As a result, HDB will offer about 7,800 flats in Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Choa Chu Kang, Geylang, Pasir Ris, Tampines, Tengah and Woodlands in August. November’s launch will see another 5,700 flats in the areas of Bishan, Sembawang, Tampines, Tengah and Toa Payoh being offered. In addition, the Choa Chu Kang and Tampines North and Tengah launches will have shorter waiting times.

 

Lee Sze Teck, director of research at Huttons, says that the Geylang, Pasir Ris and Woodlands BTO are ideal as they are very near to an MRT Station. “We could see up to 10 applicants for each flat offered in the mature estates and up to four applicants for each flat in the non-mature estates,” he adds.

 

 

A pilot assisted-living project in Bukit Batok, comprising 160 units, which was scheduled to launch in May, is deferred until further notice. HDB will assess when it is safe to reach out to seniors to share the new flat offerings with them.

 

As the “circuit breaker” officially lifts on June 2, HDB has announced that critical services will be resumed by appointment only. These include booking of flats; key collection for new flats and rental flats; signing of agreements for lease, transfer of flat ownership, completion of resale flat transactions; and financial counselling. Other services will be resumed progressively from June 8, including signing of tenancy documents and issuance of keys for commercial properties.

 

The closure of construction sites will lead to delays in completion of several upcoming projects. HDB is currently in talks with building contractors and the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) on resuming construction works in phases.

Hutton’s Lee believes that unlike resale properties, circuit breaker measures are unlikely to dampen demand because “BTO flats cater to buyers who can afford to wait and construction activities are gradually resuming from 2 June”.