The October 2024 BTO launch is one of the most varied to date, with 8,500 flats available across 15 projects and 9 townships. The first part of our review covered the sites in Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bukit Batok, and Geylang, and this article will cover the remaining 9 sites across 5 townships.
If you are planning to apply for this launch with the highest odds of securing a queue number, this part 2 review may be especially useful for you.
What’s New in October 2024?
Just to recap in case you missed the first article, the October 2024 BTO launch will see the introduction of a few new models as well as policy changes that you should be aware of.
1. Debut of Plus Flats
This launch will see the debut of the new HDB classification framework, revamped from the previous ‘mature’ and ‘non-mature’ categorisation of estates, to the Standard, Plus, and Prime models. This also adds a layer of complexity in the resale vs BTO dilemma.
For a deeper understanding of how the new BTO classification framework may impact your property journey, catch our NOTG episode below.
2. The New White Flat Model
This launch will also see the introduction of the new White Flat model. The initiative features HDB flats with no beams within the units and no partition walls to segregate the main living areas and the bedroom, providing a ‘blank canvas’ for homeowners to design their space based on their preferences and lifestyle needs.
Take note that this model is on an ‘opt-in’ basis, like your Optional Component Scheme (OCS) for tiling and sanitary fittings.
3. Change of Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio and Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG)
Do take note that the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio for HDB loans has been reduced from 80% to 75% following the latest cooling measures. This means that you can only loan up to a maximum of 75% of your flat purchase price, increasing the amount of cash/CPF you have to fork out for the downpayment.
The Enhanced Housing Grand (EHG) was also recently revised, with the maximum amount increasing from $80,000 to $120,000 for families. This will also apply from the October 2024 launch onwards.
Review of October 2024 BTO Launch Sites (Part 2)
1. Jurong West
For those who must secure a flat in this launch and don’t mind staying in the west, this is the one to watch. With 1,840 units comprising 2, 3, 4, 5-room, and 3Gen flats, the Jurong West site accounts for over 20% of all available flats in October’s launch. The main draw here will be the larger flats–bigger families will have higher chances of securing a 5-room flat here with a whopping 500 units available.
The mega site will enjoy scenic views of Jurong Lake Gardens, and will have front row seats to the upcoming transformation of the entire Jurong Lake District (JLD). As for amenities, the nearby Super Bowl Leisure Park and Corporation Drive HDB estate will offer dining and entertainment options. Furthermore, the site itself will have amenities such as an eating house, HDB shops, and a supermarket.
While there are no MRT stations within walking distance, you can find direct connecting buses that can take to Lakeside MRT station on the East West Line (EWL) in around 20 to 25 minutes. If you are planning to stay here long-term, you might want to keep an eye out for any developments with the Phase 3 of the Cross Island Line (CRL). Current information indicates that Phase 3 of the CRL will consist of at least 4 stations between Jurong and Tuas, and since this area is still quite underserved, a station may open up nearby. But it will be at least 8 to 10 years down the road before anything concrete materialises.
2. Kallang/Whampoa (Next to Hong Wen School)
This site is located within an existing HDB estate with amenities like a supermarket and eateries already. Coupled with an eating house that will be included, this project will be quite convenient.
The nearest MRT station is Boon Keng on the North East Line (NEL), which connects to major shopping malls like NEX (Serangoon), City Square Mall (Farrer Park), Plaza Singapura (Dhoby Ghaut), and VivoCity (Harbourfront). Residents can also easily connect to the Downtown, Circle, East West, Thomson-East Coast, and North South Lines via the multiple interchanges along the NEL.
The nearby Whampoa Park Connector can also bring you down to Kallang Park Connector, which links to the entire Kallang Basin, Marina Bay, and Singapore Sports Hub area.
However, with only 360 units (of which 140 units are 2-room Flexi flats), families who are applying for this project may face stiff competition with a small pool of available 4-room flats.
3. Kallang/Whampoa (North Bridge Road)
Another excellent location packed with amenities, this project is ideal for those who love the Bugis and Haji Lane area for its food options and nightlife. The site is located near the Marina Reservoir, with the nearest MRT station being Lavender on the East West Line (EWL). This puts you just one stop away from Bugis and two stops from City Hall (interchange station along the North South Line (NSL) and EWL), which is great for those who work in the CBD.
It is also relatively near the Singapore Sports Hub, and with a plot ratio of 4.9, those who are lucky enough to get a high floor unit here will likely get good views of the National Stadium whenever there are concerts or events.
4. Kallang/Whampoa (Upper Boon Keng)
Located just a short walk from Geylang Bahru MRT station on the DTL, the area surrounding this site is well-established. You will have access to Geylang Bahru Market and Food Centre, as well as many coffee shops and minimarts in the surrounding HDB estates. The Singapore Sports Hub and Kallang Wave Mall are also in close proximity, giving you more leisure, entertainment, and dining options. The project is also conveniently situated close to the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) and Pan Island Expressway (PIE), offering drivers added connectivity. However, being near these major roads may expose future residents to increased traffic noise and dust.
With only 70 units of 3-room flats and 200 units of 4-room flats, this is another project that may be oversubscribed due to its strong locational attributes.
5. Pasir Ris
The Pasir Ris township will see two new sites being launched right next to each other, near the town centre and Pasir Ris MRT station. One big plus point is the proximity to major malls like White Sands and the recently opened Pasir Ris Mall, which is sufficient to service most of your daily needs. For more entertainment options, you can also travel further down to Downtown East, which houses Wild Wild Wet and Cathay Cineplexes.
And perhaps the biggest and most important plus point to consider is the upcoming Cross Island Line, which is slated to complete its Phase 1 by 2030. As one of the interchanges along this new line, the connectivity of Pasir Ris will be enhanced as commuters can get to central areas like Serangoon and Ang Mo Kio in just a few stops. It will also connect to Punggol in three stops, which will serve those who will be working in the upcoming Punggol Digital District.
With 5-room and 3Gen flats available, and the nearby Pasir Ris Park, these two sites will appeal to bigger families who prefer staying in the east.
6. Sengkang
There will be two sites launching in Sengkang, which are separated by two streets. This area has seen a lot of development, with many HDB enclaves and private condos coming up over the last few years. The first site is located near Layar LRT station, and the second site is closer to Thanggam and Kupang LRT stations.
The only mall in the vicinity is Seletar Mall, but the area is well-served by many heartland amenities in the HDB estates. Compass One and Sengkang MRT station are also just a few stops away by LRT.
For the site near Thanggam and Kupang LRT station, do take note that there is a proposed Chinese Temple that might be built right next to the site. So those who are more sensitive towards places of worship or potential noise/smell from rituals and incense burning might want to opt for the other site.
Families with school-going children looking at the Sengkang area will have several options to choose from. There are 3 primary schools (Fernvale Primary, Sengkang Green Primary, and Fern Green Primary) within a 1km radius, and for the older ones, Pei Hwa Secondary is also nearby.
7. Woodlands
This site will be within walking distance of Marsiling MRT station, with good proximity to Marsiling Park and the Woodlands Sports Centre. Marsiling MRT is also located just one stop away from Woodlands MRT station, which is an interchange station for the NSL and Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL). In addition, fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the convenience of having the Woodlands Park Connector nearby.
There are several primary and secondary schools in the vicinity, with the polyclinic and community club located near the MRT station as well. For more dining and entertainment options, Causeway Point is just one stop away.
With only 4 and 5-room flats available here, this would be an attractive option for families looking to move north to be closer to the northern transformation–namely the Woodlands Regional Centre. Those who frequent Johor Bahru may also find it more convenient to make the trip weekly.
Final Thoughts
The October 2024 BTO launch will be an exciting one, with 8,500 flats available in diverse locations. For those looking to apply for a flat in this launch, do pay attention to the updated policy changes and the new HDB classification framework. Wishing you all the best as you navigate the application process!
If you’re curious about the other available sites, don’t miss Part 1 of our review. And if you’re exploring different options or need a professional perspective, feel free to reach out to us here and our experienced consultants will gladly assist you. Good luck!
