Policy shifts, resale prices push buyers to BTOs: Huttons

According to Huttons, the Build-To-Order flats drew significantly more interest than Sale of Balance Flats.

Renewed demand for public housing drove up application rates in the latest BTO and SBF launch, with 3.9 applicants vying for each available flat in July 2025—up from 3.2 in February.

Huttons attributed the increase to policy shifts and climbing resale flat prices, which are pushing more homebuyers toward new flat launches.

According to Huttons, the Build-To-Order flats drew significantly more interest than Sale of Balance Flats, likely due to high-demand locations such as Bukit Merah, Clementi, Toa Payoh, and Tampines.

He also pointed to recent policy changes like increased allocation for second-timers and the Family Care Scheme as contributing factors.

Among the standout projects was Simei Symphony, the first public housing project in over a decade in the Simei area. Its location next to Upper Changi MRT and availability of 5-room flats contributed to strong demand. It was also the smallest BTO project in the exercise, amplifying the competition.

Prime Location Housing continued to attract heavy interest despite higher clawback subsidies. More than 12,000 applicants vied for these flats — the highest since November 2022.

Clementi Emerald, in particular, saw over 3,100 applicants drawn by its mature estate status, proximity to Clementi MRT Interchange, and its notably short completion time.

Alexandra Peaks and Alexandra Vista in Bukit Merah collectively received over 3,300 applicants for 1,107 flats. This was a sharp increase from December 2023, when Alexandra Peaks alone drew 1,357 applicants. The projects’ appeal was bolstered by their proximity to Redhill MRT and location within 1km of Alexandra Primary School.

Toa Payoh Ascent drew nearly 5,900 applicants for 741 units, underlining the enduring popularity of the estate and its convenient access to Caldecott MRT Interchange.

Applications from singles for 2-room flexi flats also rose significantly. The median application rate hit 8.4 in July 2025, up from 5.2 in February.

Huttons attributed this jump to the October 2024 policy change allowing singles to buy 2-room flexi flats islandwide, combined with the rollout of the Family Care Scheme and strong locations in this launch.