How will Singapore’s first Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise of 2026 reshape the public housing pipeline and allocation dynamics for first-timers, upgraders, and singles?
The February launch will release about 4,600 flats across Bukit Merah, Sembawang, Tampines, and Toa Payoh, forming the opening tranche of a planned 19,600-flat supply over three exercises in 2026. This includes more than 4,000 Shorter Waiting Time units with completion periods of under three years.
> The February 2026 launch kicks off 19,600 new flats, with over 4,000 ready in under three years.
In parallel, a Concurrent Sale of Balance Flats will place roughly 3,000 island-wide units, arising from unselected or cancelled bookings, into circulation. This broadens options for applicants seeking earlier occupation.
The Bukit Merah project, near Redhill MRT at an estimated 350 metres, contributes about 1,040 units. Over half of these, or 590, are configured as 4-room flats in a prime central location. These Prime flats are expected to complete around 2030 to 2031, carry a 10-year Minimum Occupation Period, and have a subsidy clawback estimated at 12 to 14 per cent. This places them within the calibrated framework designed to maintain affordability while moderating speculative gains. Located within a mature estate with immediate access to established amenities, the Bukit Merah flats are likely to draw sustained interest from both first-timers and upgraders.
Market expectations, based on comparable Prime launches, suggest application rates between 2.0 and 4.5 times, reflecting the scarcity of subsidised central housing that would otherwise be out of reach in the private market segment.
Renovation packages from about S$5,590, including a popular two-toilet overlay option at S$10,290, further structure the total acquisition cost.
In Toa Payoh East/Kim Keat, approximately 1,130 units, ranging from 2-room Flexi to 4-room configurations, are positioned in a mature central estate. Indicative price bands are around S$500,000 to S$600,000 before grants.
These flats present a relatively accessible entry compared with surrounding resale stock while preserving potential for steady post-MOP capital performance. Some buyers also consider mortgagee sales of nearby properties, which involve financial institutions disposing of foreclosed assets, as alternative acquisition routes in the secondary market.
Tampines Central will add a balanced unit mix with modern layouts and enhanced communal facilities, targeting key collection timelines from late 2028 to 2029. This aligns with previous project outcomes in the town.
Sembawang Drive, with about 1,160 units, serves as a budget-friendly heartland alternative, complementing prime-city fringe options and diversifying the geographic spread of the launch.
Eligibility criteria, including income ceilings of S$14,000 for families and S$7,000 for singles, standard citizenship requirements, and family-nucleus rules, will continue to structure demand.
The HDB Flat Portal and Housing Eligibility process will channel applications during the February window.
