Singapore’s upcoming October Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise will be the largest of the year, offering 9,060 flats spread across 10 housing projects in eight towns. This is a significant jump from July’s 5,547 flats and February’s 5,032 units, giving first-time buyers a wider pool of choices.
Among these, four projects will be located in prime central areas such as Bukit Merah, Toa Payoh and Bishan. Given their attractive city-fringe locations and proximity to MRT stations, these developments are likely to fall under the Prime or Plus housing categories. However, families hoping for larger five-room flats may be disappointed as none of the central projects will feature units of that size.
The most talked-about project will be in Bukit Merah, where a new development near Telok Blangah MRT Station will mark the start of the Greater Southern Waterfront transformation. This landmark project will eventually see 6,000 new HDB flats and 3,000 private homes built in the area, giving homeowners a rare first-mover advantage.
Spotlight on Bukit Merah Projects
Two separate projects in Bukit Merah will add around 1,890 new homes. The Telok Blangah site, with 870 flats, will be the very first HDB project in the Greater Southern Waterfront. Its location near Southern Ridges and Labrador Nature Park is expected to appeal strongly to nature lovers.
Meanwhile, the Jalan Bukit Merah project will offer 1,020 flats, situated within walking distance of Redhill MRT Station and surrounded by wet markets, a hawker centre and schools. Given its accessibility, this project is likely to be in high demand, especially from families with school-going children.
Both projects are expected to see stiff competition due to their Prime or Plus categorisation, which comes with stricter conditions such as a 10-year minimum occupation period and possible subsidy clawbacks.
Mount Pleasant and Bishan: Rare Central Launches
In Toa Payoh, buyers can look forward to Mount Pleasant Crest, the first BTO project in the new Mount Pleasant estate. Located on the former Police Academy grounds, the project will feature 1,350 flats and introduce the flexible “white flat” layout that allows buyers to customise their interiors. With the future Mount Pleasant MRT Station nearby, this development is set to draw strong demand.
Bishan, on the other hand, will only see 530 flats launched – the smallest number among all October projects. Its location near Bishan MRT Interchange, reputable schools, and the town centre’s upcoming transformation into a sub-regional hub make this project one of the most competitive in the exercise.
Strong Competition Expected
Historical data shows resale prices in Bukit Merah and Bishan are among the highest in Singapore, with four-room flats in Bukit Merah averaging $891 per square foot. This pricing gap between resale and BTO flats could fuel even stronger demand in October’s launch.
For buyers, the choice between projects may come down to lifestyle preferences. Those who value greenery may lean towards Telok Blangah, while families prioritising convenience and schools may prefer Jalan Bukit Merah or Bishan. Mount Pleasant, meanwhile, appeals to homeowners seeking modern layouts and long-term estate transformation potential.
With more than 9,000 units on offer, this October exercise gives Singaporean families their best chance this year to secure a new flat – but competition in the central locations is expected to be intense.