http://www.straitstimes.com/Singapor...ry_581418.html
Sep 22, 2010
1,329 new flats in Woodlands for sale
BTO launches in Yishun, Bukit Panjang, Sengkang and Punggol on the way
THE Housing Board launched 1,329 new flats for sale in Woodlands yesterday, with more projects in Bukit Panjang, Punggol, Sengkang and Yishun in the pipeline.
The latest offering, which comprises 789 units at Woodlands Dew and 540 at Woodlands Meadow, brings the total number of flats for sale by the HDB to 14,200.
In line with its move to ramp up the supply of new homes, the HDB said it will launch another 1,320 units in Bukit Panjang and Sengkang next month under its build-to-order (BTO) scheme.
Later in the year, home buyers can look forward to BTO launches in Punggol and Yishun, although details will be available only at a later date.
Those in the higher-income bracket will also be able to choose from a supply of about 4,600 homes under HDB's design, build and sell scheme and executive condominiums.
Prices of the latest flats at Woodlands Dew range from $78,000 to $105,000 for a two-room unit, and $224,000 to $280,000 for a four-room unit.
At Woodlands Meadow, a three-room flat costs from $136,000 to $168,000, and a five-room unit from $270,000 to $328,000.
Mr Eugene Lim, ERA Asia Pacific associate director, said these new offerings will help to cool the market for first-time buyers.
He cited the recently concluded Yishun BTO project that drew fewer than three applications per unit.
'Normally, the number (of applications) will be about five per unit. But the increase in supply of BTO flats, the slowdown in the resale market and more information put out by HDB have made first-time buyers more relaxed now, compared to the sense of urgency felt earlier this year.' he said.
PropNex communications manager Adam Tan noted that the median pricing of the Woodlands flats is 'already cheaper by 23 per cent to 39 per cent than similar resale flats in the area, making it very attractive'.
Applications for the new BTO flats will close on Oct 4.
In a separate statement, the HDB said it will launch two new residential sites offering 805 homes in Woodlands and Upper Serangoon for sale today.
The first site, at Woodgrove Avenue, is a 99-year leasehold site for strata landed or condominium units that could offer 265 new homes, said HDB.
The second leasehold site is located at Upper Serangoon View, near Hougang MRT station, and could yield 540 condominium units.
The tenders for these plots will close on Nov 4 and Nov 9 respectively.
The Government has moved to ramp up supply in both public and private property markets recently.
It released enough land to cater to 13,905 private residential units in the second half of this year - the highest potential amount of supply since the land sales programme started in 2001.
HDB said it will also be releasing another two new residential sites for executive condominium development in Tampines Avenue 8 and Segar Road next month.
DARYL CHIN
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