She said that demand is stronger in Ang Mo Kio and Tampines because these places are in mature estates. The Tampines project has one of the shortest completion periods – about 36 months – and is set to be ready by the second quarter of 2026.
“We noticed that five-room flats are very popular among buyers this time around. This could be due to fewer new five-room flats released in mature estates in recent launches.”
Mr Mohan Sandrasegeran, senior analyst at One Global Group, said that Sun Plaza Spring in Tampines had the lowest number of flats offered in this BTO exercise.
“As a result, given the reduced number of units and the growing need for larger spaces, strong competition was seen for these flats,” he said.
He said that the application rates for Alexandra Vale and Havelock Hillside appeared “lacklustre”, possibly because of the longer MOP and longer completion rates for these projects.
“It is likely potential home applicants and younger couples looking for a shorter wait to occupy their flats, might have shifted their attention towards the other BTO flats that were offered.”
Mr Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex Realty said that Woodlands South Plains likely stood out for applicants because of the project’s location – it is almost at the doorstep of Woodlands South MRT station. The pricing was affordable and it is close to the Woodlands Regional Centre, he added.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) said that despite continued strong demand for BTO flats, first-timers have a good chance of securing a flat as the “vast majority” have been set aside for first-timer applicants.
From the August BTO exercise, more units in non-mature estates were set aside for first-time applicants. At least 95 per cent of four-room and larger flats are reserved for first-time families, and at least 85 per cent of three-room BTO flats are for first-time families.