PLH Flat Alternatives: 11 City Fringe HDB Flats Cheaper than the Nov 2021 Rochor BTO Flats

River Peaks I and II, the first batch of BTO flats under the Prime Location Housing (PLH) model, was released recently during the Nov 2021 BTO launch. In spite of high prices, demand from prospective buyers was strong, particularly for four-room flats, which had an overall subscription rate of 10.3.

With 3-room flats priced at $409,000 to $474,000 and 4-room flats at $582,000 to $688,000, buyers had to be prepared to pay a premium for a central location.

The PLH model might cause location-conscious buyers to turn to city fringe locations instead, defined as those close to but not in the city core, mostly in the Rest of Central Region (RCR). Upcoming BTO projects in Feb 2022 include the Kallang/Whampoa and Geylang launches are expected to see strong interest, as they aren’t subject to the tight PLH restrictions and are expected to be slightly more affordable than BTO flats in prime locations.

But if you can’t wait for a BTO flat and wish to live in the city fringe, here are some flats to consider.

3-room HDB Flats in the City-Fringe Under $409,000

At under $409,000, it’s a challenge to find a newer flat built in the 1990s and later, but there are flats built in the 70s and 80s that are still in good condition. With some renovation work done, the place will look good as new. 

Related article: 11 Renovated HDB Flats in Singapore That Look like Condos Inside

3-room Flat at 108 Aljunied Crescent: $380,000

This 1980 flat in Aljunied offers quick access not just to the CBD via a 12-minute car ride, but also to Changi Airport via a 20-minute car ride. It is 5 minutes’ walk from Aljunied MRT stations and 12 minutes’ walk from both Paya Lebar and Mattar MRT stations, giving you access to both the East West, Circle and Downtown Lines.

If you’re into the minimalist aesthetic, the existing pale wood on cream colour palette provides a good base for you to redecorate the apartment. The large kitchen is an added plus point for those who like to cook.

Related article: Eco-friendly Kitchen Guide: Tips on Having A Low- or Zero-waste Kitchen

View the listing here or search for other Aljunied HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

3-room Flat at 203 Toa Payoh North: $388,000

This 1982 flat is located 3 minutes’ walk from Braddell MRT station, which connects to Orchard in 10 minutes and Raffles Place in 19 minutes. There are numerous choice primary schools located within the vicinity of the flat, including Raffles Girls’ Primary School.

View the listing here or search for other Bradell HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

3-room Flat at 12 Upper Boon Keng Road: $399,999

This 1980 flat is located just a 6-minute walk to Kallang MRT station, taking you to the CBD in minutes. Bendemeer and Geylang Bahru MRT stations are about a 12-minute walk away. It is also right beside the Kallang River, so you can take evening strolls by the water if that’s your thing.

View the listing here or search for other Boon Keng HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

3-room Flat at 142 Jalan Bukit Merah: $399,999

This 1978 flat’s nearest MRT station is the future Keppel station on the Circle Line, about 11 minutes’ walk away. For now, residents will have to walk 16 minutes or take a bus out to Tiong Bahru MRT station. If you’re a foodie, you’ll appreciate the flat’s proximity to the hipster enclave at Yong Siak Street.

View the listing here or search for other Bukit Merah HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

3-room Flat at 664 Buffalo Road: $380,000

This 1981 flat in the Little India area is extremely well-connected, with Little India MRT station just 3 minutes’ walk away. It is actually a short walking distance from the Nov 2021 Rochor BTO site.

By foot, Rochor MRT station is 5 minutes away and Jalan Besar MRT station is 7 minutes away. 

View the listing here or search for other Little India HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

4-room HDB Flats in the City-Fringe Under $582,000

When your budget’s a little higher at $582,000, you can gain access to newer flats built in 2000 and after. 

Related article: HDB Flats in Singapore: BTO Price vs HDB MOP Resale Price 5 Years Later (2021)

4-room Flat at 117B Jalan Tenteram: $535,000

This corner unit, built in 2016, is located 11 minutes’ walk from Boon Keng MRT station and 12 minutes from Potong Pasir MRT station. An added bonus is that it’s a high-floor unit so you do get a nice view of the surrounding city blocks.

The Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) was fulfilled 2021, so it is one of the newest flats you can buy on the resale market. Being new and in good condition means it is move-in ready, great for couples who are trying to minimise renovation costs.

View the listing here or search for other Boon Keng HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

4-room Flat at 672B Klang Lane: $550,000

Located 9 minutes’ walk from Little India MRT station and 10 minutes’ walk from Farrer Park MRT station, this 2000 flat allows its residents to enjoy amenities like Mustafa Centre and City Square Mall, with food and entertainment hotspots Bugis and Jalan Besar just a short walk away.

View the listing here or search for other Farrer Park HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

4-room Flat at 129 Kim Tian Road: $550,000

This 1975 flat is located 8 minutes’ walk from Tiong Bahru MRT station and 13 minutes from the future Havelock MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast line. It is not only minutes from the CBD but also in a highly sought-after neighbourhood with lots of F&B and lifestyle amenities. The flat has been renovated twice and looks very new.

View the listing here or search for other Tiong Bahru HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

4-room Flat at 238 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh: $580,000

This 1986 flat is located 7 minutes’ walk from Braddell MRT station and 13 minutes’ from Toa Payoh MRT station. Parents with school-going children may find this flat to be in an attractive location as it is near many popular schools. Not to mention, the interior of the flat is well-renovated and next door to a corner unit.

View the listing here or search for other Toa Payoh HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

4-room Flat at 8 Haig Road: $550,000

This HDB flat is 8 minutes’ walk from Paya Lebar MRT station and 13 minutes’ from Dakota MRT station. Travelling to the city centre is less than a 20-minute commute by train. This neighbourhood is great for those who want to live in a neighbourhood that has old school charm but still be in reach of chic cafes and trendy happy hour bars.

View the listing here or search for other Geylang HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

4-room Flat at 268 Bishan Street 24: $528,000

This 1991 flat is located 16 minutes’ walk from Bishan MRT station, and will also benefit from the opening of future MRT station Teck Ghee, which will be about 11 minutes’ walk away. Travelling to town or accessing the different MRT lines is easy.

The flat is only 7 minutes’ walk from the scenic Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park so you can reap the benefits of living near nature.

View the listing here or search for other Bishan HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

More FAQs about City Fringe Properties

Which Neighbourhoods in Singapore Are Considered City Fringe?

City Fringe refers to the Rest of Central Region (RCR) area, including neighbourhoods such as Queenstown, Harbourfront, Tiong Bahru, Little India, Bishan, Kallang, Geylang, Boon Keng and Chinatown.

Do City Fringe Locations Fall under the Prime Location Housing (PLH) Model?  

No, the PLH is meant only for properties in the city core.

Why Buy a City Fringe Property?

City fringe properties are in central locations but more affordable than properties in the city core.

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