Missed the May 2021 BTO Launch in Geylang? Here’s Why It’s A Blessing In Disguise

The May 2021 BTO Launch in Geylang, Tengah, Bukit Merah, and Woodlands was met with as much excitement as HDB’s previous new sales launches. 

At this point, though, they hold little appeal for those in urgent need to move in as the projected construction delays pushed back the key collection date. With additional waiting time, many are looking to the resale market for alternative housing options. 

If you missed the May 2021 BTO launch, especially that in Geylang (MacPherson Weave), don’t worry. This may be a blessing in disguise. Here’s why we think so:

HDB resale flats in Ubi are more affordable than the BTO flats in Geylang 

According to HDB’s resale statistics for Q1 2021, the average price for a 3-room resale flat in Ubi is much lower than a 3-room unit at MacPherson Weave.

The median price of a 3-room resale flat in Ubi is $276,500, much more affordable than a 3-room unit at MacPherson Weave, which ranges from $343,000 to $405,000.

Resale flats in Ubi are also a great property investment as their value has appreciated over time.

Profitability of properties in Ubi/Geylang

According to Squarefoot Research, the average prices of HDB resale flats in Geylang dipped to $387 psf in April 2020. The transaction volume also fell but began steadily climbing post-Circuit Breaker, reaching record highs as the demand and supply imbalance has become a reality.

As of 24 May 2021, the average price of resale HDB flats in Geylang is $570 psf, higher than its neighbouring HDB towns: Hougang ($425 psf), Toa Payoh ($567 psf), Marine Parade ($558 psf), and Kallang ($517 psf).

Additionally, the resale flats in Ubi have the same accessibility as Macpherson Weave

It’s no lie that the location of the May 2021 BTO launch in Geylang is amazing. It’s right next to the MacPherson MRT station and the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), making it so easy to go around the city either by commute or car. 

But guess what? HDB resale flats in Ubi also have the same location perks. 

Accessibility in Ubi

Commuters and drivers can enjoy equal convenience in travelling around the city-state when living in Ubi. 

Residents will find that the MacPherson MRT station is only a short walk from their home, including the Mattar and Ubi MRT stations. These will connect you to the rest of the city via the Downtown Line, Circle Line, and the East-West Line in no time. 

For drivers, the PIE and the Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) are nearby. 

HDB resale flats in Ubi are also close to even more amenities that buyers and investors may enjoy. 

Both local staff and expatriate employees in the nearby industrial and tech parks will find a sufficient supply of home listings in Ubi that prides itself on the various amenities nearby.

Though many will think Ubi is ‘ulu’, Singlish for when a place is remote or deserted, there are various amenities nearby that serve the residents of Ubi.

Amenities in Ubi: Schools, malls and eateries, and upcoming developments

Schools in Ubi

There are a few schools in the area for various school-age children, including St. Margaret’s Primary School, Geylang Methodist Primary School, Eunos Primary School, and Nexus International School (Primary & Secondary). 

Canossian School is also nearby, a special education school for children with hearing loss, and Waldorf Steiner School, known for its holistic schooling system with a varied curriculum that includes an immersion in a wide variety of artistic disciplines (social sciences, art, music, and more) as well as rigorous academic work.

Malls and eateries in Ubi

For food options, you can check out Circuit Road Market & Food Centre and MacPherson Market & Food Centre. There’s also the Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre, one of the busiest wet markets in Singapore. 

There are four notable shopping malls in the area that provide a wide array of retail, entertainment, recreational, and lifestyle amenities, which include: Paya Lebar Square, Paya Lebar Quarter, Kinex, and City Plaza. And they are all accessibly by public transport.

Kinex is also nearby, right beside old shopping centres like Tanjong Katong Complex and City Plaza. Formerly known as OneKM Shopping Mall, the community-centric Kinex prides itself as a fun destination for those leading (or kickstarting) an active, vibrant lifestyle. 

Move past the rundown exterior of City Plaza and you’ll find rows and rows of charming little shops that offer bargain products and pre-loved fashion, complete with a food court and even an Arnold’s Fried Chicken outlet. 

Though many perceive Ubi as an ‘ulu’ town where there’s nothing exciting happening, it is a good location to stay near the city without breaking the bank. 

There are enough primary and secondary schools in the area for families looking to relocate, and the Central Business District and the rest of Singapore are accessible by train.

With affordable resale properties in the market that offers the same amenities and connectivity, you should consider Ubi as your next neighbourhood.

You can also look forward to this upcoming development for city-fringe living: The Antares

Project Name: The Antares 

Property Developer: FKSH Development

Address: Mattar Road (District 14)

No. of Units: 265 units 

Tenure: 99-year leasehold

Pricing: $789K – $1.13M

TOP: 2022

The number one highlight of The Antares, a new launch condo project by FKSH Development, is its connectivity. It’s perfect for those who are on a budget but want to take advantage of a city-fringe location and the upcoming development in the area. 

Right at its doorstep is the Mattar MRT station (Downtown Line) and it’s roughly a 20-minute drive to the Central Business District (CBD) of Singapore. It is also close to the Potong Pasir and Woodleigh area where the new Bidadari Estate is being built.

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Frequently Asked Questions on HDB BTO Launches

Where is Geylang BTO?

The May 2021 BTO launch in Geylang is right beside MacPherson MRT, along Paya Lebar Road.

How long does it take to get a BTO flat?

It will take about three weeks after the application period closes for you to receive the result of your application. The actual key collection date will be three years later but, because of the pandemic, it might take about seven years.

Who can apply for a BTO?

If you’re buying a BTO flat, you must apply with at least one Singapore Citizens (SC), one other citizen, or a Singapore Permanent Resident as a family nuclease (like a spouse, children, parents, siblings). 

How many BTO launches are there a year?

There are four HDB BTO sales launches every year.