HDB

Are BTOs Still As Profitable Today? Here’s How BTO Profits Have Changed Since 2001

It is a commonly debated topic: should BTO flat owners be allowed to profit? Or should public housing be kept strictly as a way to house Singaporeans – and not as an “investment” vehicle. For better or worse, BTO flats…

• 15 Jun 2022
• 10 min read
• 0

5 Unusually Designed HDBs Built In The 90s With Unique Layouts

As someone who writes about real estate, I’ve visited more than my fair share of HDB developments in Singapore. While some have been quite conventional, there have been some that have surprised me with just how distinct they are.  So…

• 14 Jun 2022
• 9 min read
• 0

Telok Blangah Parcview Review: Great Sea And Greenery Views But Not The Most Enjoyable Walk To MRT

Telok Blangah Parcview was launched in the July 2013 BTO exercise alongside two projects in Yishun and one in Sengkang. Considering this was the only mature estate launch at that time, Telok Blangah Parcview naturally became the go-to option for many who wanted to stay in a mature estate.

• 9 Jun 2022
• 27 min read
• 0

Tampines GreenRidges Review: Unique Design, With Park-like Landscaping And Self Sufficient

Tampines GreenRidges is one of those developments that you could brush off really quickly just looking at its name.

• 2 Jun 2022
• 26 min read
• 0

The Peak @ Toa Payoh Review: Convenient Central Living Close To 3 MRTs But Pricey

The Peak @ Toa Payoh is probably one of the most well-known DBSS out there (apart from Natura Loft). This time – for a good reason.

• 30 May 2022
• 25 min read
• 0

May 2022 BTO Launch Review: Ultimate Guide To Choosing The Best Unit

There’s no question about it – the May 2022 BTO launch is going to be hotly contested. There will be 4,583 Build To Order (BTO) flats across five estates that will be launched – with the main draw the two…

• 27 May 2022
• 26 min read
• 0

Alkaff Oasis Review: Most Beautiful “Void Deck” With Lush Landscaping And Central Location

Alkaff Oasis is a newly-built HDB project that was launched in February 2016, just over 6 years ago alongside Anchorvale Plains in Sengkang and West Plains @ Bukit Batok.

• 26 May 2022
• 29 min read
• 4

Belvia DBSS Review: Great, Convenient Surroundings In The East But Not The Best DBSS

Belvia DBSS has a lease start date of 2014 and was built by CEL Development. Located in Bedok, this DBSS appeared in the news not too long ago.

• 19 May 2022
• 26 min read
• 0

6 Unconventional HDB Layouts That May Be Tricky For Your ID

Despite being a public housing scheme, HDB is surprisingly experimental; over the years they’ve come up with many ingenious designs. And uh… some that aren’t. While all of the following are perfectly functional, they may pose additional challenges, and give…

• 11 May 2022
• 6 min read
• 0

We Review The May 2022 BTO Launch Sites (Bukit Merah, Queenstown, Jurong West, Toa Payoh, Yishun)

With demand for HDB flats at a peak, the May BTO launch is bound to be hotly contested. In fact, HDB has mentioned that May 2022 will see a bumper crop, just for this reason. We’re seeing around 5,330 flats…

• 4 May 2022
• 8 min read
• 0

5 Biggest And Cheapest HDB Flats Below $550,000 (Above 1,500 Sqft)

Despite borders opening up around the world, the past 2 years of the pandemic have still taught many that having enough space at home is a luxury worth paying for. While many of us would be having to head back…

• 28 Apr 2022
• 6 min read
• 0

West Plains @ Bukit Batok Review: Great For Families Though Far From The MRT

West Plains @ Bukit Batok was launched in the February 2016 BTO exercise as part of HDB’s effort to grow the town’s population. But since 2012, the HDB has already launched 16 BTO sites at Bukit Batok.

• 21 Apr 2022
• 27 min read
• 0

7 Less Central HDB Towns With Flats Creeping Towards $1 Million Price Tags

With a record number of million-dollar flats sold, some Singaporeans are starting to wonder if it’s ever going to be the norm. That day won’t be anytime soon, as million-dollar flats are still a small number of outliers; but it…

• 19 Apr 2022
• 5 min read
• 1

Is $700,000 For A Keppel Club Site BTO Worth It?

When the Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW) was announced in 2013, one of the first things to draw attention was the announcement of public housing. How was it fair, we wondered, if future owners could land a flat in such a…

• 18 Apr 2022
• 5 min read
• 0

Telok Blangah Ridgeview Review: Peaceful With Greenery And Sea Views But Not Near MRT

Telok Blangah Ridgeview was launched in 2012 together with Depot Heights with Ridgeview having the better accessibility over Depot Heights due to its shorter distance to an MRT – Telok Blangah Hill Station along the Circle Line.

• 14 Apr 2022
• 20 min read
• 2

5 Special HDB Flats With Unique Layouts (And Where To Find Them)

Singapore’s approach to public housing is different from many other countries, and we’re not just referring to its policies. Although it may seem that every HDB block looks the same, our HDB projects are not as “cookie-cutter” as you’d expect…

• 12 Apr 2022
• 5 min read
• 0

5 Nearly New Cheapest 4-Room HDB Flats Under $400,000 (Non-Mature Areas)

Not everyone feels the need for a mature-area HDB flat. If you’re not using the nearby amenities, it’s wasted money; and you may be able to get a far more spacious unit on the fringes. We also know some of…

• 9 Apr 2022
• 5 min read
• 0

Woodlands Glen Review: A Self-Sufficient HDB Close To A Well-Equipped Park

Woodlands Glen was part of the January 2014 BTO launch exercise where it was one of 6 BTOs on offer – one of which was Punggol BayView which we’ve also reviewed.

• 7 Apr 2022
• 23 min read
• 0