HDB Flats Due To Reach Mop In 2022: Attractive Projects You Should Look Out For In The North Region

In this 4-part series, PropNex looks at some of the HDB projects that are slated to reach their 5-year minimum occupation period (MOP) in 2022, starting with those in Northern Singapore. In subsequent features, we will cover MOP flats in the North-East, West, East, and Central Singapore. An estimated 31,325 HDB flats are expected to exit the MOP this year. Of these, about 30% of the MOP stock or 9,545 units are located in the Northern Region, comprising 3,962 flats in Sembawang, 3,701 flats in Woodlands, and 1,882 flats in Yishun.

One characteristic of the North is perhaps its plentiful parks and recreation options, from the famed zoo to the Khatib Bongsu flatlands, to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and the Sembawang hot springs, as well as a range of local farms (yes, agriculture!) in the Kranji area. Residents can also make regular jaunts to Johor Bahru since the Causeway is not far from home.

In addition, Woodlands is also slated to become a key economic hub in Singapore with new spaces for business, industry, and research and development in the area over the next 15 years. There is also the Seletar Aerospace Park that will bring more jobs to the northern region.

SEMBAWANG

Three of the MOP projects that are most attractive in Sembawang are: EastCrown @Canberra; EastLace @ Canberra; and EastWave @ Canberra. EastCrown @ Canberra (1,220 flats) and EastLace @ Canberra (480 flats) were offered under the March 2014 BTO exercise, while EastWave @ Canberra (714 flats) was launched in the May 2013 BTO exercise.

EastCrown / EastLace / EastWave @ Canberra

Amenities: They are conveniently located within walking distance to the Canberra MRT station on the North South Line. On average, it could take about 25 minutes to get from Canberra MRT station to Orchard MRT station, and about 35 minutes to travel to Raffles Place MRT station.

Next to the MRT station is the Canberra Plaza – which opened in December 2020 – where residents will find a wide range of retail, and F&B options across 70 commercial units. Meanwhile, more retail, food and entertainment can be found at Northpoint City in Yishun is just one MRT stop from Canberra. Fitness buffs will appreciate the Canberra-Sembawang Park Connector at their door step along the Sungei Simpang Kiri, taking them to Sembawang Park and a stretch of beach in northern Singapore.

Schools: Schools within 1k and 2km include Sembawang Primary School, Wellington Primary School, Canberra Primary School, Chongfu School, Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School, Northland Secondary School, and Yishun Innova Junior College.

WOODLANDS

Some of the upcoming projects that could exit MOP in Woodlands include: Woodlands Glen; Woodlands Pasture I & II; and Admiralty Grove. Woodlands Glen (888 flats) was part of the January 2014 BTO exercise, Woodlands Pasture I & II (1,018 flats) were offered during in May 2013, while Admiralty Grove was launched under the November 2013 BTO exercise.

Woodlands Glen

Amenities: Woodlands Glen is located near the upcoming Woodlands South MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, and a short distance from the Woodlands MRT station on the North-South Line. A trip to Raffles Place MRT station could take about an hour including a short bus ride to the Woodlands MRT station. The project is near the Vista Park as well as Vista Point and a nearby Sheng Siong supermarket, where residents can shop for their daily necessities. Causeway Point in Woodlands also provide further retail and F&B options.

Schools: Schools nearby include Innova Primary School, Woodgrove Primary and Woodgrove Secondary, Woodlands Primary School, Woodlands Ring Primary School, Christ Church Secondary School, Yishun Innova Junior College, and Republic Polytechnic.

Woodlands Pasture I & II

Amenities: Woodlands Pasture I & II is about 14 minutes’ walk to the Admiralty MRT station on the North-South Line. However, residents will not need to venture far for their daily necessities, as Block 785E within the estate offers an eating house, supermarket and shops. Between Woodlands Pasture I & II, there are about a dozen children’s playground, adult fitness stations, and elderly fitness stations – offering plenty of space for the young and old.

Schools: Nearby schools include Admiralty Primary School, Evergreen Primary School, Greenwood Primary School, Riverside Primary School, Admiralty Secondary School, Spectra Secondary School, Yishun Innova Junior College, and Republic Polytechnic.

Admiralty Grove

Amenities: Admiralty Grove is about 10-minutes’ walk from the Admiralty MRT station. The estate has its own supermarket, eating house and shops. More food options are also available at the Kampung Admiralty Hawker Centre next to the MRT station. Residents can also enjoy events and make use of the facilities at the nearby Woodlands Galaxy Community Club.

Schools: Nearby schools include Admiralty Primary School, Greenwood Primary School, Riverside Primary School, Woodlands Ring Primary and Secondary, Spectra Secondary School, Yishun Innova Junior College, and Republic Polytechnic.

YISHUN

Two MOP projects that may appeal to home buyers in Yishun include Fern Grove @ Yishun (1,294 flats) and Park Grove @ Yishun (588 flats) which were launched for sale in the March 2014 and July 2014 BTO exercises respectively.

Fern Grove / Park Grove @ Yishun

Amenities: Although these two projects are not particularly near an MRT station – being about 20 minutes’ walk to the Khatib MRT station – they are located in a relatively amenity-rich area. Childcare centres are provided within the two projects, while Fern Grove has an eating house, a supermarket, shops and a senior care centre. Other amenities in the vicinity include Wisteria Mall, SAFRA Yishun Country Club, Yishun Park, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, and Yishun Community Hospital.

Schools: Nearby schools include Huamin Primary School, Naval Base Primary School, North View Primary School, Northland Primary School, Chung Cheng High School, Northbrooks Secondary School, and Yishun Innova Junior College.