Tengah Makes November BTO Launch The Best One Of 2018

November BTO Launch

It might be the smallest BTO launch this year, but we’re convinced that the November BTO launch is the best.

That’s because there’s so much variety. With a healthy mix of flat sizes as well as developments in both mature and non-mature towns, the launch offers homes to suit different needs, budgets and preferences.

The November BTO launch also marks the opening of Tengah as a new estate. Hailed as the future of HDB estates, the northwestern town’s reputation as a truly green town has us excited beyond words.

HDB launched the projects on Tuesday (13 Nov). Interested homeowners can apply here.

Applications are open till Monday (19 Nov), 11.59pm. Successful applicants will be determined by a computer ballot.

Here’s what you should know about each of the projects.

1. Tengah

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Arguably the most-hyped development this year, Tengah New Town is the largest in the November BTO launch. Some 1,600 flats will be available in all sizes, ranging from 2-room Flexi flats to 3Gen flats.

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The only drawback of living in Tengah is pretty clear from the map above. It’s Pulau ulu right now.

Most of its talked-about features, like the lush, car-lite town centre, will only be available in a few years. Early residents might also have to live with the dust and noise that come with the construction of a major new town.

But as Dollars & Sense points out, there might be some advantages. Residents who wait out the Minimum Occupancy Period might find that their flats sell for a decent profit on the resale market.

That might just be speculation though.

Tengah residents without a car might find it tough to get around at first, since the nearest MRT stations (Bukit Batok and Bukit Gombak) are 1.4km away. But from 2026, the Jurong Region Line will improve accessibility to the estate.

Those with a car will be pleased with Tengah’s easy access to the PIE and KJE.

Prices range from $101,000 for a 2-room flexi flat to $423,000 for a 3Gen flat (before grants).

2. Tampines

If it’s top amenities you’re after, then good ol’ Tampines is for you. This is the second-largest development of the November BTO launch, with 1,080 flats available.

Like Tengah, Tampines flats will also come in a range of sizes:

  • 2-room flexi
  • 3-room
  • 4-room
  • 5-room

But unlike Tengah, the estate does not have any 3Gen flats. However, residents enjoy easy access to the Tampines Round Market and Tampines SAFRA. And the Tampines Town Centre, with its hawker centre, shopping malls and sporting amenities is just 2km away.

The highlight of this development is its proximity to the Tampines West MRT Station. This well-connected station can get you to the East-West Line in 1 stop, the Circle Line in 5 stops and the upcoming Thomson-East Coast line in 6 stops.

Families can take advantage of the schools surrounding the development. Some, like Temasek Polytechnic, are a walk away, while tertiary institutions like SUTD and ITE College East are easily reached by public transport.

Prices range from $134,000 for a 2-room flexi flat to $472,000 for a 5-room flat (before grants).

3. Yishun

Here’s your chance to live in the same estate as famed Hong Kong actor Benz Hui. HDB is offering 456 flats in Yishun this time, in 3-, 4-, and 5-room configurations.

But if the Yishun curse worries you, fret not. The new flats are 2km away from the town centre.

While this might be a welcome relief for some, it might not appeal as much to people who like to live in the thick of action. You’ll have to take a feeder bus to the MRT station and Yishun’s amenities, including Northpoint City.

Prices range from $170,000 for a 3-room flat to $346,000 for a 5-room flat (before grants).

4. Sengkang

If you crave seclusion, then opt for this development in Sengkang. Comprising 330 units spread over 4- and 5-room flats, the development is located some 3km away from Sengkang central.

Living here gives you privacy but it severely reduces your accessibility, by train at least. The nearest LRT station is at Fernvale, a few minutes walk away.

On the plus side, the development sits along Yio Chu Kang Road, which has direct bus connections to Bishan, Bedok, Serangoon and the CBD. Drivers will also enjoy the direct connection to the CTE.

Prices range from $270,000 for a 4-room flat to $366,000 for a 5-room flat (before grants).

5. Sembawang

But if you really want ulu, there’s nowhere like Sembawang. Or Canberra, to be exact.

These 310 units will be located near the upcoming Canberra MRT station, which will sit between Yishun and Sembawang. It will be ready next December, according to the LTA.

There are decent facilities in Sembawang, including Sun Plaza, a public library as well as Bukit Canberra. This upcoming community hub will house a polyclinic, senior care centre, sports facilities as well as a hawker centre.

Perfect for those who travel to JB regularly.

Prices range from $165,000 for a 3-room flat to $327,000 for a 5-room flat (before grants).

Featured image from HDB.

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