Hougang Central GLS Tender Launch in May 2025: Commentary by ERA

SINGAPORE, 29 May 2025 – The tender for the Government Land Sale (GLS) site at Hougang Central launched today on 29 May 2025.

With an estimated site area of 4.68ha, Hougang Central is projected to contain 835 units, with approximately 40,000 sqm of commercial space. The tender for the site will close on 16 December 2025.

Marcus Chu, Chief Executive Officer, ERA Singapore said: “The Hougang Central site presents an exceptional development opportunity as it marries future connectivity with existing amenities. Being situated directly above Hougang MRT station, the site is slated to become a key transport hub within the neighbourhood. This is following the addition of a new bus interchange and Cross Island Line integration by 2030.”

“Beyond improved connectivity, the site’s potential development will also offer doorstep access to various established amenities nearby. These include a variety of eateries and small-scale retailers in neighbouring shophouse rows, as well as the longstanding Hougang Mall.”

“The debut of Hougang Central marks the first Government Land Sale (GLS) site offered for bidding in this area since the sale of the Upper Serangoon Road (Stars of Kovan) site back in 2014. It will also be Hougang’s first new launch since 2019’s The Florence Residences, if successfully tendered.”

“With no new launches in Hougang for nearly over half a decade, pent-up demand is to be expected from HDB upgraders. Likewise, residents living in landed enclaves near Upper Serangoon Road and Tampines Road might be motivated by fresh prospects of a right-sizing opportunity. Furthermore, the prevalence of HDB estates within a 1km radius of Hougang Central means that it is a rare chance for upgraders living nearby.”

“The lure of significant pent-up demand and minimal nearby competition in Hougang makes this tender strategically attractive. However, the site’s potential yield of 835 residential units and 40,000 sqm of commercial space represents a significant undertaking. Given these site characteristics and a cloudier economic picture, it is highly likely that developers could enter as a consortium or joint venture.”

“URA’s masterplan suggests further housing development is likely in Hougang. Two more plots in the vicinity are already earmarked for residential use, although an official announcement under a GLS programme has yet to been made.”

“Given the potential of a larger neighbourhood population, the commercial component at Hougang Central is adequately scaled to support future retail demand. With an estimated 40,000 sqm of commercial space, its footprint is nearly double Hougang Mall’s gross floor area of just above 21,000 sqm.”

“Hougang Central’s future commercial space may also prove appealing to retailers due to the potential footfall generated by the integrated bus interchange and Hougang MRT station.”

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ning Peh, Senior Marketing Communications Manager, ERA Singapore

Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer

This information is provided solely on a goodwill basis and does not relieve parties of their responsibility to verify the information from the relevant sources and/or seek appropriate advice from relevant professionals such as valuers, financial advisers, bankers and lawyers. For avoidance of doubt, ERA Realty Network and its salesperson accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, reliability and/or completeness of the information provided. Copyright in this publication is owned by ERA and this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written approval.