Everyone wants to stay in a convenient location, which is why homes in the centre of Singapore typically are priced at a premium. As such, this makes affordable options in this area a bit of a rarity. That’s why, this week, we’re spotlighting five of the cheapest 5-room HDB flats in Central Singapore.
Sure, they’re not going to match the prices of HDB flats in outlying estates and are quite mature, but for those who prioritise central living under a budget, these units could be just what you’re after.
Missed last week? You can view the previous issue here.
You can also join our free weekly newsletter so you stay up to date on our latest curations weekly.
Now let’s get on with the list of curated units this week!

1217 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh




$699,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 217 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 1,259 SQFT |
| $PSF | $555 PSF |
| Developer | HDB |
| TOP | 1975 |
Why I like it
For one , you’ll have quite a wide range of options with three markets and food centres nearby—Toa Payoh Lorong 8, 93 Lorong 4, and 151A Bishan Street 11. Beyond that, the surrounding HDB clusters house a variety of eateries too.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, the park connector nearby and leads directly to Kallang Riverside Park.
Families will also appreciate its proximity to schools. It’s within 1 km of the renowned Pei Chun Public School, with popular options like Raffles Institution and Catholic High School close by as well.
This unit is situated in a point block, so owners can expect to come home to a more private environment. Sized at 1,259 square feet, the layout is squarish and efficient. You may also appreciate the added balcony in the kitchen area, which can be reconfigured into an enclosable yard for better utility.
– Ryan

2101 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3










$710,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 101 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 1,259 SQFT |
| $PSF | $564 PSF |
| Developer | HDB |
| TOP | 1977 |
Why I like it
Situated near the Mayflower landed enclave and within walking distance of Mayflower MRT station (TEL), this flat offers the convenience of being in the established Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood. While Mayflower MRT is the nearest station, Ang Mo Kio MRT station (NSL) and Ang Mo Kio Hub are also within reach, though they might require a short bus ride or drive.
For daily necessities, residents have access to three markets and food centres nearby—Kebun Bahru, Mayflower, and Ang Mo Kio Central. Additionally, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West are close by.
Families with school-going children will find its proximity to CHIJ St Nicholas’ Girls’ School appealing, as it is within a 1 km radius.
The flat itself is 1,259 square feet, featuring three well-proportioned bedrooms. There is the potential to add a fourth bedroom by converting the dining area, though this would reduce the spaciousness of the common living spaces. The layout is practical, with a squarish design and an L-shaped kitchen that includes an adjoining balcony. This balcony can be enclosed and repurposed as a yard if required.
– Druce

3116 Bukit Merah Central






$750,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 116 Bukit Merah Central |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 1,263 SQFT |
| $PSF | $594 PSF |
| Developer | HDB |
| TOP | 1977 |
Why I like it
This high-floor unit at Bukit Merah Central is a short bus ride or drive to Redhill MRT Station (EWL) and Artra. For amenities within walking distance, Redhill and Bukit Merah View markets are the nearest options, complemented by a variety of eateries in the surrounding HDB clusters. Nature lovers will appreciate the close proximity to the Rail Corridor and Telok Blangah Hill Park, both of which are Singapore’s well-loved green spaces.
Situated in a point block with just four units per level, the flat provides greater privacy compared to typical configurations. At 1,263 square feet, the layout is squarish and practical, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The unit retains its original broken marble flooring, a feature characteristic of older flats, which adds a touch of nostalgia while keeping the home cool throughout the day.
– Ryan J.

416 Jalan Tenteram








$780,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 16 Jalan Tenteram |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 1,130 SQFT |
| $PSF | $690 PSF |
| Developer | HDB |
| TOP | 1999 |
Why I like it
While this unit isn’t the closest to an MRT station (Boon Keng MRT (NEL) is the nearest and requires a short bus ride or drive) it makes up for it with a range of established amenities nearby.
Whampoa Drive Makan Place is within walking distance, and there are additional dining options scattered throughout the surrounding HDB clusters. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the nearby park connector offers a scenic route leading to Kallang Riverside Park.
For families, the flat is within 1km of Pei Chun Public School, a notable draw for those with school-going children.
At 1,130 square feet, the unit offers an efficient and squarish layout. All three bedrooms are positioned in one corner of the flat, which enhances privacy, especially for those who like to have guests around.
– Cheryl

5138 Bishan Street 12






$815,000
| Attribute | Info |
| Address | 138 Bishan Street 12 |
| Tenure | 99-year Leasehold |
| Size | 1,281 SQFT |
| $PSF | $636 PSF |
| Developer | HDB |
| TOP | 1986 |
Why I like it
Bishan is often regarded as one of Singapore’s most sought-after mature estates, thanks to its central location and established amenities. This block is a short bus ride or drive from Bishan MRT Station (NSL and CCL) and Junction 8, offering a wide range of conveniences.
For those who prefer amenities closer to home, the 151A Bishan Street 11 Market is nearby, along with a variety of eateries within the surrounding HDB clusters. Families with school-going children may find its proximity to Pei Chun Public School appealing, as the flat lies within a 1km radius.
At 1,281 square feet, this flat is well-sized, featuring four good-sized bedrooms to comfortably accommodate larger households. The balcony, situated between two bedrooms, adds flexibility to the layout and could be levelled to create a more expansive living area.
– Sean
Read next from On The Market
On The Market We Found The Most Spacious HDB Executive Apartments You Can Still Buy From $680K
On The Market We Found 5 of the Cheapest 3-Bedders Near Queenstown MRT Starting Below $2.3M
On The Market 5 Spacious Executive Maisonettes Under $850K You Can Still Buy Today
On The Market We Found 5 Freehold 1-Bedroom Condos Under $1 Million With The Most Efficient Layouts
Latest Posts
Editor's Pick Under $1 Million for a Landed Home? These Singapore Estates Make It Possible — But There’s a Catch
Pro We Compared Old vs New Condos in One of Singapore’s Fastest-Growing Districts — Here’s What We Found for Small Units
Property Market Commentary DBS Thinks Singapore Property Prices Could Rise Another 55% by 2040 — And the Reasons Might Surprise You
Property Market Commentary These Condo Owners Lost Up to $1.55 Million — Even During Singapore’s Property Boom. Here’s Why.
Pro We Compared Family-Sized Units Across Old and New Condos in One of Singapore’s Priciest Districts — Here’s What We Found
Editor's Pick 7 Mega Condos That Are Far From the MRT, Yet Surprisingly Convenient
Landed Home Tours I Toured A Rare Freehold Landed Street In The East Where The Last Home Sold For $4.6M
Singapore Property News Can Singapore Property Prices Really Hit $2,900 PSF By 2030?
Editor's Pick Where to Find Singapore’s Oldest HDB Flats (And What They Cost In 2025)
Pro We Compared Old vs New Condos in One of Singapore’s Priciest Neighbourhoods — Here’s What We Found for Smaller Units
Editor's Pick 6 Curiously Abandoned Houses In Singapore And The Stories Behind Them
Property Market Commentary Which HDB Towns Are Getting Close To Condo Prices In 2025?
Editor's Pick This New Upper Bukit Timah Condo Starts From $993K: But Would You Trade MRT Convenience for Greenery?
Pro We Compared Old vs New Condos in One of Singapore’s Fastest-Changing Neighbourhoods — Here’s What We Found Out
Editor's Pick “I Didn’t Think Property Prices Could Go Up So Fast Anymore With ABSD” Why One Buyer’s Regret Still Feels Familiar Today