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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.

Sources: 1,2,3 & 4

Revamping 29,000 HDB Flats with $407M Upgrade

MAJOR UPGRADE FOR AGING HDB FLATS

More than 29,000 Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats will soon receive enhancements under the latest round of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP). With over S$407 million allocated for upgrading works, this initiative aims to modernize aging flats and enhance residents’ quality of life.

Announcing the expansion on Feb 16, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee shared that an additional 371 blocks will be included in the programme. Since its launch in 2007, 494,000 flats have benefited from the scheme.

Where Are the Upgrades Happening?

According to HDB, the selected flats are located in:

Bedok
Bukit Batok
Bukit Merah
Bukit Panjang
Chua Chu Kang
Hougang
Jurong West
Pasir Ris
Queenstown
Sengkang
Tampines
Toa Payoh
Woodlands

SENIOR-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Residents will have the option to install senior-friendly fittings under the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme, which was expanded last year. These fittings include:

A. Foldable shower seats
B. Handrails at flat entrances with steps
C. Grab bars
D. Slip-resistant bathroom floor treatment

So far, 29,000 households have applied for these improvements, with Minister Lee describing the take-up rate as “very encouraging.”

COMMITMENT TO UPGRADING HOMES

The HIP primarily addresses wear and tear in older flats, ensuring they remain safe and comfortable for residents. Upgrades include:

A. Toilet and bathroom improvements
B. New entrance doors and gates
C. Replacement of refuse chute hoppers

To date, the government has invested approximately S$4 billion in the HIP as of March 31, 2024. Of the 494,000 flats selected for upgrading, nearly 381,000 have already undergone improvements.

“As our homes and estates age over time, they naturally encounter higher wear and tear,” said Minister Lee. “The government remains committed to refreshing, rejuvenating, and improving older estates and homes so that Singaporeans can continue to enjoy a high-quality living environment.”

With these continued efforts, the government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that Singaporeans, young and old, can live in safe and well-maintained homes for generations to come.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Stretch Your Dollar When Decorating Your Flat

With the rising real estate prices and fast-paced lifestyle, people opt to live in HDB flats or apartments. Individuals find it convenient to live in these types of residences given that these are easily accessible to workplaces and commercial areas, offers facilities and amenities, and provides better security. Despite all these advantages, living in a flat means having to deal with a limited space in comparison to house.

In my quest to find ways to maximize the functionality and design of my space, I tapped my Interior Designer friend. Here are some tips that Interior Designer Krishna L. generously shared to me.

#1: PLAN THE SPACE

Having a small space requires identifying the distribution of areas. It is important to recognize the functions and activities that take place in each zone. Adequate planning makes it easier to know what types of furnishings are needed within the space. This helps save time and money for the owners. Personally, I love watching Never Too Small on YouTube as this channel shows how to plan space sections within micro-apartments.

#2: REMEMBER – LESS IS MORE

Given the space available, it is necessary to make use of the space wisely. Having too many things going on in a small space makes it cramped and chaotic. Avoid overcrowding the space and know which items are essential in order to conserve more space.

#3: ELEVATE FURNISHINGS

One way of giving an illusion of spaciousness is keeping things off the floor. Make furniture pieces and fixtures “float” – opt for sofa and tables with exposed legs and mount shelves on wall – to achieve an illusion of a bigger space. Not only does this make the space larger but also provides a room for additional storage.

#4: INVEST IN MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PIECES

A limited space requires flexibility in terms of utility and functionality. Looking for furniture pieces that provide more than one function can save money and space.

#5: MAXIMIZE VERTICAL SPACE

Condominiums and apartments often less square footage than a traditional residential space. Thus, it is better to take advantage of the walls. Use floor-to-ceiling cabinets or shelves for storage and display, mount wall decors and art or add tall plants to make the room appear larger.

Image Credits: 3aces.ph

#6: ADD MIRRORS

It is a well-known fact that mirrors can make a small space appear grander. Mirrors not only give the illusion of a greater square footage but also reflects natural and artificial light, thereby creating an impression of a bigger space.

#7: CONSIDER THE LIGHTING

Natural lighting provides a healthier well-being but also helps open up a room. However, condominiums have limited access to natural light since there are less windows. It can be useful to have a variety of artificial lighting to achieve a great atmosphere and warm ambiance within a space. Lighting placement can either make or break a space, so it must be thoroughly planned.

#8: FIND THE RIGHT COLOR THEME

Colors can influence the way we view spaces – lighter colors reflect light and give an illusion of space, whereas darker colors absorb light and diminish a space. In order to make a room feel larger, it is good to have the right color palette for the floor, wall, and ceiling. This does not necessarily mean limiting your options with an all-white interior; rather, use a color scheme that create cohesion and unity. Choosing monochromatic or neutral colors, for instance, can make the space feel airy, open, and visually bigger. Applying dark or bold color or pattern sparingly to accent wall, furniture, or decors can create depth, contrast, and personality to the space.

#9: CHOOSE THE FLOORING WISELY

Like color schemes, flooring surfaces can greatly impact the size of a space. It is better to avoid using a contrasting color for the flooring. Choose hues for carpets, tiles, and wood flooring that would complement the walls and ceiling to achieve continuity. Light-colored wooden floor planks that are either wide or long can make a space look bigger.

#10: ADD GREENERY

Plants greatly benefits one’s health. Having indoor plants can make the space brighter and lively. Moreover, it gardening is a good hobby to dwell on as you work from home or obey the stay-at-home notice.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

How To Redecorate Your Flat To Look More Expensive

A significant chapter of my life recently closed as we bid farewell to our childhood home. You read that right! My family bought a new pad in the same town. The first few phases of our move are the most exciting ones. Starting from scratch, we have the ability to make our home feel like a serene haven. We are purposefully displaying pieces that evoke strong memories for us.

Whether you are crossing through the same transition or are planning to redecorate your flat, one thing that can restrict us is our budget. Do not give up on your Pinterest dreams just yet! You can still create a luxurious looking flat by playing with textures and by adding essential elements. Here are some useful tips:

#1: SHOWCASE INEXPENSIVE PIECES OF ART

If there is one thing that I learned from my obsession with home makeover shows, it is that you can transform a blank frame into an effortless artwork. You may purchase inexpensive frames at IKEA Singapore (e.g., 3-piece RIBBA for S$11.90). Craft your masterpiece by framing artificial flowers, by making wire art, or by taking black and white photographs. Add accents to a plain frame by painting the sides gold.

#2: ADD CRYSTALLIZED TOUCHES

Nothing shouts luxury more than sparkling crystals. A chandelier is inessential and expensive so, opt for a collection of crystal pieces. This type of decor is helpful for smaller spaces as the transparency adds dimension. Furthermore, the reflective quality of fine crystals interplay with the flow of natural light. Grab an affordable crystal fruit bowl at Lazada Singapore. Or, you may bargain hunt at the nearby Cash Converter.

#3: DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

There is truth to the statement: “less is more”. While some may think that adding more decorations or ornaments to a room can boost its perceived value, that is not usually the case. An overaccessorized room can appear messy and overwhelming. Consider decluttering your space by only retaining the pieces that have sentimental value to you.

#4: EVOKE CLASS AND LUXURY

If your preference may lean towards elegant European furniture and your wallet screams classic IKEA, opt for luxurious-looking finishes and upholstery. I am referring to metallic furniture and accessories. Experiment with gold (or rose gold) and copper pieces. For instance, IKEA sells a gold-colored lamp for S$9.90 and a gold-colored bowl for S$25.90.

#5: PLAY WITH LAYERS

Popular feeds in Instagram are filled with pleasing layouts that feature well-edited layers of objects. You can apply the same idea to your home by creating vignettes on your vanity or your coffee table. Vignettes are groups of various objects that tell a story. A matchbox may seem like rubbish, but it shines when you pair it with seashells and other souvenir items from your travels. Your guests will surely notice the textiles and fascinating pieces on your furniture. Be ready to share your stories!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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