July 2025 BTO Launch: Price Estimates, Hot Estates, & What to Expect
BTO VS RESALE
If you are planning to buy a flat in Singapore, chances are you are considering an HDB Build To Order (BTO) flat. These are brand new homes that are only built once demand reaches about 70%, with a waiting period of around three and a half years. The appeal? A fresh, never-before-lived-in home at subsidized prices.
Unlike resale flats, which are ready for immediate move-in, BTO flats require some patience. But for many Singaporeans, they offer better long-term value and appreciation potential.
JULY 2025 BTO LAUNCH
The July 2025 BTO launch is one of the largest in recent years, with about 5400 flats across 7 locations, offering a range from 2-room Flexi to 5-room units, including 3Gen options for multigenerational families. Both mature estates like Bukit Merah and Toa Payoh and non-mature towns like Woodlands and Sembawang are in the lineup.
And yes, Simei is finally back on the map after over a decade! For East-side fans, that is big news.
WHERE ARE THESE FLATS LOCATED?
PRICE ESTIMATES?
While official prices for the July 2025 BTO launch have yet to be released, past launches offer useful benchmarks. In Toa Payoh during the February 2023 exercise, prices started at around s$90,000 for a 2-room Flexi flat, approximately S$351,000 for a 3-room unit, and from S$395,000 for a 4-room flat.
Over at Tanjong Rhu Parc, which was classified under the Prime model, a 3-room flat was estimated to start from S$309,000, while a 4-room unit began at roughly S$493,000. In Yishun, buyers could expect lower entry prices, with 3-room flats from about S$140,000, 4-room flats from S$236,000, and 5-room units starting from S$392,000.
These figures are based on previous exercises and should be viewed as general guides. Final prices for the July 2025 BTO launch may differ, so always check the official HDB website for the latest information.
WHAT DRIVES BTO PRICES?
Common factors that affect pricing include:
a. Location: Mature estates like Bukit Merah, Clementi, and Toa Payoh tend to cost more due to their amenities, transport links, and schools.
b. Flat Size: Bigger flats like 5-room units come with higher price tags.
c. Lease Length: This applies more to resale flats as shorter leases typically mean lower prices.
d. Grants: First-time buyers can qualify for schemes like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, which can shave off a significant amount from the total cost.
WHICH ESTATES STAND OUT?
a. Bukit Merah and Toa Payoh
Expect high demand here. These mature estates offer great access to the city, popular schools, and public transport. Projects in these areas may fall under the Prime or Plus classification, which means longer minimum occupation periods and stricter resale conditions.
b. Simei
After over a decade without a launch, Simei is back. Located near Upper Changi MRT, SUTD, and Changi General Hospital, it is ideal for families and East-siders looking to stay in a familiar zone.
c. Woodlands and Bukit Panjang
More affordable, with room for growth. These estates are increasingly attractive to younger buyers who want value and space.
d. Clementi and Sembawang
Clementi continues to appeal to families due to top schools and mature estate convenience. Sembawang, meanwhile, offers rare 3Gen flats, perfect for bigger households.
CHECK THESE OFF BEFORE YOU APPLY
Image Credits: unsplash.com
- Confirm your eligibility: citizenship, income ceiling, and household structure
- Understand the classification of your preferred project: Standard, Plus, or Prime
- Look into transport, schools, and workplace distance
- Sort out your finances: CPF Ordinary Account, HDB loan eligibility, and housing budget
- Stay tuned to HDB announcements for application dates and official price lists
IN A NUTSHELL
Whether you are looking for your very first home or aiming to move closer to family, the July 2025 BTO launch is packed with potential. From familiar mature estates to under-the-radar growth towns, now is the time to shortlist your picks and prepare for the ballot.
The Real Cost of Art Therapy in SG
Nowadays, individual stress levels are at an all-time high. With long work hours, economic pressure, and growing mental fatigue post-pandemic, many Singaporeans are quietly hitting a wall. While some seek traditional talk therapy, a growing number are turning to a quieter and more expressive form of healing called art therapy.
Searches for “art therapy Singapore” have surged in recent months. Yet many still don’t know what it really involves or how much it actually costs. We break it down here.
MORE THAN JUST MAKING ART
Let’s clear this up. Art therapy isn’t just arts and crafts. It’s not art class, and it’s definitely not only for artists.
Art therapy is a professional form of psychotherapy that helps people express and process emotions through creative practices like drawing, painting, or sculpting. It isn’t about making something pretty. It’s about releasing what’s hard to say in words.
As a psychometrician and mental health advocate, I’ve witnessed how powerful this can be. I’ve also lived it. One day, I picked up a brush. I just painted as I needed to let something out. That moment was a turning point.
WHY IT’S DRAWING PEOPLE IN
In a society where productivity is prized and emotions often buried, art therapy is emerging as a safe and nonverbal space to breathe. It’s gaining traction especially among those:
a. Burnt out at work
b. Coping with anxiety or trauma
c. Struggling to open up through talk therapy
d. Parenting neurodivergent or emotionally sensitive children
Singapore therapists are also adopting trauma-informed, psychodynamic, and mindfulness-based approaches. Truly, the field is becoming more diverse and adaptive.
Watch this introduction to understand it better:
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST
Art therapy in Singapore isn’t cheap, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Some clinics even offer free consults or subsidized options.
1. Singapore General Hospital
Offers individual, group, and family sessions
Learn more: sgh.com.sg
2. The Red Pencil (Singapore)
A nonprofit offering art therapy for communities and individuals
Learn more: redpencil.sg
3. Ayana Art Therapy
Personalized sessions with a FREE 20-minute consultation
Learn more: ayanaarttherapy.com
4. Haven Art Therapy
Works with clients from 4 months to 97 years old
Learn more: haventherapy.sg
5. Art For Good
Therapy, enrichment, and community art
Learn more: artforgood.sg
Prices:
Art Jamming (2 hours): S$50
Individual Therapy (1 hour): S$150
Consultation (30 minutes): S$60
6. Solace Art Psychotherapy
Offers multi-session packages
Learn more: solace.com.sg
Prices:
Single Session: S$230
5 Sessions: S$1100
10 Sessions: S$2000
ARE ART THERAPISTS LEGIT?
In Singapore, qualified art therapists typically hold a Master’s in Art Therapy and are members of the Art Therapists’ Association Singapore. Many are also credentialed by ANZACATA, a professional body for creative arts therapists.
Their training includes:
a. Supervised clinical placements
b. Personal therapy
c. Rigorous ethics and trauma-informed education
Image Credits: unsplash.com
FINAL PIECE
You don’t need to be an artist to begin healing. You don’t even need to know where to start. All you need is the willingness to explore what you feel.
When words fall short, art speaks through color and movement. In those quiet moments of creation, you may find calm and clarity.
6 terrifically rated accommodations in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to book a stay in H2 of 2025
Been to Taipei too many times and want to explore another side of Taiwan?
Go for Kaohsiung!
Dream Mall, The Pier2 Art Center, and Dragon and Tiger Pagodas are begging you for a visit.
And to help with your travel planning, we’ve got a list of terrifically rated accommodations for your consideration.
Take a look!
Formosa Boulevard Station Garden Hotel
Agoda Rating: 9.5 (6.1K+ reviews)
Formosa Boulevard Station Garden Hotel puts you a short stroll from must-see attractions like The Dome of Light, Liuhe Night Market, and the Formosa Boulevard metro station.
Conveniently located 7.8 km from Kaohsiung International Airport, you can start your adventure almost right after landing.
Family travelers will appreciate the range of accommodations, including triples, quads, and family-sized rooms.
KLA B&B
Agoda Rating: 9.5 (1.2K+ reviews)
Wondering where to hang your hat in Kaohsiung?
KLA B&B is the answer, with its location just 8.5 km from the international airport and a stone’s throw from an MRT station.
This B&B offers both dorms and private rooms to suit any traveler’s needs.
Families are welcome too, with family room options and a wallet-friendly perk letting kids 12 and under stay free when sharing existing bedding.
Silks Club
Agoda Rating: 9.4 (3.8K+ reviews)
Just 5.7 km from Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH), Silks Club offers studios to spacious suites, and more.
You can opt for a room with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing city or harbor vistas, too.
Just a short stroll away, the Kaohsiung Main Public Library beckons bookworms.
Editor’s note: Little ones under 10 are not allowed at this property.
JOHO HOTEL
Agoda Rating: 9.3 (5.3K+ reviews)
JOHO HOTEL is just 8.2 km from Kaohsiung International Airport and within 600 m of must-see spots like The Dome of Light and Liuhe Tourist Night Market.
This highly-rated hotel offers a range of rooms, from deluxe to standard.
Non-smokers will appreciate the non-smoking room options, and families will love the free stays for kids under 6.
Selected rooms come with a bathtub.
H2O Hotel
Agoda Rating: 9.3 (5.2K+ reviews)
Discover luxurious hospitality at the 5-star H2O Hotel, just 10.9 km from Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH).
Ideally situated near Ai He (Love River) and Dragon Tiger Tower, you will be connected by the nearby Kaohsiung Arena MRT Station.
H2O Hotel offers deluxe to premier and luxury suite accommodations.
For families, kids 5 and under stay for free if using existing bedding.
River Trees Hotel
Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.7K+ reviews)
New adventures await at River Trees Hotel, just 7.6 km from Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH).
Newly renovated in 2024, the hotel offers a fresh escape while keeping you close to Liuhe Tourist Night Market (only 1.6 km away).
Standard rooms and even roomy quadruple accommodations ideal for larger groups are available for booking.
Charles & Keith has an ongoing up to 50% sale this July 2025 on selected items for a limited time
We wrote about Sephora’s ‘Mid-Year Sale’ up to 50% earlier on, and today, we’ve got Charles & Keith joining the promotion party.
Charles & Keith is also offering up to 50% off selected items for a limited time only, so shop and cart out quickly!
Here are some items worth a look through:
Quilted Two-Way Zip Mini Bag – Fuchsia
Promo Price: $24.90 (was $49.90)
Charles & Keith’s quilted two-way zip mini bag in fuchsia features a plush quilted design.
Despite its size, this stunner has a roomy interior with a convenient two-way zip opening for easy access.
Use it as an eye-catching handbag or pack it as a travel companion to hold all your makeup essentials
Woven Ankle-Strap Flats – Black
Promo Price: $29.90 (was $59.90)
Adding a twist to the everyday flats, these woven ankle-strap soles with braided uppers give you sandal-like breathability and keep your feet cool and dry all day.
Striking that balance, the open back design offers the coverage of a shoe with the airiness of a sandal.
Those adjustable ankle straps let you achieve a custom fit.
And with their padded insoles, these woven wonders keep you comfortably strapped in, no matter how many steps you clock.
Matina Canvas Crossbody Bag – Beige
Promo Price: $32.90 (was $65.90)
Made from a lightweight linen blend, this carryall with its rectangular silhouette ensures you will look polished for every sunny day destination.
Inside, there’s room for stashing your daily haul, from your wallet to shades to that all-important SPF.
The strap can be adjusted to the length of your liking for a crossbody or shoulder carry, or simply detach it and take this beige beauty by the hand.
Koa Square Push-Lock Shoulder Bag – Green
Promo Price: $34.90 ($69.90)
Here’s your new arm candy, the Koa Square Push-Lock Shoulder Bag that dazzles in a nature-inspired green hue.
It’s also an eco-friendly bag that’s made with 20% sustainable materials.
Comes with a push-lock closure, and you can switch up your carrying style instantly thanks to the detachable, adjustable shoulder strap.
Lyric Gladiator Toe-Ring Sandals – Black
Promo Price: $37.90 (was $75.90)
These gladiator-inspired black sandals bring an edgy attitude with multiple straps and toe rings, creating a caged, statement look that’s totally on-trend.
The low block heels offer a height boost while keeping you comfy enough to rock them all day at music fests and outdoor events.
The full-coverage uppers let feet breathe when temps soar, while the black hue gives a modern finish that pairs well with skirts or shorts.
Delilah Nylon Knotted Hobo Bag – Pink
Promo Price: $37.90 (was $75.90)
Pink has a new best friend, and her name is Delilah.
This hobo bag is made using a puffy nylon blend in the softest shade of blush.
That signature knotted strap is not just a design but can be adjusted to your desired drop length
Shop Charles & Keith’s up to 50% sale now!
Lazada 7.7 vs Shopee 7.7: Which Sale Is Really Worth Your Click?
Singapore’s mid-year shopping showdown is here again, and it is game on between Lazada and Shopee. With both platforms promising jaw-dropping prices, lightning-fast delivery, and massive vouchers, the real question is: where should you spend your money?
We took a deep dive into both Lazada’s 7.7 Big Summer Sale and Shopee’s ongoing 6.6 to 7.7 Great Shopee Sale to help you figure out where the real savings are hiding this season. The discounts may be loud, but we’re cutting through the noise to find the true value.
THE SALE TIMELINE
Shopee launched its Great Shopee Sale, stretching the campaign from June 6 all the way to July 7. It is a full month of timed flash sales, daily dining deals, and exciting voucher drops. The main event will happen on July 7. The campaign keeps shoppers coming back with fresh offers almost every other week.
In contrast, Lazada keeps things concise. Its Big Summer Sale begins on July 6 and ends on July 10. The deals are tightly packed, and users can consult LazCalendar to track the daily highlights and prepare in advance.
Verdict: Shopee dominates in duration and frequency.
FOOD & LIFESTYLE DEALS
Shopee’s 50% off daily dining deals are a clear win for budget-savvy foodies. From Popeyes and KFC to Mr Bean, the discounts cover everyday cravings and quick comfort meals. Combine that with Shopee Live cashback, time-limited vouchers, and major markdowns on fashion and beauty, and you get a fantastic online GSS experience.
Lazada offers lifestyle deals as part of wider store promotions, but it is not as aggressive in food discounts. Their focus leans more toward value-for-money bundles across electronics, home, and essentials.
Verdict: Shopee steals the spotlight for lifestyle and food offers.
DELIVERY, RETURNS, & USER PERKS
Shopee’s guaranteed next-day delivery is a major win for shoppers. Free shipping vouchers are available all day and buyers enjoy a no-questions-asked 15-day return policy. It is fast, forgiving, and fuss-free.
Lazada offers free shipping on selected items and LazMall products often arrive quickly. Returns are usually accepted but policies can vary depending on the seller. Their 100% satisfaction guarantee provides some peace of mind, although it feels less straightforward than Shopee’s blanket return policy.
Verdict: Shopee leads the way with convenience and smoother logistics.
FLASH SALES, FASHION, & TECH
Shopee’s flash sales hit hard with up to 90% off branded items from Timberland, David Jones, and H&M. Vouchers stack across categories including fashion, home, beauty, and electronics. With major discounts on Roborock, PrismPlus, and Samsung, it is easy to get caught in the shopping loop.
Lazada focuses more on big-ticket deals across electronics, appliances, and home essentials. It may not have as many fashion-forward drops, but for large purchases, Lazada gives strong value through bundled discounts and cashback stacking.
Verdict: If you are planning to upgrade your home tech, Lazada offers a more structured deal path.
OVERALL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Shopee thrives on daily engagement. Its interface is built around live shopping, surprise vouchers, and limited-time rewards. The campaign feels more interactive, like a shopping game you want to keep playing.
Lazada appeals more to the planner. LazCalendar helps map your buys ahead of time and big-brand deals are usually clean and clearly labeled. It is less flashy, but arguably more efficient for focused shoppers.
Verdict: Shopee is more fun and immersive, while Lazada wins for structure and simplicity. It depends on your shopping habits.
FINAL VERDICT
Image Credits: unsplash.com
If you are chasing everyday value, fast delivery, and the joy of stacking vouchers across categories, Shopee is your go-to this 7.7. But if your eye is on the prize and that prize happens to be a new appliance or serious electronics upgrade, Lazada still holds its ground.
Want the best of both? Compare, claim early, and shop smart. These deals move fast and so should you.
Follow @moneydigest or facebook.com/MoneyDigest for real-time alerts and top picks this GSS season.