Commentary on BTO flats with shorter waits in upcoming October launch

SINGAPORE, 12 October 2025 – The upcoming wave of Build-To-Order (BTO) projects will cater to a broad spectrum of home buyers – including first-time applicants. With increased supply coming onstream, more Singaporeans will have the opportunity to secure their first home, easing some of the pent-up demand seen in recent exercises.

Shorter waiting times allow Singaporean buyers to achieve homeownership milestones sooner – particularly for young couples and families who are planning for marriage or expanding their households. This accelerates their ability to settle down and build stability.  Additionally, it reduces the need for interim housing arrangements such as renting, which can be costly and erode savings meant for renovation or future investments.

Beyond accessibility and location, one of the key draws of this launch lies in the shorter waiting times and the inclusion of 5-room flats in selected projects such as Chencharu and Fernvale. These options cater to buyers who value both timeliness and space – especially larger households hoping to move in sooner without compromising comfort.

At Chencharu, demand for 5-room units has already proven resilient. During the February 2025 BTO exercise, 5-room flats in the same area were 1.3 times oversubscribed, despite coinciding with the Sale of Balance Flats. This demonstrates how limited supply has made larger flat types increasingly sought after, given that most recent BTO projects no longer feature 5-room configurations.

The growing proportion of projects with shorter waiting times (SWTs) – now accounting for more than one-third of this upcoming launch – signals a deliberate shift by HDB to meet evolving buyer needs. By introducing more SWT flats, HDB aims to attract first-time buyers who might otherwise turn to the resale market due to urgency, thereby helping to stabilise resale prices that have been climbing in recent years.

Traditionally, BTO projects take between three to five years to complete, depending on site conditions and design complexity. SWT projects, however, often commence construction nine months to a year before launch, allowing for faster delivery once units are released. Supported by efficient design and streamlined construction processes, this approach gives HDB the flexibility to scale supply up or down as needed – a reflection of Singapore’s agile and forward-looking housing strategy.

Among the upcoming projects, the Chencharu BTO in Yishun is expected to be one of the most popular. Located about a seven-minute walk from Khatib MRT station, it will feature around 810 units ranging from 2-room Flexi to 5-room flats – the latter of which are often underrepresented in new launches. Its proximity to several schools such as Peiying Primary, Naval Base Secondary, and Chung Cheng High (Yishun) makes it especially attractive to families with school-going children. Larger households seeking affordable 5-room units are likely to find this development particularly appealing.

While some of the other upcoming BTO projects are situated further from MRT stations, most remain accessible via feeder bus or LRT services, ensuring connectivity is maintained.

Taken together, the latest slate of BTO launches reinforces Singapore’s commitment to ensuring public housing is attainable.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Lisha Rodney

Public Relations Manager, ERA Singapore

Email: [email protected]

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