Lavender, Nicoll Highway |
| Nearby Schools | – |
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At the upcoming October 2024 BTO launch, there will be 3 projects in the Kallang/Whampoa estate, though in vastly different areas. The first of these projects will be located at the junction between North Bridge Road and Crawford Street, just a short walk away from Lavender MRT Station.
Because of its fantastic location, being near the CBD and proximity to major roads like Nicoll Highway, KPE and Victoria Street, you can expect very strong demand for this project━possibly even yielding the highest demand for this October BTO exercise.
Even though there is a lack of schools in the area, we expect that this will be a hot pick with young couples or those working in the CBD, simply because of the convenience it brings when commuting, and not so much for large families or those with young children. It is also located close to lifestyle spots like Haji Lane and Jalan Besar, with the Kallang sporting district just close by.
Image credit: HDB
In addition, new BTOs under this particular project will come with a special option to be built in a new open-concept white flat layout.These will be the first HDB flats that “will not have internal partition walls or beams, offering homeowners a blank canvas to design and customise their living spaces according to their preferences and needs.”
Our prediction is that this Kallang/Whampoa (Crawford Street) BTO project will be classified as Prime.
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 3-Room, 4-Room |
| Nearest MRT Station | Boon Keng |
| Nearby Schools | Hong Wen School, Northlight School, Bendemeer Secondary School, Bendemeer Primary School |
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The second Kallang/Whampoa project is located in the estate of Boon Keng, along May Road. Unlike its Crawford Street counterpart, this project is set in a quieter neighbourhood, with the closest MRT station being Boon Keng, which is about a 10-minute walk away.
However, there are more schools in the vicinity, so this project might be more popular amongst those with young children. Depending on the orientation of the unit you get, you will either be facing the rest of the Boon Keng HDB neighbourhood, or Sungei Whampoa.
Another benefit of living in this estate is that because Boon Keng is already built up, there is no lack of amenities like hawker centres, supermarkets, provision shops and everything else in between. Boon Keng is also located not too far from the CBD, making it a pretty central location.
Our prediction is that this Kallang/Whampoa (May Road) BTO project will be classified as Plus.
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 3-Room, 4-Room |
| Nearest MRT Station | Geylang Bahru |
| Nearby Schools | Bendemeer Primary & Secondary School, James Cook University (Singapore), The Winstedt School |
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The last of the three Kallang/Whampoa BTO projects is located along Upper Boon Keng Road, with Geylang Bahru MRT Station just a short walk away. Similar to the May Road project, this Upper Boon Keng project is slated to be a much quieter BTO, nestled within the existing HDB estate.
As you can see from HDB’s map, there aren’t a lot of amenities in the immediate vicinity, save for the Geylang West Community Club and neighbourhood centre. Geylang Bahru Market & Food Centre and FairPrice Kallang Bahru are the closest, and are about a 10- to 15-minute walk away. Otherwise, residents will have to travel further out to either Boon Keng or Potong Pasir for groceries and dining options. There also aren’t many schools in the immediate vicinity. However, one plus point is that its location sets it on the fringe of the city, so commuting to and from the CBDwill also be quite convenient.
Our prediction is that this Kallang/Whampoa (Upper Boon Keng Road) BTO project will be classified as Plus.
Pasir Ris (760 units)
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 2-Room, 3-Room, 4-Room, 5-Room, 3Gen |
| Nearest MRT Station | Pasir Ris |
| Nearby Schools | Elias Park Primary School, Hai Sing Catholic School, Casuarina Primary School, Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School |
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The two Pasir Ris projects in this upcoming October 2024 BTO launch are located side by side, along the main Pasir Ris Drive 3 and just across the road from the future Pasir Ris Integrated Transport Hub.
With a total of 760 units across all flat types, we expect demand to be fairly high given the number of amenities around the area as well as public transport connectivity, plus the perk of having Pasir Ris Park right at your doorstep.
In addition, having 5-room flats as an option certainly boosts its appeal for those with larger families, coupled with the estate’s close proximity to a good number of schools. Another plus is that the future Cross-Island MRT Line will cut across this estate, which will boost its connectivity to other parts of Singapore, especially places like Punggol where the future Punggol Digital District will be.
Our prediction is that this Pasir Ris BTO project will be classified as Plus.
Sengkang (1,390 units)
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 2-Room, 3-Room, 4-Room, 5-Room |
| Nearest MRT Station | Sengkang |
| Nearby Schools | Fern Green Primary School, Sengkang Green Primary School, Pei Hwa Secondary School, Fernvale Primary School |
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Even though Sengkang isn’t exactly a new estate, the western side of Sengkang that borders Yio Chu Kang Road and Seletar━known as Fernvale━has seen several notable developments of late, as the government looks to further transform this region. The two Sengkang BTO projects combined yield a total of 1,390 flats across all unit types, which makes it a pretty good option for homebuyers with children or large families.
Even though the closest MRT station is quite a distance away, this is mitigated by the number of LRT stations just next to the BTO project. The surrounding neighbourhoods are also well built up, and so there is no lack of amenities. There are also plenty of schools in the area, so those who are looking to stay here for a good number of years will likely find these BTO projects a good option.
Our prediction is that this Sengkang BTO project will be classified as Standard.
Woodlands (290 units)
Image credit: HDB
| Flat Types | 4-Room, 5-Room |
| Nearest MRT Station | Marsiling |
| Nearby Schools | Fuchun Primary School, Fuchun Secondary School, Singapore American School, Marsiling Secondary School, Woodlands Secondary School |
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Similar to Bukit Batok, we expect that the Woodlands project featuring in this October BTO launch will be priced fairly affordably because of its location. Since the project features only the larger 4- and 5-room unit types, it will likely attract larger families or perhaps those who would also want to live near their parents in the older Woodlands neighbourhoods. However, as the smallest project in this exercise with only 290 units on offer, you can expect some fierce competition.
That said, there are many things to like about this project. For starters, you’re within walking distance to Marsiling MRT Station, and other amenities like a hawker centre and sports complex. The main Woodlands Central, Causeway Point and Woods Square shopping malls are also just a short bus ride away. It’s also quite conveniently located just a 10-minute car ride away from the Causeway, so even day trips or grocery runs to JB are super convenient.
Our prediction is that this Woodlands BTO project will be classified as Standard.
The October 2024 BTO launch is the largest exercise of the year
To summarise, the upcoming October 2024 BTO exercise is certainly shaping up to be a very exciting one, and HDB certainly is looking to close out 2024 with a bang. With the largest number of BTO flats on offer, and also the widest range of choices available, this is definitely the sales launch to go for, if you’re still on the fence or have been procrastinating about getting a flat.
As always with all BTO launch exercises, do remember to do your homework in terms of a finance check and eligibility check (e.g. HDB Flat Eligibility Letter), before the sales exercise starts. This is important, especially since there are also additional implementations taking effect such as the cooling measures from August which lowers the Loan-to-Value limit, which means a higher down payment.
To prep for the BTO applications:
- Applying for a BTO flat
- How much you need to afford a 5-room HDB flat
- Ultimate guide to getting a mortgage in Singapore
Cover image adapted from: HDB
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