May 2023 HDB BTO launch review: Ultimate guide to choosing the best unit , Money News

Aug 25, 2023

BTO launches are always an exciting time for homeowners, and this latest May 2023 BTO launch is no different. There are more units launched this time as compared to the previous February 2023 BTO launch, and we're looking at 5,495 flats up for grabs, sprawled across five projects in the estates of Bedok, Kallang Whampoa, Serangoon, and Tengah.

What makes this launch particularly noteworthy is that almost 90per cent of these BTO flats (spread across four of the projects) boast a waiting time of less than four years — an unprecedented trend that marks this launch as one of the most time-efficient ones we've seen recently. For those with their eyes set on settling down sooner rather than later, this is certainly a launch to consider.

And for those in a real hurry, Parc Meadow @ Tengah takes the cake with its tempting waiting time ranging from three years and one month to three years and four months (not to mention, it's also going to be near the new ACS (Primary) site).

The other four projects — Plantation Verge in Tengah, Bedok South Blossoms, Serangoon North Vista, and Farrer Park Arena - are no slouch either, with waiting times between three years and five months to four years.

Also thrown into this mix are an additional 1,500 Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) units that HDB has put on offer.

There is also the sole Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) site at Farrer Park Arena.

To refresh your memory, here's what you need to know about buying a PLH BTO flat:

It's worth noting that Subsidy Recovery is applicable at 6per cent regardless of when flats are sold in the future.

Now, with that groundwork laid, it's time to delve into our comprehensive review of each BTO site on offer, where we'll share an overview of the project, highlight the best stacks (in our humble opinion), and discuss the pros and cons of the site and unit layouts.

So without further ado, let's jump right into our review of the May 2023 BTO launch!

Project Overview

Farrer Park Arena is bounded by Farrer Park Road and Dorset Road. The project is offered under the Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) model and comprises three residential blocks, each with 24 storeys. You can choose from 569 units of three- and four-room flats.

The name Farrer Park Arena takes inspiration from the past, as the project site used to house a boxing gym. The former boxing gym building will be repurposed into a multi-purpose community sporting space to honour its unique heritage.

In addition, you can also jog amid the green surrounds of Farrer Park Arena and work out at the adult and elderly fitness stations. Those who enjoy ball games will enjoy the hard court located at the roof garden above the Multi-Storey Car Park. Other facilities within the project include children's playgrounds, a childcare centre, and a residents' network centre.

Residents can also enjoy more facilities located just next door, such as a proposed park and new sports centre, which will boast swimming pools, a field, as well as other sporting facilities.

Eco-Friendly Features

To encourage green and sustainable living, Farrer Park Arena will have several eco-friendly features such as:

Smart Solutions

Farrer Park Arena will come with the following smart solutions to reduce energy usage, and contribute to a safer and more sustainable living environment:

Overall Pros vs. Cons

Schools

Thoughts on the site plan

Sun Direction

Layout Analysis

3-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the 3-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

Floor tiles in the:

Wall tiles in the:

4-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the 4-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

Floor tiles in the:

Wall tiles in the:

Best Stacks

Project Overview

Bounded by Bedok South Road and Bedok South Avenue 3, Bedok South Blossoms comprises nine residential blocks ranging from 19 to 22 storeys. There are altogether 1,640 units of two-room Flexi, three-, four-, five-room, and 3Gen flats available. Bedok South Blossoms describes the rich variety of flora that will be planted around the project as part of the landscaping.

The wide range of amenities in Bedok South Blossoms include a minimart, an eating house, an Active Ageing Centre, a childcare centre, and a residents' network centre. Bedok South Blossoms will also boast children's playgrounds, adult and elderly fitness stations, as well as a roof garden above the Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP), providing residents with spaces where they can exercise or relax.

Please refer to the site plan located at the top of this page, for the facilities provided in Bedok South Blossoms. Facilities in this project will be accessible by the public.

Eco-Friendly Features

To encourage green and sustainable living, Bedok South Blossoms will have several eco-friendly features such as:

Smart Solutions

Bedok South Blossoms will come with the following smart solutions to reduce energy usage, and contribute to a safer and more sustainable living environment:

Overall Pros vs. Cons

Schools

Thoughts on the site plan

Sun Direction

Layout Analysis

2-Room Flexi (Type 1)

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the two-room Flexi (Type 1) flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

Floor tiles in the:

Wall tiles in the:

A sliding partition/ door for the bedroom and a folding bathroom door

Grab bars (for two-room Flexi flats on short leases)

2-Room Flexi (Type 2)

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the two-room Flexi (Type 2) flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

3-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the three-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

4-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the four-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

5-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the 5-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

3Gen

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the 3Gen flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

Best Stacks

Project Overview

Serangoon North Vista is bounded by Serangoon North Avenue 1 and Yio Chu Kang Road. The project comprises five residential blocks that are 12 storeys in height. You can choose from 330 units of four- and five-room flats.

The name 'Serangoon North Vista' references the surrounding views and the project's prominent location.

You can relax at the roof garden above the Multi-Storey Car Park or take a stroll amidst lush greenery along the central green. Get active or mingle with your neighbours at a variety of recreational and communal amenities, such as children's playgrounds and adult and elderly fitness stations. A childcare centre, residents' network centre, mini mart, eating house, and shops are conveniently located within the project.

Eco-Friendly Features

To encourage green and sustainable living, Serangoon North Vista will have several eco-friendly features such as:

Smart Solutions

Serangoon North Vista will come with the following smart solutions to reduce energy usage, and contribute to a safer and more sustainable living environment:

Overall Pros vs. Cons

Schools

Thoughts on the site plan

Sun Direction

Layout Analysis

4-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the four-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

5-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

More than just a well-designed and functional interior, the five-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

Best Stacks

Project Overview

Plantation Verge is located in the Tengah Plantation district and along Plantation Close. The project spans seven residential blocks ranging from 14 to 18 storeys. There are a total of 971 units of two-Flexi, three-, four-, and five-room flats available.

The name Plantation Verge references the project's location along the Forest Fringe. The project features a central courtyard that offers various facilities for residents, including children's playgrounds, adult and elderly fitness corners, seats, and shelters where they can relax and interact.

The Multi-Storey Car Park (MSCP) comes with a childcare centre on the second storey and a roof garden on the top floor. Please refer to the site plan located at the top of this page, for the facilities provided in Plantation Verge. Facilities in this project will be accessible to the public.

Eco-Friendly Features

To encourage green and sustainable living, Plantation Verge will have several eco-friendly features such as:

Smart Solutions

Plantation Verge will come with the following smart solutions to reduce energy usage, and contribute to a safer and more sustainable living environment:

Overall Pros vs. Cons

Schools

Thoughts on the site plan

Sun Direction

Layout Analysis

2-Room Flexi (Type 1)

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Plantation Verge will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The two-room Flexi (Type 1) flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

2-Room Flexi (Type 2)

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Plantation Verge will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The two-room Flexi (Type 2) flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

3-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Plantation Verge will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The three-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

4-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

The four-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

5-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Plantation Verge will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The five-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

Best Stacks

Project Overview

Located in the Park District of Tengah town, Parc Meadow @ Tengah is bounded by Tengah Park Avenue and Tengah Park Walk. This project comprises 15 residential blocks, ranging from 12 to 13 storeys in height. You can choose a home from 1,985 units of two-room Flexi, three-, four-, and five-room flats.

Located next to Central Park and a common green, Parc Meadow @ Tengah takes its name from the surrounding lush greenery. Delight in outdoor fun at your doorstep, with fitness stations designed for adults and the elderly, and children's playgrounds. The roof gardens above the Multi-Storey Car Parks provide areas for residents to enjoy a quiet moment or chat with neighbours.

Daily conveniences are also within easy reach, as Parc Meadow @ Tengah will come with shops, an eating house, and a minimart. A residents' network centre and childcare centre will be located within the project as well. In addition, residents will be served by the other planned amenities in Tengah town such as a Neighbourhood Centre and nearby transport nodes, including JS3 MRT Station on the Jurong Region Line and a bus interchange.

Eco-Friendly Features

To encourage green and sustainable living, Parc Meadow @ Tengah will have several eco-friendly features such as:

Smart Solutions

Parc Meadow @ Tengah will come with the following smart solutions to reduce energy usage, and contribute to a safer and more sustainable living environment:

Overall Pros vs. Cons

Schools

Thoughts on the site plan

Sun Direction

Layout Analysis

2-Room Flexi (Type 1)

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Parc Meadow @ Tengah will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The two-room Flexi (Type 1) flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

2-Room Flexi (Type 2)

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Parc Meadow @ Tengah will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The two-room Flexi (Type 2) flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

3-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Parc Meadow @ Tengah will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The three-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

4-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Parc Meadow @ Tengah will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The four-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

5-Room

Non-Optional Finishes

To boost construction productivity, Parc Meadow @ Tengah will be built using the Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method. The flats will come with full floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.

The five-room flats will come with the following finishes and fittings:

Best Stacks

ALSO READ: 7,000 new BTO and Sale of Balance flats in Bedok, Serangoon and more

This article was first published in Stackedhomes.