Feb 2022 BTO Kallang/Whampoa Review: ‘Prime’ Living Minus PLH Restrictions

Among the February 2022 launches, the Kallang/Whampoa BTO project is one of the two city fringe properties located within a mature estate, the other being the Geylang Feb 2022 BTO project.

Located in Singapore’s cultural heart, the Kallang/Whampoa Feb 2022 flats sits in between Kampong Glam and Little India and is a quick MRT ride to the CBD.

These flats are ideal for those who prioritise centrality and connectivity. Thinking of applying? Read on to find out exactly what the Feb 2022 Kallang/Whampoa flats have to offer.

 

Feb 2022 Kallang/Whampoa BTO Map

Kallang Whampoa Feb 2022 HDB BTO Map

Location of Feb 2022 Geylang BTO flats, bounded by King George’s Avenue and Syed Alwi Road. Source: HDB

Can’t wait for a BTO flat but want to live in this area? Browse the latest listings for Kallang/Whampoa resale flats on PropertyGuru. 

 

Kallang/Whampoa BTO Location (Feb 2022 HDB BTO launch)

Kallang/Whampoa BTO Location (Feb 2022)

 

Address

Bounded by King George’s Avenue and Syed Alwi Road

Nearest MRT

Lavender (East West Line)

Nearest bus interchange

No bus interchange. Nearest bus stop is Aft King George’s Ave

Nearest schools

Stamford Primary School, Farrer Park Primary School, Bendemeer Primary School

Other nearby amenities

Jalan Besar Community Club, Kitchener Complex, Jalan Besar Plaza, Jalan Besar Stadium and Swimming Pool, Kampong Glam Community Club, Golden Mile Food Centre, Mustafa Centre, City Square Mall

The Kallang/Whampoa BTO site, which is located on the city fringe at the confluence of King George’s Avenue and Syed Alwi Road, is an ideal location for those who work in the CBD or who frequent its many entertainment and cultural hotspots.

For starters, culture vultures and shoppers will enjoy the site’s location, which is within walking distance of both Kampong Glam and Little India with their many shops, eateries and lifestyle businesses.

The site enjoys excellent connectivity and is within walking distance of three MRT stations on three different lines. Future residents will have access to the East West Line via a 7-minute walk to Lavender MRT station, which is the nearest MRT station from the project. They will have access to the Downtown line via an 8-minute walk to Jalan Besar MRT station, and the North East Line via an 11-minute walk to Farrer Park MRT station.

The Kallang/Whampoa Feb 2022 HDB BTO project is located close to the River Peaks I & II Nov 2021 Central Area (Rochor) launch, and share access to the same facilities and amenities. Essentially, you can view the Kallang/Whampoa Feb 2022 BTO flats as ‘prime’ flats sans the label – which means they aren’t subject to PLH restrictions.

As a result, flats in city fringe locations, like the Kallang/Whampoa Feb 2022 flats, may see a surge in popularity.

The biggest drawback of this launch is that it comprises an extremely limited supply of 390 3-room and 4-room flats. Prices will be high and competition is expected to be fierce due to the excellent location.

 

Kallang/Whampoa BTO Price (Feb 2022 HDB BTO Launch)

Unit type

Kallang/Whampoa BTO Price (Feb 2022)

Previous Kallang/Whampoa BTO Price (Nov 2021)

Previous Kallang/Whampoa BTO Price (Aug 2021)

Resale flat prices in the area

3-room

TBC

From $336,000

$486,000 to $680,000*

4-room

TBC

From $511,000

From $500,000

$520,000 to $960,000*

As there are only 390 3-room and 4-room units up for grabs, the Kallang/ Whampoa BTO project looks likely to be oversubscribed. In the previous Kallang/Whampoa BTO launch in November 2021, 3-room flats had a subscription rate of 2.9 and 4, while 4-room flats saw an astronomical subscription rate of 8.5 and 7.4.

The site’s city fringe location in a mature estate means that the Kallang/Whampoa project is likely to be priced at a premium. Buyers must be prepared to budget over $500,000 for a 4-room flat.

When you look up HDB’s resale statistics, you’ll find that the median resale prices for a 3-room and 4-room flat for Geylang are $335,500 and $708,000 respectively. There is good resale potential, especially for the larger 4-room flats, after the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

*The indicated prices are for HDB resale flats built after the 2000s. If you don’t mind an older flat with a shorter lease, you’re likely to be able to find one at a more affordable price.

 

Budgeting for Your Kallang/Whampoa Feb 2022 BTO Home Loan

With the Kallang/Whampoa Feb 2022 BTO flats expected high prices, it’s good to take a look at estimates to plan and budget for your potential new home.

Feb 2022 Kallang/Whampoa BTO unit type

Price

If you take an HDB loan (at 2.6% p.a.)

If you take a bank loan (at 1.6% p.a.)

3-room

$350,000

$35,000 downpayment; estimated $1,685 monthly mortgage repayments

$87,500 downpayment; estimated $1,279 monthly mortgage repayments

4-room

$500,000

$50,000 downpayment; estimated $2,407 monthly mortgage repayments

$125,000 downpayment; estimated $1,827 monthly mortgage repayments

Note: We’ve used the lowest starting price estimates, but depending on your chosen unit, the exact price may vary. Prices stated here excludes any CPF housing grants. For HDB loans, we’ve assumed an interest rate of 2.6% p.a., at 90% LTV. For bank loans, we’ve assumed an interest rate of 1.6% p.a., at 75% LTV. This will be updated in Feb 2022 when the actual prices are released.

Related article: Mortgage Repayments in Singapore: What, When, Why, and How?

In the above examples, we’ve gone on the basis of a 20-year loan. If you can afford to pay more per month, you can choose to shorten your loan tenure and pay off your loan faster.

Play around with our affordability calculator for a more accurate estimate. If you need personalised advice about home loans and financing, reach out to our friendly Finance Home Loan Advisors.

 

Kallang/Whampoa BTO Amenities (Feb 2022 HDB BTO Launch)

Three MRT Stations on Three Different Lines Within 11 Minutes’ Walk

The Kallang/Whampoa BTO benefits greatly from its location on the city fringe, with three MRT stations located within walking distance.

Lavender MRT station on the East West Line is 7 minutes’ walk away, Jalan Besar MRT station on the Downtown Line is 8 minutes’ walk away, and Farrer Park MRT station on the North East Line is 11 minutes’ walk away.

Less than 10 Minutes to the CBD by MRT or Car

Commuters are spoiled for choice when commuting to the CBD. All three MRT lines serving the BTO site lead directly to the CBD, with no line changes required, in under 8 minutes.

Those who work in the CBD will enjoy an enviably short commute. The MRT ride from Lavender to Raffles Place, as well as that from Jalan Besar to Telok Ayer, takes just 7 minutes. Another way to get to the CBD is from Farrer Park MRT to Clarke Quay, which takes 6 minutes.

For those who drive, Raffles Place can be reached in under 10 minutes by car. Syed Alwi Road connects to Hill Street, which leads directly to Clarke Quay and the CBD.

Near Cultural Hotspots and Eating Places

The BTO site is located in the Jalan Besar area, a stone’s throw from both Little India to the north and Kampung Glam to the south. Jalan Besar itself is an atmospheric neighbourhood filled with colourful historic shophouses and longstanding local eateries.

Residents have at their fingertips some of Singapore’s best-loved eateries along Jalan Besar, including favourites such as Swee Choon Dim Sum and Beach Road Scissor Cut Rice. The famous Golden Mile Food Centre, which is packed with renowned stalls, is located about 11 minutes’ walk away.

Kampong Glam and Little India, both accessible on foot in 10 minutes, are also F&B hotspots in their own right. Little India offers some of Singapore’s most authentic Indian eateries and shops. Meanwhile, the Kampung Glam area is a hotspot for chic bars and stylish eateries.

Bookworms, students and those looking for a quiet place to work will be happy to know that the National Library is located just 19 minutes’ walk away.

Shop till You Drop

The BTO site is located about 15 minutes’ walk from Bugis+ and Bugis Junction. Offerings include a department store, a branch of Kinokuniya Books, a huge selection of clothing and apparel brands as well as eateries for all budgets.

Closer to home, Mustafa Centre and City Square Mall are both located about 8 minutes’ walk away. Mustafa Centre, which is open 24/7, offers everything from groceries to electronics, while City Square Mall is a convenient spot for a meal or a movie.

 

Conclusion: Are the Kallang/Whampoa Feb 2022 BTO Flats Worth Balloting For?

If you can afford it, the February 2022 Kallang/Whampoa BTO launch offers the chance to live in one of the most convenient and vibrant areas on the city fringe.

Pros of the February 2022 Kallang/Whampoa BTO

  • Central location
  • Walking distance to three MRT stations on three lines
  • Walking distance to cultural and lifestyle hotspots
  • Easy access to various malls and eateries

Cons of the February 2022 Kallang/Whampoa BTO

  • Likely to be pricey
  • 2-room Flexi and 5-room flats not available
  • Likely to see fierce competition for limited number of flats
  • Not many schools nearby

There is likely to be fierce competition for units in the February 2022 Kallang/Whampoa launch due to the BTO site’s excellent location.

The project is likely to be popular with affluent couples, particularly those without kids, due to its proximity to the CBD, central location and vibrant neighbourhood. This group is willing to pay a bit more to live in a more convenient location and reap the benefits of shorter commutes and more exciting amenities.

As only 3-room and 4-room flats are available in this launch, larger families with kids might think twice before bidding for these flats. There are not many schools or childcare facilities in the area, so this group might prefer to opt for a slightly less central neighbourhood in exchange for a larger flat.

There is no doubt about one thing: the Kallang/Whampoa BTO project is going to be an expensive one. Those on a budget will find prices in non-mature estates like Tengah and Yishun, both of which will be the sites for launches in February 2022, more wallet-friendly.

 

More FAQs about BTO Flats in Singapore

When Can I Apply for the February BTO?

You must apply for a BTO flat within one week of the February 2022 sales launch. Launch dates will be announced via the HDB flat portal.

Can Singles Buy a 3-room BTO Flat?

No, singles can only buy 2-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates. However, they face no restrictions on resale flat types.

Can I Own Two HDB Flats?

No, you cannot. If you buy a second flat, you must sell the first one within six months of collecting your keys to the second flat.

 

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