New BTO launch & neighbourhood guide

There are several rites of passage every Singaporean will face in their lifetime – graduating from school, getting their first job, and balloting for the latest BTO launch. 

For those who need some guidance about the new BTOs and their neighbourhoods, as well as the latest policy changes, we’ve got you covered. Below are the details about the projects in Tengah, Queenstown, Choa Chu Kang, and Kallang Whampoa that will go on offer at the next BTO launch in October 2023, so you can make an informed decision.

– Tengah –

The Jurong Region Line.
Image credit: Land Transport Authority 

Located along Plantation Close, Tengah BTO is 1 of the 2 projects at the next BTO launch that include 5-room units so growing families can consider this location. It’s set to be a whole “mini city” on its own with new amenities being built. It’ll be within walking distance from the upcoming Jurong Region MRT line – namely Tengah Plantation and Tengah Park station. 

New primary schools, greenery & shopping spaces

Expectant couples will be thrilled to know that there are plans to set up new schools in Tengah, including Bukit View Primary School and Pioneer Primary School. Anglo-Chinese School (Primary) will also be moving over to the West. 

And in case you weren’t aware, parents or newlyweds who have yet to successfully book a BTO flat may qualify for the new First-Timer (Parent & Married Couples) (FT(PMC)) category. This grants you 1 extra chance – not limited to just Tengah, of course – to ballot for a flat in addition to the 2 chances you already receive as a first-timer  and puts you ahead of the rest. 

The benefits of FT(PMC)s don’t stop there – HDB is doing plenty to ensure public housing is accessible for Singaporeans. 

Up to 40% of the BTO flats and 60% of the Sale of Balance Flats – AKA the unbooked units from previous BTO launches – will also be set aside under the new Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme (previously known as the Parenthood Priority Scheme). You’ll also get top priority for 4-room and smaller units in non-mature estates, including Tengah, so you stand a higher chance of being able to select a flat. 

Artist’s impression of Plantation Farmway.
Image credit: HDB

Tengah is also where nature lovers will thrive. Plenty of new green spaces will be constructed, including Plantation Farmway a short walk away. This 700m farmway is a community farming space where residents can plant their favourite flowers, vegetables, and herbs. 

Image credit: HDB

The Plantation Farmway will also link residents to Tengah’s town centre. The roads here will be constructed underground to create more space for commercial functions and the Jurong Region Line – so you won’t see any zooming cars on the ground level. 

Speaking of commercial activities, there will also be a new neighbourhood centre with 40 shops including retail, beauty services, food courts, and tuition centres. The neighbourhood centre will also feature a polyclinic so residents can easily access medical attention. 

– Kallang/Whampoa –

Moving on to the Kallang/Whampoa BTOs. There are 3 in total – 1 along Geylang Road, and 2 in Balestier located near Jalan Tenteram and Jalan Rajah. Those who value convenience can bookmark the Geylang Road project that’s situated between Kallang and Mountbatten MRT. 

On the other hand, the two Balestier projects are about a 15-minute bus ride to Toa Payoh MRT. Schools-wise, both projects are near Bendemeer Secondary School, St. Andrew’s Junior School, and St. Andrew’s Secondary School. 

Slew of retail, sports & F&B options

You’ll find Zhongshan Park next to Zhongshan Mall.

Currently, there are no plans for new malls to be built around Balestier. That’s not to say that the area is bare and unfurnished though as there are a bunch of existing malls around the site. For one, Zhongshan Mall and Balestier Plaza are just a short 15-minute walk from both projects. 

Kallang Wave Mall has an NTUC Fairprice, Starbucks, and My Kampong food court.

The Geylang Road BTO is also near Kallang Leisure Park, Kallang Wave Mall, and Singapore Sports Hub. You know what this means – you can save a tonne of money getting home from future concerts at the National Stadium. There’ll also be a new Kallang Football Hub in the vicinity so fitspo folk can get a kick out of it.  

– Queenstown –

Hands up if you’re one of the many who’ve tried for Queenstown BTOs. There are plenty of reasons why this mature estate is so popular – one being that it’s conveniently located near Commonwealth MRT. 

Along the Rail Corridor, near ACS & NUS

Veteran hikers will know that the 24km-long Rail Corridor south route passes by Queenstown. So if weekend hikes are part and parcel of your routine, you’ll be able to take this route to get to the Rail Corridor North which runs from Kranji to Spooner Road. 

You’ll notice a number of schools along the way – including Queensway Primary and Secondary School, New Town Primary School, Tanglin Trust School, and ACS (International). NUS is also a 7-minute drive away. 

– Choa Chu Kang –

Next up, we’ve got the Choa Chu Kang BTO. It has a total of 1,870 units for sale, including 5-room flats. Aside from the whopping number of flats available, this BTO is also accessibly located 10 minutes from Phoenix and Senja LRT stations. 

School options are aplenty here, from preschools to junior colleges. These include PCF Sparkletots Preschool, Little Footprints Preschool, Teck Whye Primary School, West View Primary School, Choa Chu Kang Secondary School, West Spring Secondary School, and Jurong Pioneer Junior College.

Close to SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, Lot One & Hillion Mall

Sonic Bowl & Paradise Now at SAFRA CCK.

The Choa Chu Kang BTO is also a 7-minute drive to SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, newly opened this June. Take a dip at their lap pool, workout at the EnergyOne gym, or satisfy your late-night cravings at the Burger King and McDonald’s drive-thru. You can also drop by Sonic Bowl & Paradise Now for a bowl or karaoke sesh.

Afternoon tea at Dian Xiao Er.
Image credit: Eatbook

Lot One and Hillion Mall are also a 10-minute drive and a 9-minute walk respectively. Both malls are filled with yummy F&B shops including Bonchon, Ichikokudo Hokkaido Ramen, Maki-San, and Dian Xiao Er so foodies have a bunch of options to choose from.

Neighbourhood guide for BTO launch in September – October 2023

Artist’s impression of Tengah Plantation District.
Image credit: HDB

It’s always an exciting time when HDB announces its next BTO launch for applications via the HDB Flat Portal. Avoid making a rash decision by learning more about each location and working out the math in advance, so you can pick a place that best fits your lifestyle and future plans. 

Buying a BTO flat is a lot less scary if you budget in advance. In 2022, 98% of 4-room BTO flats in non-mature estates were priced below $400,000. On top of this, eligible first-timers can receive the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant of up to $80,000. 

With the affordable price tag and grants, most first-timer BTO buyers can pay their monthly HDB housing loan instalments with their CPF savings, with little or no cash outlay. 

Don’t let the uncertainty of getting a house and HDB housing myths prevent you from taking the next step in adulthood. Take advantage of useful sites like the HDB Flat Portal that provide useful tools to help calculate your budget, and familiarise yourself with the BTOs that will go on offer. Now, you’re good to go.

Find out more about getting an HDB BTO flat

This post was brought to you by HDB.
Cover image adapted from: HDB