Are you keeping a look out for the new August 2020 BTO sales launches? Well, we are too! In fact, we have compiled a helpful analysis of the 8 launches that will be available soon in the combined May & Aug BTO exercise!
| Mature Town | Flat type | Est. number of flats |
| Ang Mo Kio | 4-Room 5-Room | 380 |
| Bishan | 2-Room Flexi 3-Room 4-Room | 470 |
| Geylang | 3-Room 4-Room | 420 |
| Pasir Ris | 2-Room Flexi 3-Room 4-Room 5-Room | 1,070 |
| Tampines | 3-Room 4-Room 5-Room | 1,760 |
| Non-Mature Town | Flat type | Est. number of flats |
| Choa Chu Kang | 2-Room Flexi 3-Room 4-Room | 570 |
| Tengah | 2-Room Flexi 3-Room 4-Room 5-Room | 1,040 |
| Woodlands | 2-Room Flexi 3-Room 4-Room 5-Room | 2,110 |
With so many options to choose from, which are attractive for new homeowners like you? Let us take a look at each of the launches in detail. Starting with the newbies on the block (literally) in the non-mature estates.
1. Ang Mo Kio (Mature Estate)
| Pros | Cons |
| • Proximity to new Mayflower MRT station • Proximity to community facilities – Community Club, temples, parks, schools, and neighbourhood centres | • Not in super prime area of Ang Mo Kio |
Who is it suitable for? Anyone who would enjoy living in a mature estate with great food and great connectivity to most parts of Singapore.
Given that Ang Mo Kio is already very populated, it is probably one of the last few chances to get a BTO in the neighbourhood. For families with young children, the proximity to the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park and many schools in the vicinity would be a huge bonus!
2. Bishan (Mature Estate)
| Pros | Cons |
| • Proximity to neighbourhood centre • Proximity to schools in the neighborhood • Close to the CTE (great for people with cars) | • Outskirts of Bishan • Not close to MRT |
Who is it suitable for? Families who drive and want to move near to schools of their choice (Guangyang, First Toa Payoh, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School).
The location of this launch is not ideal – it is barely on the fringe to be considered a Bishan launch. Apart from the neighbourhood centre, there is nothing much in the vicinity – although most amenities (including the MRT stations) are still a convenient 10-15 minutes bus ride away.
3. Geylang (Mature Estate)
| Pros | Cons |
| • Proximity to popular food centre • Proximity to Paya Lebar centre • Proximity to community facilities – Community Club, temples, parks, schools, and neighbourhood centres • 5-minutes away from Dakota MRT • Central location | • Proximity to Geylang district (for families with younger children) |
Who is it suitable for? Couples who want to live in a central mature estate (close to CBD and town) and with good food in the vicinity.
For foodies, the proximity to Old Airport Road Food Centre and the stretch of Geylang shophouses is to die for. With the proximity to the south part of Singapore and Paya Lebar hub, it is also ideal for anyone working in the CBD area.
4. Pasir Ris (Mature Estate)
| Pros | Cons |
| • Proximity to community facilities – shopping mall, parks, schools, and neighbourhood centres • Close to Pasir Ris Mrt Station • Close to the sea • Proximity to Changi Business Park | • Comparatively ulu to other estates on the list. |
Who is it suitable for? Couples or families who work or study in the East and would like to live in a well-developed mature estate.
While it is comparatively far away from the central part of Singapore, the direct line by the East-West line means the CBD is around 45 minutes to an hour away. As a self-contained mature estate, there is plenty to do in the neighbourhood. For families, there is the bonus of having the beach, water amusement park and country clubs nearby.
5. Tampines (Mature Estate)
| Pros | Cons |
| • Tampines North: Close to Ikea and Giant Hypermart • Tampines West: Proximity to Bedok 85 Food Centre | • Outskirts of Tampines • Lack of amenities in general • Poor connectivity |
Who is it suitable for? Couples who work in the East and would like to live in a well-developed mature estate.
Ideally you should own a car if you are looking at 2 (Tampines North) of the 3 sites launching in Tampines. While there are plans to build up connectivity and amenities in the area, that will probably take a good number of years. Just do not expect Tampines town centre’s level of hustle and bustle.
6. Tengah (Non Mature Estate)
| Pros | Cons |
| • Eco-friendly smart and sustainable town plans (cycling paths, car-free town, “farmways etc) • Better connectivity in the West and rest of Singapore with new Jurong region line • Proximity to schools in the area | • Least developed estate |
Who is it suitable for? First movers who want to tap into the futuristic development of the West region of Singapore.
The “newness” of this estate is part of both its charm and disadvantage. Appealing to homeowners who are eager to be part of a smart and sustainable town – Tengah has all the proposed technological aspects and nature-centric design built into the plans to achieve that.
Positioned right next to the Jurong Innovation District and Jurong Lake District (second Central Business District), it might appeal to young couples with jobs in the area. Bonus: Prices are likely to be much lower in this infancy stage of the district’s development.
7. Woodlands (Non Mature Estate)
| Pros | Cons |
| • Both sites are super close in proximity to MRT stations • Woodlands central site has plenty of amenities with Causeway Point mall right next door | • Not much here |
Who is it suitable for? Anyone who works in the North and wants to stay in a neighbourhood with relatively established amenities. Bonus, it is super close to the checkpoint for quick trips over to JB!
8. Choa Chu Kang (Non Mature Estate)
| Pros | Cons |
| • Extensive upgrading since 2015 Master Plan • Proposed 2020 Master Plan to turn Choa Chu Kang into Eco Town of the Future • Proximity to 2 LRT stations • Proximity to community facilities – Community Club, temples, parks, schools, and shopping malls | • Connectivity to main transport lines are not as ideal (LRT > MRT) • Slightly far out from main town centre |
Who is it suitable for? Nature loving couples or families who prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of town centres.
This new launch is situated in a quieter part of the neighbourhood– it is not as packed with amenities as the main town centre located near the Choa Chu Kang MRT station. While close to 2 LRT stations, the connectivity to the main transport lines are not as straightforward.
Where will you be applying?
Have any of the August 2020 BTO sales launches caught your eye? Make sure you follow our “Must-See Checklist for New Homeowners Applying for BTO” before you put in your application online!
