Singapore is set to redefine the skyline of public housing with the launch of its tallest Housing and Development Board (HDB) development at Pearl’s Hill, marking the first Build-to-Order (BTO) project in the area in more than four decades. The project will rise on the site of the former Outram Park Complex and is expected to be launched within the next few years.

The announcement was made by Chee Hong Tat, Singapore’s National Development Minister, during the debate on the Ministry of National Development’s spending plans in Parliament. The new development will be located at the base of Pearl’s Hill City Park and next to Outram Park MRT Station, offering residents excellent connectivity to the city and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The project will comprise around 1,700 flats, including two-room flexi, three-room and four-room units, as well as more than 140 public rental flats. According to the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Ministry of National Development (MND), the development will feature residential towers exceeding 60 storeys, making it the tallest public housing project in Singapore. The blocks will be built at varying heights to create a more dynamic skyline and improve urban design.

Currently, the record for the tallest HDB project is held by Pinnacle@Duxton at Cantonment road, which stands at 50 storeys. By comparison, most of Singapore’s tallest HDB blocks today reach about 40 storeys. Mr Chee noted that building taller residential towers allows Singapore to maximise limited land resources. A 60-storey building, for instance, can accommodate about 50 per cent more flats than a 40-storey block.

HDB said it is able to pursue greater building heights in the Pearl’s Hill area because the location has fewer height restrictions compared with other parts of Singapore. The agency added that it will consider building higher where site conditions allow in order to optimise land use while maintaining quality living environments.

Despite the push for higher-density housing, the authorities emphasised that design and liveability remain key priorities. “We will proceed carefully and sensitively, building taller only when conditions allow,” Mr Chee said, noting that careful attention will be given to architectural design, urban integration and residents’ quality of life.

The new development will draw inspiration from the heritage of nearby Chinatown, Singapore, incorporating design elements that reflect the area’s cultural identity. Plans also include generous green and landscaped spaces within the estate. Residents will enjoy improved access to surrounding greenery, with the project designed to strengthen pedestrian connectivity between Pearl’s Hill City Park and Outram Park MRT station.

The Pearl’s Hill BTO project forms part of a broader transformation of the district. In November 2023, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced plans to progressively develop about 6,000 homes in the Pearl’s Hill area over the next decade. These homes will include a mix of BTO flats, public rental units and private residential developments.

Future residents will also benefit from a range of amenities planned for the neighbourhood. A proposed mixed-use development integrated with Outram Park MRT station will offer retail, dining and community facilities to serve the growing population.

Further details of the Pearl’s Hill BTO project, including flat types and launch timelines, will be announced by HDB closer to its official launch in the coming years. Once completed, the landmark development is expected to become a new icon of high-rise public housing and a key milestone in Singapore’s efforts to optimise land use while creating vibrant and liveable urban communities.

Chee Hong Tat said that as of mid-February, HDB resale prices for Housing and Development Board flats in 2026 have edged down slightly by 0.1 per cent.

Resale prices increased by 2.9 per cent in 2025, a sharp moderation from the 9.7 per cent rise in 2024 and the slowest annual growth since 2019.

Mr Chee attributed the easing momentum to the strong pipeline of Build-to-Order flats and property cooling measures introduced in recent years. He added that authorities are monitoring the market closely and are prepared to adjust policies if necessary, noting that more flats will reach their Minimum Occupation Period in the coming years, which will add to the supply of resale units.