[Location Guide & Analysis] HDB BTO Launch February 2018

With more than 3,600 flats on offer, the first Build-To-Order (BTO) launch for 2018 is likely to attract Singaporeans looking to own their first home, or seeking an upgrade.

The best part about the upcoming February 2018 launch is that regardless of whether you prefer the eastern, northern or western regions of Singapore, there is a location available for you.

If you aren’t sure of what you need to know before choosing a BTO flat, do read our handy Step-By-Step Guide To Buying Your First BTO Flat first.

Non-Mature Estates

# 1 Choa Chu Kang – 574 Units, Location: Beside Ten Mile Junction LRT, Near Bukit Panjang MRT (2-room, 3-room & 4-room)

Source: HDB

If you fancy living in the west, this location on offer at Choa Chu Kang will be worth considering. There will be 574 units consisting of 2-room Flexi, 3-room and 4-room flats.

Our Analysis:

Not only is it right beside the Ten Mile Junction LRT, but it’s also a short 5-minute walk away from Bukit Panjang MRT. Yes, this is the same downtown line that will bring you straight into the heart of the CBD.

Since Bukit Panjang MRT is at the end of the downtown line (i.e. similar to Pasir Ris on the East-West line), you are likely to secure a seat each morning for your future commute to work.

If you intend to stay in the west, and are reasonably sure you will be working in the CBD, this location, in our opinion, will be a steal.

# 2 Woodlands – 629 Units, Location: Near Riverside Primary School (2-room, 3-room, 4-room & 5-room)

Source: HDB

Thought classified as “Woodlands”, the nearest MRT for this estate is actually Admiralty. Even then, it’s not exactly near the station either. In total, there will be 629 units ranging from 2-room Flexi to 5-room flats.

Our Analysis:

Unless you are already staying in the Woodlands/Admiralty, and are in love with the town, we can’t see many people getting excited over the location. You would also need to take a feeder bus each day to get to the MRT station, be it Admiralty or Woodlands. Of course, if your workplace is at the Woodlands industrial areas and/or your parents are staying near Woodlands/Admiralty, then the location may make sense.

Naturally, we expect prices for this development to be the lowest among the four so that’s another plus point worth considering for those who prefer to spend less.

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

Mature Estates

# 3 Geylang – 1,193 Units, Location: Beside Ubi MRT (2-room, 3-room & 4-room)

Source: HDB

New BTOs being launched in the mature town of Geylang have been a common sight lately. While the launch last November was situated right beside Eunos MRT, this launch is beside the newly opened Ubi MRT, which is a Downtown line station. Similar to the Bukit Panjang launch, there are no 5-room flats available for selection.

Our Analysis:

Naturally, the biggest selling point for this development is its close proximity to Ubi MRT station. Beyond that however, there are some other advantages to the location. It’s near Macpherson MRT, which is part of the Circle Line. You could also get to either Eunos or Paya Lebar MRT by taking the bus, which would take about 15 minutes, depending on traffic condition.

However, do note that the location is surrounded by quite a fair bit of industrial buildings so home owners should be prepared for the heavy daily traffic during peak periods, when people are coming and leaving their offices.

All in all, while we think the location is good, it’s far from amazing, especially when compared other BTO launches in Geylang.

# 4 Tampines – 1,268 Units, Location: Near Tampines Drive/Tampines Ave 12 (3-room, 4-room & 5-room)

Source: HDB

The ever-expanding town of Tampines continues to expand. Even for someone who stays in the east, it’s hard to describe where this location in Tampines exactly is. For cycling enthusiasts, it’s basically at where the old mountain bike trail used to be. A total of 1,268 units will be offered ranging from 3-room to 5-room flats.

Our Analysis:

Though considered a “mature estate”, this part of Tampines really isn’t that “mature” in our opinion. As mentioned above, the development is on top of what used to be a rather “ulu” mountain bike trail.

Neither is being nestled between Tampines and Pasir Ris MRT an advantage. Location wise, it’s in the middle of nowhere which means you will need a feeder bus to bring you to Tampines MRT.

This isn’t to say that the location isn’t good. With the entire area currently being developed, it’s a matter of time before amenities and accessibility are ready. However, it brings us back to our point that this part of Tampines is very much still a “developing” part of the town.

Similar to the Woodlands launch, we suggest that you be familiar with the exact location before you apply.

Understand The Grants That You Are Eligible For

Before deciding on your choice of location, you should also consider the various types of grants that you may be eligible for, as the selection of your flat may affect the amount of grants that you are entitled to.

If you’re ready to apply, head over to the HDB website. All the best!

Read Also: Complete Guide To HDB Housing Grants In Singapore

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