HDB BTO Launch August 2018: Locations And Analysis

The HDB August Sales Launch is now open. Built-To-Order and Re-Offer Of Balance Flats are available for application from now till 3 September.

In this HDB Built-To-Order (BTO) sales launch, there are 4,375 Built-To Order (BTO) flats in Punggol and Yishun available for selection. Admittedly, Punggol and Yishun do not seem very exciting at first glance. On closer examination, we uncover some reasons why they could be worth considering if you don’t mind living in the growing Northern or North-Eastern parts of Singapore.

Furthermore, both estates are classified as Non-Mature, which qualifies first-time homeowners buying 4-room or smaller flats to receive up to $40,000 in Special CPF Housing Grant.

If you aren’t sure about how to go about applying for your BTO flat, you can refer to this comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide To Buying Your First BTO Flat.

# 1 Punggol Point Cove & Punggol Point Woods – 2,112 Units (2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room, 5-room & 3Gen)

Location: Near Future Singapore Institute of Technology Campus, Nearest LRT Station: Punggol Point

Source: HDB

For this BTO launch, there are two adjacent developments across a (yet-to-be-built) road from each other.

Punggol Point Woods consists of 940 units of 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room flats. Punggol Point Cove is larger, and will be home to 1,172 units of all sizes: 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room, 5-room and the highly sought after 3Gen.

Our Analysis: 

Here is the general location map from HDB’s website:

Source: HDB

Let’s just say that it is not a good sign when you need to be that zoomed out in order to show the nearest MRT station, town centre and expressway exit.

This development is in a currently undeveloped part of Punggol, right at the coast facing Coney Island. Much of the roads that will connect this two developments are yet to be built, which you expect to be ready in tandem with the BTO being built.

This estate is around 500m away from Punggol Point LRT station, which fortunately is just 2 stops away from Punggol MRT. When completed in 2023, the Punggol Coast LRT station will be even nearer to this new estate. This makes it quite accessible via public transport, despite it being relatively remote.

The situation is not so rosy for drivers, since the nearest exit from Tampines Expressway (TPE) is about 2km away, which is pretty far. With the growing car population of Punggol and many traffic lights you need to cross on your way to TPE, you’ll need plenty of patience when driving during peak hours.

In late 2022, the new campus of the Singapore Institute of Technology will be ready, and it will be just across the street from this batch of BTO units. There are also big plans for this Punggol North area as a designated “enterprise district” and part of the Punggol Digital District.

In terms of amenities, residents can visit the Marina Country Club, SAFRA Punggol Clubhouse, Waterway Point, Outward Bound Campsite and enjoy the extensive Punggol Waterway park – all without ever leaving Punggol.

# 2 Melody Spring @ Yishun & Yishun Glen – 2,263 Units (2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room & 5-room)

Location: Near Yishun Street 31

Source: HDB

In this BTO launch in Yishun, two developments are available.

Yishun Glen is the larger development, sitting next to Yishun Street 31 and will be home to 1,693 households in sizes of 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room. Melody Spring @ Yishun is near the junction of Yishun Avenue 1 and Yishun Avenue 8 and consists of 570 units with sizes of 2-room Flexi, 4-room and 5-room.

Both neighbourhoods are near Casa Spring @ Yishun, which was launched in the previous BTO sales launch in May 2018.

Our Analysis:

If you value being close to nature over convenience, then these two would be suitable for you. After all, Orchid Country Club is nearer than Yishun or Khatib MRT stations, both of which are at least 2 km away. If you’re taking the bus, your commute to the nearest MRT station would be at least 20 minutes.

Even though it is classified as a non-mature estate, Yishun town is actually pretty well-developed. So you’ll enjoy the amenities of a mature estate, such as. markets, schools, parks and the Khoo Teck Puat hospital. The expansion of Northpoint into Northpoint City means there are plenty of food and shopping options for would-be Yishun residents.

If you work in the northern region of Singapore, or would like your abode to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then this location might make sense. If prices for these two developments are significantly lower, a unit here could offer great value in the long-term.

Read Also: 5 Ways To Spend Less On Your First BTO Flat

Maximise The Grants You Are Eligible For

As mentioned, you should also consider the various grants that you may be eligible for, since the selection of your flat may affect the amount of grants that you are entitled to.

The August 2018 HDB sales launch is now open. You can head over to the HDB website for more details and to apply. All the best! Enjoy your fresh 99-year lease!

Read Also: Complete Guide To HDB Housing Grants In Singapore

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