Among the upcoming BTO projects in Dec 2023, a few stand out due to their attributes.
The BTO at Sin Ming will be the first flats to be built since 1988. As previously reported, site preparation works have already commenced and it is possible that this BTO project may have a shorter completion time. This may be the first BTO project in a mature estate with a shorter completion time. However it is unlikely to be a PLH project as it is further from the city centre. The pent-up demand may see application rate between two and four.
The BTO at Bukit Merah will be a PLH project as the recent Alexandra Vale was a PLH project. It is surrounded by private housing. It could have been used for private housing but the Government decided to push out a BTO project for inclusivity. It is a short walk to Redhill MRT station and next to Alexandra Primary School, a popular primary school. The overall application rate is estimated to be between 2 and 4.
The BTO at Queenstown will be the last BTO project in Ulu Pandan. It will fall under the PLH model similar to Ulu Pandan Banks and Ulu Pandan Glades. Residents will enjoy views over the nearby Holland Grove landed estate. It is HDB’s first car-lite precinct and may have a direct access to Dover MRT station. Fairfield Methodist Primary School and Henry Park Primary School, two super popular primary schools are within 1km. The application rate may be between 1 and 3 similar to earlier PLH launches.
In Woodlands, there will be two BTO projects near to Woodlands MRT station. The last BTO project was Urban Ville@Woodlands in Aug 2020. Despite the relatively long completion of around 62 months, Urban Ville@Woodlands saw an application rate of more than 5. The BTO next to Woodlands MRT station sits on land zoned commercial. The switch to residential may be due to lesser demand assessed for commercial land in Woodlands.
The BTO in Bedok sits on land that was recently rezoned to residential with a gross plot ratio of 3.0. The last BTO project was probably Ping Yi Greens in Mar 2012. There may be pent-up demand for new flats in Chai Chee. With many flats in Chai Chee and Bedok built in the 80s, it may be timely to look at providing flats for seniors.