Could it be a sign that the Housing Board’s first Build-to-order (BTO) launch this year was on Valentine’s Day and that this launch is also the first time families can apply under the Fresh Start Housing Scheme? Perhaps the parallels are pushing it, but the 4,065 new flats in Clementi, Tampines and Punggol will no doubt provide a good start for couples hoping to start a family.
Photo credit: HDB
Out of the 4000 plus units, 1,603 will be in Clementi, 638 in Tampines and 1,815 in Punggol. This latest launch will also feature a number of 2-room flexi units which are popular with singles who are now allowed to purchase selected flats directly from HDB, and senior citizens. In fact, these were the most heavily subscribed units in the current launch.
Units in Clementi are expected to garner the most interest, with its proximity to the upcoming Jurong Lake District and schools such as NUS High School of Math and Science, UniSIM, Ngee Ann Polytechnic and the National University of Singapore. Four-room flats in Clementi are expected to start at $432,000. In comparison, prices of 4-room HDB flats in Tampines are considered affordable considering its mature estate status with four-room flats starting at $299,000 (before grants are applied).
Photo credit: HDB
Application closes today and analysts are expecting a four to five times take-up rate for units in Clementi and Tampines while Punggol might be twice oversubscribed. There are 731 two-room flexi units offered in Punggol and the projected subscription for these units is 5 times that number. Despite it’s isolated locale, Punggol is growing to be a busy business and lifestyle cluster, and thus more appealing to singles and senior citizens choosing to live close to their married children.
