73 Freshly MOP-ed HDB Resale Flats in Singapore to Expect in 2021/2022

For a slew of homeowners, this year is the year of the magic number 5.

After collecting the keys to their Build-to-Order HDB flat, they would have had to complete the mandatory five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) from the completion date of their BTO flats. Only then, they become eligible to put their flat on the resale market, typically for a higher price than when they bought it.

Given the pent-up demand in 2020 due to the COVID-19 circuit breaker measures, as well as the current construction delays in new BTO projects that have yet to obtain the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) — also due to COVID-19 — the demand for HDB resale flats is high.

Those who bought BTOs in prime areas may also be sitting on a potential “gold mine”. If there’s a good time to sell and cash out, it’s probably now, before the government introduces cooling measures to curb this ‘lottery effect’.

But this article is for home buyers, especially those who can’t wait five years or more for a new BTO flat (balloting of units, waiting for the BTO to be built and potential COVID-19 induced delays, renovation, etc) and want to buy a resale unit.

If you’re looking to move into your new home before the end of this year, take your pick from these 32 HDB BTO projects that are expected to reach MOP soon and be available on the HDB resale market. You’ll surely find somewhere within your price range, in your ideal location and perhaps even your dream floor plan.

Related article: 20,000+ Flats will MOP in 2021: How Will the Surplus in Supply Affect Price?

For those who aren’t intending to buy a resale flat this year, we’ve also included a list of BTO projects which are expected to fulfil their MOP in 2022 at the bottom of the article. So scroll down to browse!

BTO Projects Expected to MOP in 2021 

The following is a list of BTO projects that were launched in 2012/2013 with estimated TOP dates in 2016 — making them likely to reach MOP this year. Depending on the actual TOP date, there may be slight differences in the exact month and date of each HDB project’s actual MOP.

If you’re looking for a relatively new HDB flat to buy, you could check out these BTO projects that MOP-ed in 2020.

Related article: Post-MOP Upgrading: Should You Sell Your HDB First?

We’ve included a few particularly noteworthy ones:

1. Clementi Ridges

Source: Facebook

Although it’s technically in the west of Singapore, Clementi is well-linked by roads and public transport networks to town, the central business district, and to the rest of the island. This makes it a popular almost-city fringe location. 

Clementi is also surrounded by several districts and HDB towns, such as District 3 (Alexandra, Commonwealth, Tiong Bahru, and Queenstown), District 4 (Harbourfront, Telok Blangah), District 22 (Boon Lay, Jurong and Tuas), District 21 (Clementi Park, Upper Bukit Timah) and District 10 (Tanglin, Holland).

Clementi Ridges, launched in March 2012, TOP-ed sometime in September 2016. The BTO project is bounded by Clementi Avenue 6 and Commonwealth Avenue West — making it only 650m (about an eight-minute walk) from Clementi MRT station on the East-West Line.

The BTO project is a towering trio of 40-storey blocks, comprising a total of 684 units of 3-, 4- and 5-room standard flats. This makes it one of the tallest HDB flats in Singapore; we’re sure the view at the top is gorgeous. Clementi is a mature HDB estate, so likewise, expect resale prices to be higher for this prime location.

As fitting of a mature estate, residents can enjoy the numerous amenities nearby, which include medical facilities, top schools (Nan Hua Primary School/High School, ITE College West, Singapore Institute of Management, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, National University of Singapore, etc), shopping centres (i.e. Clementi Mall), groceries, markets and food centres.

Browse resale HDB flats for sale in Clementi on PropertyGuru.

2. Bendemeer Light and McNair Towers 

Source: Facebook

Though Bendemeer Light and McNair Towers are located about 1km from each other, they are both in the Kallang/Whampoa HDB estate, which is a popular city fringe location. Again, this is a mature HDB estate, so amenities are a dime a dozen, making this a very convenient spot for your new home.

Bendemeer Light is 500m (about a six-minute walk) from Bendemeer MRT station, which is on the Downtown Line; while McNair Towers is 750m (about a nine-minute walk) from Boon Keng MRT station, which is on the North-East Line. If you want to stretch your legs, you’ll easily have access to both the NEL and the DTL MRT routes.

Bendemeer Light comprises three 40-storey blocks of 3- and 4-room standard flats, a total of 624 units in all. It TOP-ed around December 2016. Meanwhile, McNair Towers comprises four 35-storey blocks of studio apartments, 3- and 4-room premium flats, with an integrated daycare and service centre for seniors — a total of 861 units.

Like Clementi Ridges, expect mature prices for the resale HDB flats here as the Kallang/Whampoa area is really close to the eclectic Katong (District 15), where there are many cafes, as well as Lavender (District 12), Jalan Besar (District 8), Fort Road (District 15) and Beach Road (District 6). It’s literally a short bus or MRT ride away from the heritage-rich Bugis-Bras Basah / Rochor district (all your museums, hipster cafes, etc) and also really close to the Singapore Sports Hub and Marina Bay.

You’ll also be spoilt for choice with the food offerings at Bendemeer Market and Food Centre — and while this area doesn’t really have a big mall (yet), it’s nice to enjoy the heartland vibe and have the option of a quick journey to big swanky malls.

Browse resale HDB flats for sale in Kallang/Whampoa on PropertyGuru.

3. Waterway Cascadia and Eastbank @ Canberra 

Source: Facebook

Don’t think you have the budget for prime, city fringe flats? Let’s move onto Waterway Cascadia at Punggol and Eastbank @ Canberra, which is located in Sembawang. 

While these are classified as non-mature HDB estates, Punggol and Sembawang are up-and-coming areas that have seen a lot of development in recent years (especially Canberra), so don’t expect rock-bottom prices (but still cheaper than flats in mature estates, so it helps to stretch your dollar if you’re looking for a bigger unit or if you have a budget to stick to).

While Waterway Cascadia is just 450m (six-minute walk) from Punggol MRT station (North-East Line), residents are served by Sumang LRT station that’s right at its doorstep. Launched in July 2012, this development comprises eight blocks that go up to a maximum of 18 storeys, a total of 1,009 units of 3-, 4- and 5-room premium flats. It’s likely to reach MOP by 3Q 2021.

And don’t think Punggol is very “ulu” (remote). There’s Waterway Point shopping mall nearby, gorgeous waterways for exercise and cycling, convenience stores, eateries and schools. It’s a nice home for those who love to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle and to slow down with nature at the end of a long workday.

Meanwhile, Eastbank @ Canberra, which was launched in May 2013, is likely to reach MOP by Q4 2021. It’s about 750m from Canberra MRT station, about a 10-minute walk. It comprises four blocks — the highest level is 15 — of 4- and 5-room flats, a total of 372 units in all.

Nearby, there’s the new gem of Canberra, Canberra Plaza, and other up-and-coming developments such as Bukit Canberra. You’ll also have access to amenities such as primary schools (Ahmad Ibrahim Primary/Secondary School, Wellington Primary School, Sembawang Secondary School), supermarkets, and more.

Browse resale HDB flats for sale in Punggol or Sembawang on PropertyGuru.

4. Compassvale Mast

Source: Facebook

While Sengkang is not considered super popular as its neighbour Punggol, you can use that to your advantage as prices may be more competitive. This region is surrounded by several prosperous districts, namely Defu Lane (District 19), Seletar (District 28), Punggol (District 19) and Yio Chu Kang (District 19).

Being less north-eastern than Punggol, Sengkang has good transport links to other parts of Singapore. While there are other HDB developments reaching MOP in Sengkang, namely Compassvale Cape and Compassvale Helm, these are 1.1km and 1.4km from Sengkang MRT respectively.

The star is Compassvale Mast, which is just 130m (a two-minute walk) from Sengkang MRT — literally at the doorstep of the MRT and the mall. Launched in November 2012, these nine blocks reaching 16 storeys high are likely to reach MOP by mid-2021. The BTO project comprises 3-, 4- and 5-room premium flats, a total of 928 units, with a supermarket, an eatery, shops, RC centre and a childcare centre conveniently built in the development.

Within Sengkang, you’ll also find many primary schools and other educational institutions such as Compassvale Primary/Secondary School and Nan Chiau Primary/Secondary School, CHIJ St. Joseph’s Convent and the University of New Brunswick. 

Browse resale HDB flats for sale in Sengkang on PropertyGuru.

5. Depot Heights and Telok Blangah Ridgeview 

Both Depot Heights and Telok Blangah Ridgeview are in the mature Bukit Merah area, which extends to part of the River Valley area, Tiong Bahru, Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah, Harbourfront and even Labrador Nature Reserve.

Given that this area will be part of the upcoming Greater Southern Waterfront, prices of resale HDB flats here could likely approach the $1 million mark.

The Depot Heights BTO, situated along Depot Road, was launched in July 2012 and is likely to reach MOP in Q3 2021. The development comprises three blocks, up to 38 storeys high for a gorgeous view of the surrounding verdant area — a total of 418 units (studio apartments, 3- and 4-room standard flats). The nearest MRT is Redhill at 1.7km away, so you’ll likely need to drive or take a bus to the station.

If you’re banking on a view of both greenery and Sentosa, and want to enjoy the benefits of living near nature, Telok Blangah Ridgeview is your best bet. Launched in July 2012, this project will likely reach MOP next month, in March 2021. Similar to Depot Heights, it’s 1.1km from Telok Blangah MRT. It comprises 3 blocks, up to 25 storeys high, a total of 492 units (3- and 4-room standard flats).

Browse resale HDB flats for sale in Bukit Merah on PropertyGuru.

BTO Projects Expected to MOP in 2022

With HDB resale prices rising for the 13th straight month in July 2021, some might put off buying a resale unit till the market hopefully cools in the coming year. If you are still in the browsing stages or planning to buy only in 2022, here is a list of BTO projects with estimated TOP dates in 2017 and are likely to reach MOP next year.

As with the above list, do note that depending on the actual TOP date, there may be some differences in the exact month and date of each HDB project’s actual MOP.

More FAQs about Minimum Occupation Period in Singapore

Can I Sell My HDB Before 5 Years?

During the first five years, homeowners cannot sell or rent their home or apply for a new BTO flat. But in special cases, such as divorce and financial issues, your branch officer might consider your appeal.

Can I Apply for BTO Before MOP?

No, you may not. You can only apply for a BTO after your MOP is fulfilled.

Can I Buy Second Property During MOP?

No, you may not buy another HDB or private property. 

What Is the Minimum Occupation Period for Resale Flat?

Depending on the type of flat and if you used the CPF housing grant, the MOP period is between 0 to 5 years. Check out your eligibility to sell your HDB flat on the HDB website.

For more property news, resources and useful content like this article, check out PropertyGuru’s guides section. 

Are you looking for a new home? Head to PropertyGuru to browse the top properties for sale in Singapore.  

Already found a new home to buy? Let PropertyGuru Finance’s home finance advisors help you with financing it. 

This article was written by Mary Wu, who hopes to share what she’s learnt from her home-buying and renovation journey with PropertyGuru readers. When she’s not writing, she’s usually baking up a storm or checking out a new cafe in town.