BUY AND SELL A SINGAPORE PROPERTY FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOUSE

A 2 room HDB flat at 408C Northshore Drive was just sold for a record high price of $463,000 ($915 psf). The lease of the 47 sqm flat started in 2021, leaving it with a remaining lease of 94 years. The flat is located on the 19th to 21st storey range. This floor area is equivalent to 506-sq ft. The recent transaction surpassed the previous record high for 2 room flats in Punggol. In August 2025, a 2 room at 408A Northshore Drive was sold for $455,500 ($900 psf). That flat also measures 506 sq ft and is located on the 16th to 18th storeys. Both flats started their lease in 2021. These two transactions surpassed last year’s record high of $425,000 ($840 psf), which was set by a flat that is located at 405B Northshore Dr. That unit was sold in July 2025. The flat measures 506 sq ft. It is located on the 13th to 15th storeys and it has a remaining lease of 94 years. A one bedroom unit at nearby private condominium Watertown was recently transacted for $918,000 or $1,579 psf. It has a floor area of 581 sq ft.  You can check all the resale transactions (and more) for 2 room flats in Punggol using our property research tools. The HDB flat should appeal to parents with school-going children, as they are within walking distance of several schools, including Punggol Cove Primary School, Punggol Green Primary School, Punggol View Primary School, Edgefield Secondary School, Yusof Ishak Secondary School(Punggol) and Compassvale Secondary School. Nearby MRT stations include Punggol Coast, Damai and Punggol. Grocery shopping can be done in places like Sheng Siong Supermarket, FairPrice Finest (Waterway Point) and Prime Supermarket.

Singapore home buyers can look forward to faster access to new public housing, as more than 1,300 of the nearly 4,700 Build-to-Order (BTO) flats launching in the February 2026 sales exercise will come with shorter waiting times, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) announced on Jan 31. These units form part of more than 4,000 shorter waiting time flats – defined as projects completed in under three years – that HDB plans to offer throughout the year. The move continues HDB’s efforts to address housing demand and shorten the waiting period for first-time buyers and young families. Among the six projects in the February launch, three will have significantly reduced waiting times. Tampines Bliss stands out with a completion period of just one year and 11 months, making it one of the fastest BTO projects since shorter waiting time flats were introduced in 2018. Tampines Nova will have an estimated wait of two years and eight months, while Sembawang Deck is expected to be completed in two years and nine months. Another project, Kim Keat Crest in Toa Payoh, will have a wait time of three years and one month. Two additional projects in Sembawang and Bukit Merah will also be offered, with further details to be released later. Tampines Projects Offer Central Living and Connectivity Tampines Bliss will comprise three 10-storey residential blocks with 284 three- and four-room flats, located between Tampines Avenue 2 and Tampines Street 22. Residents will enjoy convenient access to both Tampines MRT and Tampines East MRT stations. The development will include playgrounds, fitness areas, a therapeutic garden, an eating house and a preschool. A green corridor within the estate will connect residents to the Tampines Park Connector, Bedok Reservoir Park and Pasir Ris Town Park. Nearby amenities include Tampines Round Market and Food Centre and Simei Park. Located in the heart of Tampines Central, Tampines Nova will feature two 14-storey blocks offering 255 units of two-room Flexi and four-room flats. Bounded by Tampines Avenue 5, Tampines Central 8 and Tampines Concourse, the project will include a central courtyard with playgrounds and fitness corners, a rooftop community garden and a preschool. Residents will benefit from close proximity to Tampines Bus Interchange, Tampines MRT station and major malls such as Tampines Mall, Tampines 1 and Century Square. Cycling paths will also link the estate to nearby green spaces like Sun Plaza Park and Tampines Central Park. Sembawang and Toa Payoh Add More Options Sembawang Deck, located in the new Sembawang North housing area, will be bounded by Admiralty Street and Admiralty Lane. The project will offer 777 units ranging from two-room Flexi to five-room flats across four blocks of 20 to 25 storeys. Besides on-site amenities such as a preschool, eating house, minimart and shops, residents can access Sembawang Mart and Sun Plaza nearby. A short bus ride away is Bukit Canberra, a community and sports hub with an indoor sports hall, gym, swimming pool, polyclinic and hawker centre. A new neighbourhood centre and a one-hectare park with playgrounds and fitness stations are also planned for the area. In the central estate of Toa Payoh, Kim Keat Crest will comprise four residential blocks of 26 to 30 storeys, offering 1,151 units of two-room Flexi, three-room and four-room flats, alongside a rental block. Bounded by Kim Keat Avenue and Toa Payoh East, the project will include a minimart, eating house and shops. Residents will be close to Kim Keat Palm Market and Food Centre, Toa Payoh Vista Market and Toa Payoh Town Centre. The upcoming Toa Payoh Integrated Development will add sports facilities, a polyclinic, the relocated Toa Payoh Library and a revamped town park. Connectivity is enhanced by easy bus access to both Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh MRT stations. More Balance Flats on Offer Alongside the BTO launch, HDB will conduct a concurrent Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise, offering over 4,300 units — about 40 per cent more than the previously committed 3,000 flats. Around one in five of these units have already been completed, while the rest are under construction. With shorter waiting times, improved amenities and strong connectivity across estates like Tampines, Sembawang and Toa Payoh, the February 2026 BTO exercise provides home seekers with faster and more flexible pathways to home ownership in well-established and growing neighbourhoods. Property analysts believe that the constant stream of BTO projects have moderated the resale HDB prices.

Singapore’s Visionary Architect and Father of Urban Planning Dr Liu Thai Ker, the man often called the “Father of Urban Planning” and “architect of modern Singapore,” passed away on Sunday, 18 January 2026 at the age of 87. He was surrounded by family and loved ones when he died, following complications after a fall. For more than half a century, Dr Liu’s vision, intellect, and unwavering dedication shaped the very fabric of Singapore — from its skyline to its neighbourhoods, from its public housing estates to the way its people live, work and play. A Life Built on Vision and Service Born in Muar, Johor, in 1938 and arriving in Singapore at the age of six, Dr Liu’s journey mirrored the transformation of the city-state itself. A scholar and lifelong learner, he earned first-class honours in architecture at the University of New South Wales and a master’s degree in city planning from Yale University before returning to Singapore in 1969.  Upon his return, Dr Liu joined the Housing Development Board (HDB) and embarked on a career that would define Singapore’s built environment. Over two decades at the HDB, he oversaw the planning of 20 new HDB towns, shaping the homes and communities of hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans.  He later served as chief planner and CEO of the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), where his broad vision helped guide Singapore’s long-term development frameworks, conservation efforts, and citywide planning.  1. Major Revision of the Singapore Concept Plan Dr Liu led a comprehensive overhaul of Singapore’s Concept Plan — a strategic framework guiding land use, transport and urban growth for decades. This 1991 Concept Plan re-envisioned the island’s spatial structure by dividing it into distinct regions with integrated housing, jobs, amenities and services, influencing how Singapore expanded sustainably over the long term.  2. Championing Conservation and Heritage One of his most lasting legacies at URA was the introduction and consolidation of the Conservation Plan — policies and practices to protect Singapore’s heritage buildings and districts. Under this initiative, areas such as Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, Singapore River (including Boat Quay and Clarke Quay) and historic residential precincts were identified for preservation, ensuring that historic character remained part of the city’s evolving skyline.  3. Clarifying Planning Methodologies and Guidelines Dr Liu helped formulate and streamline planning methodologies, including how development guide plans were prepared, clarified regulations for land use, and improved the planning application process. These efforts made Singapore’s urban planning system more systematic, transparent and navigable for property developers, agencies and the public alike. 4. Embedding Liveability and Balanced Growth Rather than simply focusing on physical development, Dr Liu’s revisions emphasized liveability, ecological sustainability, and human-centred design in strategic planning. His approach ensured Singapore’s growth was both functional and enriching — with thoughtful integration of green spaces, transport links, residential areas, and cultural identity in the city’s blueprint. 5. Setting the Foundation for Future Urban Policy The work done under his leadership became a blueprint for subsequent URA plans, influencing how land was allocated for private housing, business districts, parks, industry, and infrastructure in the decades that followed. Singapore’s reputation today as a well-planned, compact and highly liveable city is rooted in the frameworks he helped establish. A Legacy in Every Street and Skyline Dr Liu’s influence is everywhere in Singapore: HDB towns and public housing precincts that balance practicality with beauty, integrating green spaces, amenities, and community hubs within walking distance.   Urban planning philosophies that emphasized liveability — where people, nature, and urban spaces coexist harmoniously. Leaders and peers alike noted his belief that “to build a city, one must have the heart of a humanist, the mind of a scientist and the eye of an artist.”   A commitment to public purpose and long-term thinking that continues to inform Singapore’s development strategies.  Even after leaving public service, Dr Liu’s curiosity and passion endured. At 79, he founded Morrow Architects & Planners, a firm that extended his influence to cities across the world and where he continued to mentor the next generation of designers. Tributes That Reflect a Life Well Lived Singapore’s leaders and colleagues paid tribute to Dr Liu’s lifetime of contributions: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore was “better because of Thai Ker’s service,” and that the everyday buildings and spaces Singaporeans use are quiet testaments to his vision.   President Tharman Shanmugaratnam recognised his role in making Singapore a liveable city in the tropics.   Countless planners, architects, and citizens recalled his generosity of spirit, humility, and devotion to improving cities not just as structures, but as places where people thrive.  His passion to build better cities remained a driving force right until the end — a testament to a life dedicated to public service and to the belief that thoughtful planning can elevate the everyday lives of people everywhere.  A Legacy Beyond Singapore Dr Liu’s work and influence extended far beyond Singapore’s shores. He consulted on master planning projects in many cities around the world, sharing his insights on liveability and sustainable urban development. His legacy is global, and his ideas continue to inspire planners and architects internationally.  Remembering the Man Behind the Cities To his family — his wife, Ms Gretchen Gustafson, and his children — he was not just a visionary planner but a beloved father and husband whose warmth, wisdom, and humanity were deeply felt. Dr Liu Thai Ker’s life stands as a testament to what thoughtful, disciplined, and compassionate planning can achieve: communities built not just for shelter, but for connection; cities designed not merely for function, but for the flourishing of human life. His legacy endures in every home, every park, and every street corner of the city he helped make.

An executive HDB flat at 288G Bukit Batok Street 25 was just sold for a record high price of $1.18 million ($664 psf). The lease of the 165 sqm flat started in 1997, leaving it with a remaining lease of 70 years. The flat is located on the 10th to 12th storey range. This floor area is equivalent to 1,776-sq ft. The recent transaction surpassed the previous record high for executive flats in Bukit Batok. In November 2025, an executive at 289C Bukit Batok Street 25 was sold for $1.12 million ($631 psf). That flat also measures 1,776 sq ft and is located on the 13th to 15th storeys. Both flats started their lease in 1997. However, the flat at Block 289C has a longer lease of 71 years, as its lease started in 1997. These two transactions surpassed 2023's record high of $1.09 million ($613 psf), which was set by a flat that is located at 289D Bukit Batok Street 25. That unit was sold in May 2023. The flat measures 1,776 sq ft. It is located on the 4th to 6th storeys and it has a remaining lease of 73 years. Three private property transactions were recently recorded nearby, an executive condominium at The Dew along Bukit Batok Street 21 was sold for 1.68 million and a freehold condominium at The Petals along Hillview Avenue was sold for 2.53 million. You can check all the resale transactions (and more) for executive flats in Bukit Batok using our property research tools. The HDB flat should appeal to parents with school-going children, as they are within walking distance of several schools, including Bukit View Primary School, Bukit Timah Primary School, Lianhua Primary School, Bukit View Secondary School, Hillgrove Secondary School and Crest Secondary School. Nearby MRT stations include Bukit Batok, Hume and Bukit Gombak. Grocery shopping can be done in places like Sheng Siong Supermarket, Cold Storage and FairPrice Bukit Batok East.

A 3 room HDB flat at 10B Boon Tiong Road was just sold for a record high price of $910,000 ($1,364 psf). The lease of the 62 sqm flat started in 2016, leaving it with a remaining lease of 89 years. The flat is located on the 22nd to 24th storey range. This floor area is equivalent to 667-sq ft. The recent transaction surpassed the previous record high for 3 room flats in Bukit Merah. In July 2025, a 3 room at 58 Havelock Road was sold for $860,000 ($1,158 psf). That flat measures 743 sq ft and is located on the 34th to 36th storeys. However, the flat at Block 58 has a shorter lease of 86 years, as its lease started in 2013. These two transactions surpassed last year’s record high of $850,000 ($1,274 psf), which was set by a flat that is located at 10A Boon Tiong Road. That unit was sold in April 2025. The flat measures 667 sq ft. It is located on the 10th to 12th storeys and it has a remaining lease of 89 years. There were no recent similar private property transactions in the surrounding projects. Three private property transactions were recently recorded nearby, a private leasehold condominium at Highline Residences along Kim Tian Road was sold for 1.7 million. It is a 2 bedrooms unit of 699 sq ft You can check all the resale transactions (and more) for 3 room flats in Bukit Merah using our property research tools. The HDB flat should appeal to parents with school-going children, as they are within walking distance of several schools, including Gan Eng Seng Primary School, Radin Mas Primary School, CHIJ (Kellock), CHIJ St Theresa's Convent, Queenstown Secondary School and Outram Secondary School. Nearby MRT stations include Great World, Tiong Bahru and Havelock. Grocery shopping can be done in places like Giant Express - Jalan Membina, FairPrice Bukit Ho Swee and Sheng Siong Supermarket.