Why are Ang Mo Kio and Tampines BTO flats more popular than Bukit Merah?

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Ang Mo Kio and Tampines BTO Flats Show Higher Demand Due to Mature Estate Appeal and Shorter Completion Times Compared to Bukit Merah

Demand for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats launched on August 30, 2023, indicated a significantly stronger interest in projects located in Ang Mo Kio and Tampines compared to those in Bukit Merah. This trend is largely attributed to the established amenities and convenient transport links in mature estates like Ang Mo Kio and Tampines, coupled with the appeal of shorter completion periods for some projects. Conversely, flats under the Prime Location Public Housing (PLPH) scheme in Bukit Merah experienced notably lower application rates.
Mature Estates Offer Established Amenities and Connectivity

The Central Weave project in Ang Mo Kio and the Sun Plaza Spring project in Tampines, both situated in mature estates, attracted substantial applicant numbers. For instance, Ang Mo Kio's Central Weave saw an application rate of over 11 times for its four-room flats, with 4,513 applicants for 398 units. Similarly, Tampines' Sun Plaza Spring recorded an application rate of around 20 times for its four-room units, with 3,094 applicants for 150 units. Experts suggest this heightened demand is driven by the abundance of amenities and proximity to MRT stations characteristic of these well-developed areas.
Shorter Construction Timelines Enhance Project Appeal

A contributing factor to the popularity of projects like Sun Plaza Spring is their relatively short construction period. With an estimated completion time of around three years, buyers can anticipate moving into their new homes sooner. This shorter waiting period can be a significant draw, particularly for those eager to secure housing. The Central Weave project, for example, is located near the Ang Mo Kio public library, further underscoring the convenience factor for residents.
Prime Location Flats Face Stricter Ownership Criteria

In contrast, the BTO projects in Bukit Merah, which fall under the Prime Location Public Housing (PLPH) scheme, saw considerably less interest. These flats are subject to more stringent ownership rules, including a 10-year minimum occupation period before they can be resold. For the Alexandra Vale and Havelock Hillside projects combined, the application rate for four-room flats was approximately six applicants per unit, with 7,117 applicants for 1,298 flats. This muted demand might also be influenced by the recent release of a substantial number of similar flats in the area, potentially leading to a reduced pool of eligible buyers.
Popularity of Larger Flats in Mature Estates

The launch also highlighted a strong preference for larger flat types, particularly five-room units, in mature estates. At Central Weave, the application rate for five-room, three-generation flats was close to 16 times, with 5,907 applicants for 372 units priced between S$713,000 and S$877,000. Sun Plaza Spring also saw high demand for its five-room flats, with an application rate of 24 times. This trend could be linked to a scarcity of such larger units in recent BTO launches within established neighbourhoods, making them more desirable when available. The Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (Sers) was also mentioned in relation to Ang Mo Kio, with up to 10% of flats at Central Weave set aside for priority allocation, including residents affected by such schemes.

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Why are Ang Mo Kio and Tampines BTO flats more popular than Bukit Merah?

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