In Singapore’s competitive property market, buyers often find themselves caught between their aspirations and crushing reality. Budget constraints often force…
A few weeks back, we visited Clover Avenue, and when exploring the neighbourhood I realised it was fairly close to Junction 8/Bishan MRT. On Google Maps, I saw some houses even closer to Junction 8, located right across the road. Hence, I thought it would be interesting to view those units today. (If you’re wondering why we would go to the same neighbourhood twice, firstly, different streets in the same area can feel very different. Secondly, in Singapore’s scorching heat, even a 5-minute difference in walking time can feel like a deal breaker, let alone the 10-minute difference in the time it takes to get from Junction 8 to Clover Avenue/Binchang Rise. So follow me as we wander through Binchang Rise today!
As you can see from the photo above, the MRT/Junction 8 is just 200m away from some of the houses at Binchang Rise – literally a stone’s throw. Let’s talk a walk down that way. And hey, part of the walk is even sheltered!A large green expanse separates the houses from the road/bus stop/Junction 8, so the houses still have privacy despite being so close to amenities and public transportation. Looking at the houses from the walkway to Junction 8/the bus stop – as you can see, the land is uneven, so you can’t really see into the houses.Looking in the other direction.Standing on the same side of the road as the houses, looking towards Junction 8. As shown above, the road is quite a broad one, but I couldn’t hear the traffic at all when walking down Binchang Rise. In fact, I didn’t even know we were so close to Junction 8 till I saw the mall itself!
For those who prefer the bus to the MRT, there is a bus stop on the same side of the road as the houses.
According to this helpful Google review, the bus stop has been recently renovated to make it “more spacious” and it also shows the “arrival information of the buses.” The bus stop is well-served by many routes: 13, 50, 52, 54, 55, 55B, 58, 71, 88, and 156.
Here’s a map of the area to help you better appreciate how close Binchang Rise is to Junction 8. Behind Junction 8, you can also find Bishan Community Club and Bishan Public Library.
Since the amenities are a big part of the appeal of the area, let’s quickly look at what Junction 8 offers. A CapitaLand mall, besides the MRT, you can also find the bus interchange there. The mall was built in the 90s and refreshed in 2013. You’ll find everything from Bee Cheng Hiang and Bengawan Solo to a dentist and optician there. (For the full list of shops, click here.)
Consisting mostly of terrace houses, Binchang Rise is a long quiet street.
Much of the road is marked with a single white line i.e. street parking is not allowed. Your friends and family will have to park at other parts of the estate and walk over. (Or they can park at Junction 8.)Many of the houses are still 2 storeys high, but a few have been built higher.As the road was quite quiet and uncluttered, it was enjoyable to walk around Binchang Rise.I guess I’m not the only one who thinks so, as I encountered someone on an evening run too.Some of the units are quite large, with very long driveways – the residents and their guests will have no problems finding parking space!Most of the properties looked to be a bit dated – the above are 2 of the more modern.Oh look there is a second shortcut to the main road/Junction 8! How handy.
You’ll have to walk down a short flight of stairs, then there’s an overhead bridge on your right to take you to Junction 8. (The bus stop is also on the right.)
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Headed back into the estate – someone here seems to be rebuilding their house.The neighbourhood is quite low-rise: the orange building (Bishan 8) is the only high-rise I recall seeing. Another highlight of the estate is that it has not one, but TWO playgrounds within easy reach – one at each end of the street.Here’s the first playground – as shown, it’s fairly large.Binchang Rise Park is a triangular-shaped park at the bottom of the street. According to Google reviews, it is a “quiet environment.” (Indeed, it was not noisy when I visited.
There’s a walking path as well as a place for kids to play on the right.
Note that the kid’s play area is quite close to some of the houses, so there could be some noise transfer during peak times.The walking path leads you to other parts of the neighbourhood.If you observe the Master Plan above, you’ll see that the larger houses of Binchang Rise are concentrated at the ends, with the smaller houses in the middle. Binchang Rise is also located in between 2 of Singapore’s famous schools: Raffles Institution and Catholic High.Some of the larger properties on the street.There’s also a preschool here: Little Paddington (No google reviews at the time of writing.)One of the rare detached units.
This part of Binchang Rise doesn’t have a single white line in the middle of the road so you can park along one side of the road. (The side without the double yellow lines.)
There were quite a few cars parked along the street, but the road is wide enough that it doesn’t feel blocked.
Example of how much higher you can build.On the other end of Binchang Rise (well, the middle of Binchang Rise, really) is the second playground: Clover Way Park. It’s even larger than Binchang Rise Playground!There’s a shaded area to protect parents/caregivers from the sun whilst watching the kids.As well as more street parking space here.This park is so large, I can’t quite capture it in one frame even when standing across the street!
This brings us to the end of today’s tour. If you also read the article on Clover Avenue, which of the 2 estates did you prefer? Clover Avenue felt more industrial to me, though the shophouses were a charming addition to the neighbourhood, as compared to Junction 8, which can feel a bit more commonplace. (Malls are great, but they don’t have the most character. They do provide access to more conveniences though.) Let me know which you liked better in the comments!
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TJ's interest in property was sparked after returning from the UK- where balconies are not counted in one's square footage!- and finding that the Singapore property had totally changed in the 7 years she was away. When not reading and watching articles & videos about property, she is busy cooking and baking for friends, family & her blog Greedygirlgourmet
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