2021

How Can I Borrow More for My Home Loan?

Home loans in Singapore are subjected to Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits of up to 75% (bank) or 90% (HDB) only. Also, you may not get approved for the full amount. Here's what to do if you need to borrow more funds for your mortgage.

Nov 2021 Hougang BTO Review: 15 Minutes From Hougang MRT and Kovan MRT

Nov 2021 Hougang BTO Review: 15 Minutes From Hougang MRT and Kovan MRT
Nov 2021 Hougang BTO Review: 15 Minutes From Hougang MRT and Kovan MRT

The Nov 2021 Hougang BTO launch in 2021 will see 690 units of 4-room and 5-room flats available across two launches. 

Despite being a non-mature estate, BTO launches in Hougang tend to be popular among balloters. The recent Hougang BTO launch in Aug was the most popular launch by far, receiving one of the largest applications in recent years. Similarly, the previous BTO launch in Hougang five years ago was also the most popular BTO launch

With its locational attributes and low supply of new flats, the Nov 2021 Hougang BTO launch will likely be among the most popular BTO projects. So let’s find out what they have to offer.

 

Nov 2021 Hougang BTO Map

Locality map of the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats along Hougang Ave 1

Locality map of the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats along Hougang Ave 1 (image source: HDB)

Locality map of the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats along Hougang Ave 1

Locality map of the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats along Hougang Ave 3 (image source: HDB)

Can’t wait for the delay in completion of the flats? Find available resale flats for sale in Hougang on PropertyGuru instead. 

 

Hougang BTO Location (Nov 2021 HDB BTO Launch)

Hougang BTO location (November 2021)

 

Address

Hougang Ave 1; Hougang Ave 3

Nearest MRT

Bartley MRT (Circle Line), Kovan MRT (North-East Line)

Nearest bus interchange

Hougang Bus Interchange

Nearby schools

Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary and Secondary), Yuying Secondary School, Xinghua Primary School, Maris Stella High School

Other nearby amenities

Heartland Mall, Maplewood Park, Hougang Ave 1 Park, health and medical care facility (proposed), civic and community institution (proposed), Hougang Hainanese Food Centre, park (proposed), Hougang Ave 3 Park Connector, Jalan Pelikat Park Connector

Similar to the Aug 2021 BTO launch, there will be two BTO launches in Hougang in November. One of the Hougang BTO projects will be located along Hougang Ave 3, while the other will be right across the road, along Hougang Ave 1. In fact, the former is just right next to August’s Hougang Citrine BTO flats

The main difference between both BTO launches in Nov is the number of flats available; the one located along Hougang Avenue 3 will have slightly more units with 390 flats, while the BTO project along Hougang Ave 1 will offer 300 units. There will also be a proposed health and medical care next to the Hougang Ave 3 flats. 

Apart from that, both flats offer access to the same amenities. Schools in the area include Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary and Secondary), Yuying Secondary School, Xinghua Primary School, and Maris Stella High. They are either within walking distance or are within a 5-minute bus ride. 

Kovan MRT and Hougang MRT are the closest MRT stations, and both are just a short bus ride away. Kovan MRT in particular, is next to Heartland Mall as well as several eateries and retail stores. Hougang MRT is also about a 15 minutes’ bus ride away where there’s also Hougang Central Bus Interchange, Hougang Mall, The Midtown, and Hougang Town Centre. 

In addition, the future Defu MRT station on the Cross-Island Line (CRL) won’t be too far away. Residents will have access to areas like Ang Mo Kio, Tampines North, Pasir Ris, Loyang, and Aviation Park in just a few stops. 

For those who believe in feng shui, do take note that the flats will be close to a Chinese temple. 

 

Hougang BTO Price (Nov 2021 HDB BTO Launch) 

Unit type

Hougang Citrine BTO price (August 2021)

Kovan Wellspring  BTO price (August 2021) (excluding grants)

Resale flat prices in the area (Hougang Avenue 3 and Hougang Avenue 1) 

4-room

From S$324,000

From S$413,000

$390,000 to $990,000

5-room

From S$392,000

-

$520,000 to $988,000

Prices for the November 2021 Hougang BTO will only be released when the sales launch is announced. However, the recent Hougang Citrine BTO launch is a good price indicator as it’s the most recent launch and the units are right across the upcoming BTO launches. A 4-bedroom at Hougang Citrine BTO was priced from S$324,000 while a 5-bedroom started from S$392,000.

Although considered a non-mature estate, resale flats in Hougang typically have good resale values thanks to their good surrounding amenities and wide range of rare HDB flat types such as executive apartments and maisonettes. Notably, it remains the only non-mature estate that has seen a million-dollar flat transaction. 

Over the past year (and excluding DBSS flats, executive apartments, and maisonette flats), the most expensive 5-room flat sold in Hougang was for S$810,000, while the most expensive 4-room flat was S$628,000.

Considering that both a 5-room and 4-room BTO flat in Hougang Cristine are sold for less than half of the price, it would seem that future residents can expect significant returns if they choose to sell after the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)

 

Hougang BTO Amenities (Nov 2021 HDB BTO Launch)

Good Range of MRT Stations Nearby

The closest MRT station is Kovan MRT. Although both BTO projects aren’t within close walking distance to the MRT station (about 20 minutes’ walk), the station is within 17 minutes by bus. Apart from that, Bartley MRT, Hougang MRT, and the future Defu MRT station are nearby stations that are accessible by public transport.

Good Schooling Options

Parents with schooling children will be glad to know that there are four schools in the area, including popular schools, Maris Stella High and Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’. The last of which can be reached within 12 minutes by foot.

15 Minutes Away from Heartland Mall and Hougang Mall

The BTO flats will be 15 minutes away by bus from Heartland Mall, where there is the Kovan MRT and Kovan Market and Food Centre. Similarly, the flats will also be 15 minutes by bus to Hougang Mall, which is within walking distance to Hougang MRT, The Midtown, Hougang Town Centre, and Hougang Bus Interchange.

 

Conclusion: Are These Hougang BTO Flats Worth Balloting for?

The August 2021 Hougang BTO flats are likely to be among the most popular flats, if not the most popular, in no small part due to their location and amenities nearby. Additionally, the flats will also likely be among the most affordable among other BTO launches in November 2021, based on the prices of the recent August 2021 Hougang BTO flats.

Pros:

  • Good schools in the area
  • 15 minutes away to malls and MRT stations
  • 4-room and 5-room options suitable for bigger families
  • Value for money considering the location and amenities available

Cons: 

  • Not within close walking distance to MRT stations
  • Not within close walking distance to schools in the area either
  • Only 4-room and 5-room flats available

With good access to amenities like public transportation, malls, food, and schools, the Hougang BTO flats will appeal to those who want convenient access to amenities. They’re also the only projects besides Tengah BTO that will offer 5-room units, but arguably have better amenities, accessibility, and connectivity.

There are only four schools in the area (Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School, Yuying Secondary School, Xinghua Primary School, Maris Stella High School), but two (Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School and Maris Stella High School) are popular. The close proximity of these schools will give your children priority admission. However, beyond the four schools, there aren’t that many options. If schools are a priority, the Jurong West BTO flats are probably better for you since there are more schools in the area. However, note that it’s a small project, with only 220 units up for grabs. 

 

Not sure if you should ballot for the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats? Read about the other BTO launches in November below:

 

Other FAQs Related to BTOs

Are BTO Flats Cheaper?

BTO flats are heavily subsidised by the Government and are therefore cheaper than resale flats in the market. However, resale flat buyers do have more access to higher grant amounts, which help to offset the price.

How can I increase my chances of getting a BTO Flat? 

There are various ways to improve your changes, including applying through one of the priority schemes such as the Married Child Priority Scheme.

You can also consider balloting for a BTO project in a non-mature and less popular estate.

Is Balloting for BTO Flats Based on a First-come, First-Serve Basis?

No, HDB uses a computerised balloting system that randomly assigns queue numbers. It is not based on a first-come, first-served basis. However, you can increase your balloting chances via the different priority schemes available

Can Singles Buy a 3-room BTO Flat?

No, singles 35 years and above can only buy 2-room Flexi BTO flats in non-mature estates. However, singles aren’t restricted to the type of resale flat they can buy. 

 

For more property news, resources and useful content like this article, check out PropertyGuru’s guides section

Are you looking to buy a new home? Head to PropertyGuru to browse the top properties for sale in Singapore.  

Already found a new home? Let PropertyGuru Finance's home finance advisors help you with financing it.

 

This article was written by Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru. When he's not busy churning out engaging property content* or newsletter copies, he's busy being a lover of all geeky things. Say hi at: victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg

*I mean, I'll try

Nov 2021 HDB BTO Launch Review: Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Kallang/Whampoa, and Tengah

For the Nov 2021 HDB BTO launch, there will be 3,520 units offered across estates like Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Kallang/Whampoa, and Tengah

Interested to see what’s in store in November? Read on to find out!

 

Nov 2021 HDB BTO Launch Overview

Nov 2021 HDB BTO launch estate

Unit mix

Units available

Choa Chu Kang

2-room Flexi

60

Hougang

4-room, 5-room

690

Jurong West

3-room, 4-room

220

Kallang/Whampoa

2-room Flexi, 4-room

430

Tengah

2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room, 5-room

2,120

If you missed out on selecting a unit in the Kallang/Whampoa and Hougang HDB BTO launches in August 2021, here’s your chance to take a shot at them again. 

Kallang/Whampoa will be the only launch in a mature estate. However, unit choices are limited as only 2-room Flexi and 4-room flats will be up for selection. Meanwhile, Hougang will see two launches, with each offering 4-room and 5-room flats, which could appeal to couples who want a larger home. 

The Jurong West BTO launch is the smallest project in November, with only 220 units of 3-room and 4-room flats available. Aside from that, Tengah will also see over 2,000 units of 2-room Flexi to 5-room flats available in two separate launches. 

Lastly, there will also be 60, 2-room Flexi units in Choa Chu Kang. Similar to the assisted living flats in the HDB BTO Bukit Batok launch in February this year, it will likely be designed for the elderly. 

In total, the seven BTO launches will offer 3,520 units across five estates, making this the smallest launch in the year. 

 

Choa Chu Kang Nov 2021 BTO Review

Name of the Choa Chu Kang BTO project

TBC

Address

Choa Chu Kang Street 62, along Choa Chu Kang North 6

Unit mix

2-room Flexi

Price

TBC

Nearest MRT

Yew Tee MRT (North-South Line)

Nearby amenities

Choa Chu Kang Sports Centre, Limbang Park, Limbang Shopping Centre, MWS Nursing Home, park connectors, Yew Tee Point, Yew Tee Square, Yew Tee Park, Yew Tee Community Club, Yew Tee MRT station

Nearby schools

De La Salle Primary School, Regent Secondary School, Kranji Primary School & MK@Kranji, Kranji Secondary School, Unity Primary School, Unity Secondary School, Yew Tee Primary School

 

November 2021 Choa Chu Kang BTO Map

Location of the November 2021 Choa Chu Kang BTO flats at the intersection of Choa Chu Kang Street 62 and Choa Chu Kang North 6.

Location of the November 2021 Choa Chu Kang BTO flats at the intersection of Choa Chu Kang Street 62 and Choa Chu Kang North 6. (Image source: HDB)

The Choa Chu Kang BTO flats will be located at the intersection of Choa Chu Kang Street 62 and Choa Chu Kang North 6. As mentioned above, only 60 units of 2-room Flexi flats will be available, and the flats will also be integrated with a polyclinic, kidney dialysis centre, hawker centre, and community club. 

Yew Tee Point and Yew Tee Square are right next to the BTO flats, which are next to Yew Tee MRT station. The station is just a stop away from Chua Chu Kang MRT/LRT station located at the heart of Choa Chu Kang town. 

Aside from that, amenities such as Yew Tee Park, Yew Tee Town Centre, and Yew Tee Community Club are within 500m.

 

Nov 2021 Hougang BTO Review

Name of the Hougang BTO projects

TBC

Address

Hougang Ave 1; Hougang Ave 3

Unit mix

4-room, 5-room

Price

TBC

Nearest MRT

Bartley MRT (Circle Line), Kovan MRT (North-East Line)

Nearby amenities

Heartland Mall, Maplewood Park, Hougang Ave 1 Park, health and medical care facility (proposed), civic and community institution (proposed), Hougang Hainanese Food Centre, park (proposed), Hougang Ave 3 Park Connector, Jalan Pelikat Park Connector

Nearby schools

Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School Primary and Secondary), Yuying Secondary School, Xinghua Primary School, Maris Stella High School

 

November 2021 Hougang BTO Map

Locality map of the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats along Hougang Ave 3

Locality map of the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats along Hougang Ave 3 (image source: HDB)

Locality map of the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats along Hougang Ave 1

Locality map of the November 2021 Hougang BTO flats along Hougang Ave 1 (image source: HDB)

Similar to the August 2021 BTO launch, there will be two BTO projects in Hougang. This time, the projects will offer 690 units of 4-room and 5-room flats located along Hougang Avenue 1 and Hougang Ave 3. 

The closest MRT stations are Bartley MRT station and Kovan MRT station, but both aren’t within walking distance. However, once you’re there, you can travel to areas like Serangoon, Paya Lebar, and Bishan in just a few stops. 

There are four nearby schools near the BTO flats, including Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ Primary and Secondary School, Yuying Secondary School, Xinghua Primary School, and Maris Stella High. In particular, Paya Lebar Girls’ is within 12 minutes by foot.   

 

Nov 2021 Jurong West BTO Review

Name of the BTO project

TBC

Address

Jurong West Street 92

Unit mix

3-room, 4-room

Price

TBC

Nearest MRT

Pioneer MRT station (East-West Line)

Nearby amenities

Jurong West Sports Centre, NTUC Health Nursing Home (Jurong West), health and medical centre (proposed), Nanyang Community Club, Jurong West Park Connector, Pioneer Mall

Nearby schools

Xingnan Primary School, Juying Primary School, Juying Secondary School, Frontier Primary School

 

November 2021 BTO Jurong West Map

Locality map of the November 2021 Jurong West BTO flats

Locality map of the November 2021 Jurong West BTO flats (image source: HDB)

The upcoming Nov 2021 Jurong West BTO is a small project with only 220 units of 3-room and 4-room flats. The flats are also unlikely to be too expensive; in the last BTO sales exercise in Jurong West back in 2019, a 4-room flat was selling from S$253,000 (excluding grants).

There are a good number of amenities around the flats, including eateries, parks, convenience shops, park connectors, clinics, the Jurong West Sports Centre, and schools. 

In fact, Juying Primary School, Juying Secondary School, and Xingnan Primary School are all within 500m while there are also a lot of educational institutions not too far away, including Frontier Primary School, Jurong West Primary School, One World International School, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). 

Pioneer MRT station on the East-West Line (EWL) is the closest MRT station at about 1.2km away. The station is one stop away from Boon Lay MRT, which will give you access to the amenities around the area, such as Jurong Point and Jurong Central Park. Furthermore, Boon Lay MRT station will be a future interchange station on the Jurong Region Line (JRL). 

With a relatively good location and accessible price, expect stiff competition for the flats. 

 

Nov 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO Review

Name of Kallang/Whampoa BTO project

TBA

Address

Owen Road

Unit mix

2-room Flexi, 4-room

Price

TBA

Nearest MRT

Farrer Park MRT (North-East Line)

Nearby amenities

Ceylon Sports Club, Pek Kio Community Centre, National Skin Centre, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, City Square Mall, Mustafa Centre, Farrer Park Tennis Centre

Nearby schools

St. Joseph Institution Junior, Northlight School, Farrer Park Primary School and MK @ Farrer Park

 

Nov 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO Map

Locality map of the Nov 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO

Locality map of the Nov 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO (image source: HDB)

For the November 2021 exercise, the Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats are the only ones in a mature estate. Located along Owen Road, right next to the Central Expressway (CTE), there will be 430 units of 2-room Flexi and 4-room flats up for grabs.

The main selling point of the flats is the connectivity to the CBD. Similar to the August 2021 launch, the flats are located in a city fringe location that’s well connected to MRT networks; Farrer Park MRT station on the North-East Line (NEL) is a 11-minute walk from the flats and the station is just one stop away from Little India MRT interchange on the Downtown Line (DTL), and two stations from Dhoby Ghaut MRT interchange on the North-South Line (NSL). From there, you’re just one stop away from Raffles Place MRT in the CBD.

In addition, Novena MRT station is not far, and you can get to Newton MRT and Orchard MRT in one and two stops respectively. 

Meanwhile, food and retail amenities such as Pek Kio Market and Food Centre and City Square Mall are close by too. 

The flats will also be close to medical and healthcare facilities; Farrer Park Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital are within 2km and the latter also houses several national specialist centres including the National Skin Centre and National Neuroscience Institute. 

There aren’t a lot of schooling options around the area. However, St. Joseph Institution and Farrer Park Primary School are only about seven minutes and nine minutes away by foot. 

 

Nov 2021 Tengah BTO Review

Name of the Tengah BTO project

TBA

Address

Tengah Drive; Tengah Park Avenue Park Avenue and Tengah Boulevard

Unit mix

2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room, 5-room

Price

TBA

Nearest MRT

Tengah Plantation

Nearby amenities

Bus interchange (u/c), proposed park (forest corridor), proposed park (forest fringe), neighbourhood centre (integrated with polyclinic), town centre (u/c), proposed health and medical centre

Nearby schools

Special education school (u/c), Dunearn Secondary School

 

Nov 2021 Tengah BTO Map

Locality map of the Nov 2021 Tengah BTO

Locality map of the Nov 2021 Tengah BTO along Tengah Park Avenue (image source: HDB)

Locality map of the Nov 2021 Tengah BTO (image source: HDB)

Locality map of the Nov 2021 Tengah BTO along Tengah Drive (image source: HDB)

The Nov 2021 Tengah BTO flats will see two launches offering a total of 2,120 units of 2-room, 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room units. The launch along Tengah Park Avenue will have 1,000 units, while the flats along Tengah Drive will see 1,120 units up for grabs. 

As a new and upcoming town, there aren't a whole lot of amenities in the area yet, as most are either upcoming or still under construction. However, do expect an uptick in prices once these amenities develop over time, including MRT stations.

The upcoming Tengah MRT and Tengah Plantation MRT on the Jurong Region Line (JRL) will be the closest MRT stations to the flats; the former is expected to be completed by 2027 while the latter will be operational in 2028

The 24km-line will help to improve connectivity and travel time to areas like Choa Chu Kang, Tengah, Jurong East, Jurong West/Boon Lay, and NTU. 

Other amenities to look forward to include several community gardens and parks, new town centres, and a proposed health and medical centre. 

Recommended read: JRL, TEL, CRL and MRT Project Delays: How They May Affect You

 

Conclusion: Which BTO Flat Should I Pick?

Affordability

Although the majority of the BTO launches are in non-mature estates, the Tengah and Choa Chu Kang BTO flats will likely be the most affordable among the bunch. In the May 2021 BTO launch, 4-room flats in Garden Bloom @ Tengah were priced from S$299,000 (excluding grants). The Tengah BTO launch also has the most unit types available and therefore would be suitable for different family sizes and budgets. 

Meanwhile, the launch prices for 4-room flats in Keat Hong Verge BTO in Choa Chu Kang in August 2020 started from S$253,000, excluding grants. Though, as mentioned above, the Choa Chu Kang BTO flats will only have 2-room Flexi units and are probably reserved for the elderly. 

For comparison, a 4-room flat in Geylang during the May 2021 BTO launch was priced from S$523,000, while a 4-room flat in Bukit Merah in May 2021 started from S$602,000.

Convenience

In terms of convenience, the Choa Chu Kang BTO flats are the most convenient, being within walking distance from Yew Tee MRT, Yew Tee Point, Yew Tee Square, and other amenities in the area.

Jurong West BTO flats are also relatively well-located, with several educational institutions nearby including NTU. Pioneer MRT station is also not far, and you can get to Boon Lay MRT and access the amenities in the area in just one stop. 

Meanwhile, Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats will also appeal to those who commute to the CBD for work, thanks to the flats’ city fringe location and nearby MRT stations. 

Popularity

If the most recent August 2021 BTO launch was any indication, the Hougang BTO flats would likely be the most popular, as the flats are located between two MRT stations and also near several schools, the closest of which is Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School, which is literally right next door.  

Aside from that, the Jurong West and Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats are also expected to receive high applications. As mentioned, the former is located within close proximity to schools and eateries, as well as the Jurong West Sports Centre and Nanyang Community Centre. 

Meanwhile, Kallang/Whampoa BTO should also receive high application rates as the flats are located in the city fringe and would likely be oversubscribed.

 

Want to know how you can ace your BTO flat application and increase your chances? Read our article for some balloting tips. If you need a home urgently and want ‘faster’ options, you may want to consider a Sale of Balance Flat (SBF) or resale flat instead. 

You may also find available resale flats for sale on PropertyGuru based on your budget, preferred area, flat type, and more in the same areas:

 

For more property news, resources and useful content like this article, check out PropertyGuru’s guides section

Are you looking to buy a new home? Head to PropertyGuru to browse the top properties for sale in Singapore.  

Already found a new home? Let PropertyGuru Finance's home finance advisors help you with financing it.

 

This article was written by Victor Kang, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru. When he's not busy churning out engaging property content* or newsletter copies, he's busy being a lover of all geeky things. Say hi at: victorkang@propertyguru.com.sg

*I mean, I'll try

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