HDB launched 5,495 BTO units for sale in May. Out of the 5 BTO launches, 3 are in the mature estates. It is not surprising that Farrer Park Arena is designated as a PLH project since the recent Farrer Park Fields is a PLH project.
The BTO launches in May are very attractive.
The last BTO launch in Bedok South was Bedok South Horizon in Nov 2006. At that time, the 4-room flats saw an application rate of 2.6 for first timers and 27.9 for second timers. The 5-room flats had similar application rates. The near 7-year absence of a BTO project may see higher number of applicants for Bedok South Blossoms. This BTO is very near to Tanah Merah MRT where a mixed-use project Sceneca Residence is being built. Buyers of this BTO can stroll over to Sceneca Square for their amenities or take a train down to Bedok Mall which is one stop away. In the future, there will be a commercial and residential development above Bedok South MRT station.
Similarly Serangoon had not seen a BTO launch for 10 years. Back in Jan 2014, a studio apartment BTO was launched. But it is not a like for like comparison hence the demand for new HDB flats at Serangoon North Vista could be large. Furthermore this BTO project has 5-room flats which is seldom offered in mature estates. First time buyer application rate could be between 3 and 5 while second timers application rate may be more than 30. Serangoon North Vista is near to Serangoon Gardens and Chomp Chomp Food Centre. The upcoming Serangoon North MRT station is a short walk away.
The Farrer Park Arena PLH BTO is very near to town and there are two MRT stations within walking distance – Farrer Park and Little India interchange station. It shares similar attributes with Farrer Park Fields PLH BTO like a very prime location, Farrer Park Primary School and the upcoming Piccadilly Galleria at its doorstep. Tekka Market and City Square Mall are a short walk away. There is also an upcoming sports complex. The application rate for first timers may be between 1 and 3.
Parc Meadow @ Tengah BTO is arguably the crown jewel in Tengah. It is next to the future Tengah Town Centre and ACS (P). The Tengah MRT station is nearby and the BTO will be surrounded by a future Central Park. There will be a Forest Stream, Garden Farmway, green links, rain gardens and skyrise greenery for residents to look forward to. The large number of flats may dilute the application rate for first timers to between 1 and 3.
The other Tengah BTO, Plantation Verge, will be within 1km of Princess Elizabeth Primary School, a popular school among parents with children. It is within walking distance to Tengah Park MRT station. There will be community farming opportunities for residents. Probably to mitigate the noise from the PIE, there will be a 15 to 20m Forest Fringe landscaped trail. The application rate for first timers may be between 1 and 3.