Psst! Also check out our November 2020 HDB BTO Sales Launch: An In-Depth Analysis
August is fast approaching, and couples looking to bag a new home have a lot to look forward to. The upcoming August 2020 Built-to-Order (BTO) project will feature a whopping 7,800 flats in total, thanks to the delay in May’s BTO launch that has been carried over to August.
General Outlook
Altogether, there are 3 non-mature and 5 mature estates involved in the upcoming launch. Of which, Tengah, Choa Chu Kang, Tampines and Pasir Ris have been covered in our May 2020 BTO sales launch guide.
Image source: HDB
Click on the links below to jump right in to our analysis of the pros and cons of each sales launch in terms of Anticipated Price, Location & Amenities and Past Subscription Rate. Also, have an overview look at what’s buzzing in forums and discussion groups for this August 2020 BTO sales launch.
Non-mature estates in August 2020 BTO sales launch
- Choa Chu Kang (previously part of the May 2020 BTO launch)
- Tengah (previously part of the May 2020 BTO launch)
- Woodlands
Mature estates in August 2020 BTO sales launch
- Pasir Ris (previously part of the May 2020 BTO launch)
- Tampines West (previously part of the May 2020 BTO launch), Tampines North
- Ang Mo Kio
- Bishan
- Geylang
1. Woodlands (Non-Mature Estate)
Launch price
Image source: HDB
Location & amenities
Touted as the star destination of the North, six new upcoming ‘star attractions’ for Woodlands include the Discovery Playground, Woodvista Gallery, Woodlands Regional Centre, Social Corridor, Community Nexus and Wellness Haven.
Two BTO sites are released in Woodlands this August 2020 launch, namely
Woodlands Site 1: Urbanville @ Woodlands
Image source: HDB
Woodlands may be located on the far end of Singapore, but you’ll find that your needs are sufficiently met within this up-and-coming locale.
For instance, the first site is in close proximity to many public transportation systems. These include: Woodlands MRT Station, the newly opened Woodlands MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast line (TEL), and the bus interchange. If you’re concerned about having to deal with noise from two sets of train tracks, rest assured that the TEL MRT line functions completely underground!
Shopping needs can be fulfilled at Causeway Point, and leisurely pursuits can be made at the nearby Woodlands Community Club. Fushan Garden, Treehaus Park and Woodlands Park Connector are also good public spaces for family bonding and rejuvenation.
In addition, families with children can benefit from having schools like Qihua Primary School, Woodlands Primary School, Riverside Secondary School and Republic Polytechnic nearby.
And by 2026, expect connectivity to the city to increase with the completion of the new North-South Expressway, a 21.5km road linking Woodlands to the city.
Woodlands Site 2: Champions Bliss
Image source: HDB
The second Woodlands site this August 2020 BTO site is located right next to Seletar Expressway. Noise pollution in the form of cars honking and vehicles travelling along the expressway can be expected. Dust may also be prevalent as a result.
This is however, balanced out by the proximity of community clubs and a proposed park for leisure activities. Families with children can also benefit from having Innova Primary School, Christ Church Secondary School, Singapore Sports School, Woodgrove Secondary School and the upcoming Yishun Innova Junior College in the vicinity.
It is also right next to the site of the May 2019 Champions Green BTO launch.
Past subscription rate
For the 2019 Champions Green BTO sales launch, the overall subscription rate was:
- 2-room Flexi flats: 1.4
- 3-room flats: 2.7
- 4-room flats: 6.6
- 5-room flats: 6.7
Based on the past subscription rate of May 2019’s Woodlands BTO launch, it’s fair to say that you may have to face some competition, particularly in the case of 4-room and 5-room flats.
Food for thought
Disclaimer: This section only represents the thoughts and opinions of forum and discussion group members, and does not represent our views.
This Woodlands launch appears to have generated quite a bit of buzz online. People are excited about the rarity of a BTO being in such close proximity to two MRT lines, as well as the fact that lucky North-West facers will have a view of Johor Bahru as well as the sea.
Many predict that this area will be oversubscribed, but it does not detract from the appeal of Woodlands as a rapidly developing estate in the North.
2. Ang Mo Kio (Mature Estate)
Launch price
Image source: HDB
Location & amenities
Image source: HDB
Couples can benefit from the upcoming: Mayflower MRT Station (TEL, expected to be fully completed by 2024), Bright Hill MRT Station and Bright Hill MRT Station (CRL, expected to be fully completed by 2031).
Those with children may be interested to know that Mayflower Secondary School, Ang Mo Kio Primary School and Peirce Secondary School are all nearby. Lucky couples may also bag a flat with a view of ABC Waters @ Kallang River, as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is in the vicinity as well to offer some green respite.
Past subscription rate
For the May 2016 Ang Mo Kio Court BTO sales launch, the overall subscription rate was:
- 4-room flats: 10.1
- 5-room flats: 9.3
And for the November 2019 Yio Chu Kang Beacon launch, the overall subscription rate was:
- 4-room flats: 16.2
While the upcoming launch may not be as closely located to the MRT station as last November’s heavily oversubscribed Yio Chu Kang Beacon launch, it does not detract from the appeal of Ang Mo Kio as a mature estate with good accessibility to town. So expect for the area to be oversubscribed again, with only an estimated 380 units up for grabs.
Food for thought
Disclaimer: This section only represents the thoughts and opinions of forum and discussion group members, and does not represent our views.
Some have expressed their hesitance with this launch as it isn’t located in a central or prime area of Ang Mo Kio. But there have also been those that found the Ang Mo Kio location very appealing given its proximity to MRT stations and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Overall, there is a healthy amount of interest in the launch and anticipation of high subscription rates, as expected of a mature estate.
3. Bishan (Mature Estate)
Bishan Towers Launch price
Bishan is an unfamiliar name on the BTO launch list. In fact, there has never been a BTO project in Bishan, except for the launch of seniors-only Golden Jasmine in 2006, which consisted of only studio units.
Location & amenities
Image source: HDB
Located about a ten to fifteen minute bus ride away from Bishan Central, the site is definitely more towards the outskirts. So if you were super stoked for the 1500 Bishan flats located 5 minutes away from Bishan MRT, you’re going to have to keep waiting till November this year.
But there are merits to this sales launch as well. Those who own a car may greatly benefit from being right along Braddell Road, a major road leading on to the Central Expressway (CTE) that will take you pretty much anywhere in Singapore. On the flipside, dust and noise pollution may be prevalent.
Get your weekly groceries shopping done with at Chung Ling Wet Market which is located a stone’s throw away. Additionally, enjoy a leisurely run with Kallang Park Connector beside it that links Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to Kallang Riverside Park.
Past subscription rate
For the Toa Payoh Ridge and Kim Keaat Ripples BTO sales launch, the overall subscription rates were:
- 2-room Flexi flats: 4.2
- 3-room flats: 9.2
- 4-room flats: 9.6
Judging from the past subscription rate, demand appears to be rather high for a flat in the area, so expect some competition, particularly in the case of a 3-room or 4-room flat.
Food for thought
Disclaimer: This section only represents the thoughts and opinions of forum and discussion group members, and does not represent our views.
Similar to what was mentioned above, forums are abuzz with discontent over the launch not being centrally located in Bishan, or near any key amenities.
Being so near to Braddell Road is also worrisome for some because of how extremely busy the road gets. Another point brought up was the lack of 5-room flats in this Bishan launch as well.
4. Geylang (Mature Estate)
Dakota One in Geylang launch price
Image source: HDB
Location & amenities
Image source: HDB
Besides its already prime location as a centralised mature estate in Singapore (being near downtown and the CBD area), Dakota MRT Station is just a stone’s throw away. This also means that you’ll be one stop away from the major interchange that is Paya Lebar, where the Circle and East-West Lines meet.
You’ll also get to savour food from the renowned Old Airport Road Hawker Centre that can be found across the road. Groceries can also be found at the market that’s within walking distance.
Those with children of school-going age will have Kong Hwa School and Broadrick Secondary School right in their vicinity, as well as a park for recreational activities right downstairs.
Past subscription rate
For the Dakota Breeze and Pine Vista BTO sales launch back in 2017, the overall subscription rate was:
- 3-room flats: 1.4
- 4-room flats: 5.2
Chances were surprisingly decent for 3-room flats, back in 2017. But given the amazing location and amenities this time round, expect some stiff competition for a BTO in Geylang.
Food for thought
Disclaimer: This section only represents the thoughts and opinions of forum and discussion group members, and does not represent our views.
As one would expect, many have expressed their ardent interest in bagging a flat at such a prime location.
Many anticipate that the highly coveted flats are likely to be heavily oversubscribed, but still seem willing to try given their keen interest in what they have described to be the top choice out of all the BTO releases this season.
5. Tampines (Mature Estate)
Note: The analysis below is for the BTO launch in Tampines North. If you were on the lookout for analysis for the Tampines West site, it can be found under our comprehensive May 2020 BTO Sales Launch article.
Tampines GreenCrest & Tampines GreenGlade Launch price
Location & amenities
Image source: HDB
This launch isn’t centrally located within Tampines, and most of the actual town centre facilities that make Tampines a mature estate are actually quite some distance away.
At present, areas around this site are still undergoing development and lacking in terms of amenities like schools and recreational parks and gardens. However, future developments that couples can benefit from include the upcoming Tampines North MRT Station (Cross Island MRT line, expected to be fully completed by 2031), and proposed parks in the vicinity.
Those who drive are also likely to benefit from easy access to Tampines Expressway. Though some may be wary of the noise and dust generated from living in such close quarters.
Past subscription rate
Subscription rates for Tampines GreenGlen in September 2019 are as follows:
- 4-room flats: 2.3
- 5-room flats: 2.1
Subscription rates are likely to not change too much this time around and can be expected to be rather fair, given that the site is located further up North in a lesser developed region of Tampines. Fair game for everyone.
Food for thought
Disclaimer: This section only represents the thoughts and opinions of forum and discussion group members, and does not represent our views.
Singaporeans appear divided on the prospects of living in Tampines North. On one hand, some find it a decent site with sufficient amenities close to it, but on the other hand, there are those who are bothered by its location in the outskirts.
Being situated further away from key amenities and not in a central location within Tampines has drawn some criticism as well.
Summary
Overall, the upcoming combined May and August BTO launch is likely to be one of the most exciting launches yet, with so many options that each have their merits to choose from.
Mature and well developed areas like Geylang are likely to be very tempting thanks to their fantastic location and many amenities. While those who choose to play it safe or want a newer estate may find non-mature, but rapidly developing estates like Woodlands an absolute gem.
If you need more information to help you make your decision, check out our analysis of the May 2020 BTO Sales Launch, which covers Tengah, Choa Chu Kang, Tampines and Pasir Ris. Here’s wishing you all the best for your house hunt!
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