HDB Built-To-Order and Sale of Balance Flats is now available for balloting from 22 to 28 May.
With about 3,970 Built-To Order (BTO) flats in a variety of locations – including rarely-seen Toa Payoh – there are compelling choices that is worth your careful consideration, if you’re in the market for a BTO flat.
If you aren’t sure of what you need to know before choosing a BTO flat, you can refer to our handy Step-By-Step Guide To Buying Your First BTO Flat.
Non-Mature Estates
# 1 Fernvale Dew (Sengkang) – 1,188 Units, Location: Near The Topiary, Nearest LRT Station: Fernvale (2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room & 5-room)
Source: HDB
This development has 1,188 units of various sizes available, namely 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room flats.
Our Analysis:
This development pretty well-connected. It will take you about 15 to 20 minutes to reach Sengkang MRT station. Fernvale LRT station is nearer and can be reached with about 10 to 15 minutes of walking. Right in front of this HDB development, there is already a bus stop served by multiple buses.
Tampines Expressway (TPE) and Seletar Expressway (SLE) are minutes away, though you can expect traffic during peak hours to be quite heavy.
In terms of amenities, Seletar Mall is about a 10-minute walk away while Greenwich V is slightly nearer and can be reached in less than 10 minutes.
# 2 Casa Spring @ Yishun – 969 Units, Location: Near GEMS World Academy Singapore (2-room Flexi, 4-room, 5-room & 3Gen)
Source: HDB
This large sprawling site on the outskirts of Yishun will be home to 969 households. The size of units available are from 2-room Flexi to the popular (but increasingly rare) 3Gen units.
Our Analysis:
If you value being close to nature over convenience, then this estate is 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.
Though classified as a non-mature estate, Yishun town is actually pretty well-developed. You don’t have to leave Yishun to access markets, schools, parks and even 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. With prices being correspondingly lower, a unit here could offer great value in the long-term.
Read Also: 5 Ways To Spend Less On Your First BTO Flat
Mature Estates
# 3 Tampines GreenVines – 1,271 Units, Location: Near Tampines Ave 12 (3-room, 4-room & 5-room)
Source: HDB
For the third BTO sales launch in a row (after November 2017 and February 2018), the area near Tampines Avenue 12 continues to expand with even more new HDB flats. This time, about 1,271 units will be up for grabs, with flat sizes ranging from 3 to 5 rooms.
Our Analysis:
This area used to be a mountain bike trail that straddles Tampines and Pasir Ris MRT stations, and it sits beside an on-ramp to Tampines Expressway. Location wise, it is about a 20-minute walk to Tampines MRT, so taking a feeder bus is probably going to be necessary for most residents, , unless you are one of the few people who like a morning/evening walk.
Even though Tampines is classified as a mature estate, in our opinion, this new frontier of Tampines has more in common to the likes of new towns like Punggol and Sengkang. With the entire area currently being developed though, it is a matter of time before more amenities are available and greater transport connectivity is established.
Ever since the Downtown Line is operational, Tampines residents are already enjoying the flexibility to choose between two different lines to bring them into the Central Business District (CBD).
# 4 Kim Keat Beacon (Toa Payoh) – 542 Units, Location: Near Kim Keat Avenue (3-room & 4-room)
Source: HDB
This 542-unit development is launched right in the middle of Toa Payoh, which is a rare treat, as far as BTO launches are concerned.
Our Analysis:
Being situated next to Kim Keat Avenue, this development is easily accessible from both the Pan-Island Expressway and Central Expressway.
Amenities in the surrounding area include SAFRA Toa Payoh, Toa Payoh Sports Complex (consisting of a swimming pool, sports hall and stadium), a town park and a library.
Toa Payoh residents enjoy great convenience as far as the MRT is concerned, with places like the Central Business District, Orchard and Bishan no more than a few stations away.
Fully Utilise The Grants You Are Eligible For
Before deciding on your choice of location, you should also consider the various grants that you may be eligible for, as the selection of your flat may affect the amount of grants that you are entitled to.
Once you’re ready to apply, you can head over to the HDB website. All the best!
Read Also: Complete Guide To HDB Housing Grants In Singapore
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