Feb 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO Review: City-fringe Living

If you’re looking for a centrally located BTO flat, the February 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO launch might just be the one for you. Situated near the city centre and a stone’s throw away from Boon Keng MRT, the project is only three stops away from Dhoby Ghaut via the North East Line (NEL). Furthermore, shopping centres like Mustafa Centre and City Square mall will all be in the vicinity.

The February 2021 BTO launch will offer an estimated 620 flats across 2-room Flexi, 3-room, and 4-room types in Kallang/Whampoa. The project will also include 30 rental units.

Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from it.

Locality of the Kallang/Whampoa BTO units (Image credit: HDB)

Kallang/Whampoa BTO location (Feb 2021 HDB BTO launch)

The Kallang/Whampoa BTO project is just a 6-minute walk from Boon Keng MRT, giving residents quick train access to places like Orchard and the Central Business District (CBD). Being located in such a prime location, you can expect pretty high prices and demand for this BTO project.

However, if you’re more superstitious and aren’t comfortable living near healthcare facilities, do note that the Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats will be right next to the upcoming Kallang Polyclinic and Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital.

In addition, these flats will be located near Chinese and Hindu temples, which may be a concern if you’re sensitive to noise.

This project will also have 30 rental units in an integrated sold and rental block.

Balestier

Check out our Balestier AreaInsider page to learn more about the area!

Kallang/Whampoa BTO price (Feb 2021 HDB BTO launch)

 The actual starting prices for the upcoming launch in Kallang/Whampoa will only be released in February 2021.

The Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats previously launched in May 2019 were hugely popular. For instance, the 4-room flats in the estate were oversubscribed by a whopping 15.6 times. As such, you may expect higher starting prices for the February 2021 launch as compared to the May 2019 one.

And if you manage to land a Kallang/Whampoa BTO flat and plan to sell it after the MOP, you’ll be glad to know that the flats in the area have a high resale value, especially for 4-room flats. In the past one year, a 4-room flat sold for as high as $720,000.

HDB Flat

Head over here to get a better sense of current HDB resale prices in the area!

Kallang/Whampoa BTO amenities (Feb 2021 HDB BTO launch)

Given the city-fringe location, the February 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats will be a highly convenient place to call home. You can also expect great access to public transport and healthcare facilities, and decent access to mall amenities.

Less than 10 minutes to Boon Keng MRT and Farrer Park MRT

Located just 550 metres away from Boon Keng MRT, you’ll be able to get there quickly in four minutes by bus, or six minutes if you walk. With Boon Keng MRT sitting on the NEL, you can connect to the Downtown Line in two stops, and North South Line (NSL) and Circle Line (CCL)  in three stops.

If you prefer to board from Farrer Park MRT, the station will be just 10 minutes away from home.

With these two MRT stations within walking distance, the Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats are especially suitable for those who don’t drive.

Six minutes to the Central Expressway (CTE)

For those who drive, the CTE is just a 6-minute drive away. Residents can also enjoy easy access to other parts of Singapore via the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), Seletar Expressway (SLE), and Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE).

Near shopping centres like Mustafa Centre and City Square Mall

Don’t feel like venturing out too far on weekends? City Square Mall is only a 10-minute walk away. Located above Farrer Park MRT, it offers a diverse array of dining, retail, and entertainment options including a cinema.

There’s also Mustafa Centre nearby, which is a 13-minute walk from the BTO flats. Open 24/7, you can find lots of bargain buys for almost anything you’re looking for.

Jalan Besar Plaza and Kitchener Complex are in the vicinity as well, with Bendemeer Shopping Centre located right next to Boon Keng MRT.

Near sports and recreation facilities such as Civil Service Club

A few sports and recreation facilities can be found in the area. For instance, Civil Service Club @Tessensohn is a 12-minute walk from the BTO flats. Some activities that residents can enjoy there include swimming and bowling.

In addition, St Wilfred Field, St Wilfred Squash & Tennis Centre, and Jalan Besar Stadium and Swimming Complex are located a few streets away.

Near to schools

Parents and parents-to-be will be pleased to know that the Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats are near schools such as Hong Wen Primary, Bendemeer Primary, and Bendeemer Secondary. Hong Wen Primary, for instance, is only a 6-minute walk away.

However, compared to most HDB estates, there aren’t that many schools in the area. So parents and children might need to travel further out to get to school.

Next to Kallang Polyclinic

Slated to open by 2020, Kallang Polyclinic is conveniently located right next to the flats to serve residents’ medical needs.

12 minutes to Kallang Riverside Park

For nature lovers, the Kallang Riverside Park is only a 12-minute bus ride away. Residents can find various species of birds there during the migratory season.

The park also has jogging and cycling tracks, as well as water sports facilities. Perfect for sports junkies!

Conclusion: Is this Kallang/Whampoa BTO worth balloting for?

With 620 units to be made available, the Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats has the lowest number of flats offered among all projects in the February 2021 launch. And given Kallang/Whampoa’s central location and general popularity, competition is going to be tough.

Pros and cons of the Feb 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO

Pros:

• Central city-fringe location
• Close to MRT station
• Generally decent access to malls and recreation amenities

Cons:

• Stiff competition due to high popularity
• We expect higher starting prices

If you value convenience and don’t plan on buying a car, the February 2021 Kallang/Whampoa BTO flats make for an attractive home with its easy access to public transport. Its central location also allows you to reach other parts of Singapore easily, whether by public transport or by car.

However, judging by its oversubscription rate during the May 2019 launch, you can expect heavy competition and a higher starting price than other estates in the same launch.

If you’re keen to land a BTO flat during the February 2021 launch, you might want to consider the non-matures estate options such as Bukit Batok and Tengah. But if you want to live in a mature estate, there’s also the Toa Payoh (Bidadari) project to look out for.

February 2021 too soon for you? Check out the May 2021 BTO launches instead: 

• May 2021 BTO launch overview
• Tengah (May 2021)
• Bukit Merah
• Woodlands
• Geylang

Alternatively, you can read about our:

Buying

Top tips on acing your HDB BTO application and increasing your ballot chances.

More FAQs related to BTOs and Kallang/Whampoa

Is Kallang/Whampoa a mature estate?

Yes, Kallang/Whampoa is considered a mature estate by HDB. 

How long do HDB BTO flats take to complete? 

Most projects are expected to be completed within 3-4 years.

When can I apply for a BTO? 

HDB’s BTO launches typically happens in the months of February, May, August, and November. To keep yourself updated on the latest launches, you may check out their website.

Am I eligible for a BTO?

You may check your eligibility at the HDB website here.

Want to learn more about these other estates in the February 2021 BTO launch? Head to these pages below:

Buying

COMPLETE HDB’s February 2021 HDB BTO Launch Review

Buying

February 2021 Bukit Batok HDB BTO Flat Launch Review

Buying

February 2021 Tengah HDB BTO Flat Launch Review

Buying

February 2021 Toa Payoh (Bidadari) HDB BTO Flat Launch Review

Property Guides

Click HERE to get more interesting guides like this, or check out PropertyGuru.