Singapore’s housing landscape continues to evolve as the government introduces new plans to expand public housing options across the island. During the Ministry of National Development’s Committee of Supply debate, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat announced that new public housing developments will be introduced in Pearl’s Hill and Toa Payoh West.
At the same time, additional measures were revealed to support families with three or more children. Senior Minister of State for National Development Sun Xueling shared updates to the Third Child Priority Scheme (TCPS), which aims to help larger families secure a flat more easily.
Table of contents
- Pearl’s Hill to see its first public housing project in over 40 years
- A design inspired by nature and heritage
- This is part of a larger transformation in the Pearl’s Hill area
- A new BTO project coming to Toa Payoh West
- Amenities and community spaces planned for residents
- A new park and mixed-use development in Toa Payoh West
- More support for families with three or more children
Pearl’s Hill to see its first public housing project in over 40 years
One of the most notable announcements involves a new public housing project planned for Pearl’s Hill, located near Outram Park in the city area. Importantly, this will be the first public housing development in the area in more than four decades.
The project will be built on the former site of the Outram Park Complex, which was demolished in the early 2000s. In the coming years, the location will be transformed into a new Build-To-Order (BTO) development designed to bring more homes into a central district.
When completed, the project will include approximately:
- 1,700 BTO flats, comprising 2-room Flexi, 3-room and 4-room units
- More than 140 public rental flats
In addition, the development will rise over 60 storeys high, making it the tallest public housing project in Singapore to date. Currently, the tallest HDB development is Pinnacle@Duxton, which stands at 50 storeys.
Building taller allows more homes to be created within limited land. As a result, high-rise projects like this may become an important way to increase housing supply while using land efficiently.
However, authorities have also indicated that taller projects will only be introduced where site conditions allow and where liveability can be maintained.
A design inspired by nature and heritage
Beyond its height, the Pearl’s Hill development will also feature a design concept shaped by the surrounding landscape and heritage.
The architectural theme draws inspiration from Shan Shui Hua, a traditional Chinese landscape painting style that portrays mountains and flowing water in harmony. This concept reflects Pearl’s Hill’s natural terrain as well as its proximity to the historic Chinatown district.
Because of this approach, the residential blocks will be arranged at different heights, creating a skyline that mirrors the ridges of a mountain landscape. At the same time, landscaped terraces, greenery and sky gardens are expected to be incorporated throughout the development.
Residents will also enjoy closer connections to nature. The project will include:
- Green landscaped areas within the development
- Cascading water features under the Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters programme
- A canopy of trees offering shade and relief from the urban environment
In addition, a seamless link between Pearl’s Hill City Park and the nearby MRT station will improve accessibility to both transport and green spaces. This means residents will be able to move easily between the park and the surrounding neighbourhood.
This is part of a larger transformation in the Pearl’s Hill area
The Pearl’s Hill project will not stand alone. Instead, it forms part of a broader effort to revitalise the surrounding district.
Over the next decade, around 6,000 homes, including public housing, rental units and private developments, are expected to be introduced in the area. At the same time, plans for a mixed-use development connected to Outram Park MRT station are also being explored.
Together, these changes could gradually reshape the Pearl’s Hill district into a more vibrant residential neighbourhood while preserving its historical character and green surroundings.
A new BTO project coming to Toa Payoh West
At the same time, new housing supply will also be introduced in Toa Payoh West, another mature estate undergoing renewal.
A new BTO project located next to Caldecott MRT station will be launched during the October 2026 BTO sales exercise. The development will include roughly 1,600 homes across five residential blocks.
The project will consist of
- 590 2-room Flexi flats
- 580 4-room flats
- Around 230 public rental flats
In addition, the project will include 240 Community Care Apartments, marking the first time these assisted living flats will be introduced in Toa Payoh.
Community Care Apartments are designed for seniors who wish to continue living independently while staying close to support services. Typically, these homes include senior-friendly fittings and are supported by community care programmes that help residents age comfortably within their neighbourhood.
Amenities and community spaces planned for residents
Besides housing, the Toa Payoh West development will also include a range of amenities designed to support everyday living.
Residents can expect facilities such as a food court, fast food restaurant, a supermarket, childcare facilities as well as retail shops and services. In addition, an Active Ageing Centre will be located within the development to support seniors living in the Community Care Apartments.
The architecture of the project will also respond to the natural landscape. Because the area sits on slightly elevated terrain, the buildings will feature a terraced skyline design, which reflects the hillside character of the surroundings.
A new park and mixed-use development in Toa Payoh West
Beyond the BTO project itself, several nearby developments are also being planned to enhance the neighbourhood.
First, a new 1.1-hectare neighbourhood park will be built directly in front of the development. The park will offer green spaces for exercise, relaxation and community activities, including areas designed for therapeutic use.
Second, plans are underway for a mixed-use development in the area. This project is expected to include private residential units, a shopping centre, as well as community spaces.
The retail component will provide additional dining and shopping options for residents and could become a new commercial hub around the Caldecott MRT area.
At the same time, broader infrastructure projects are expected to improve connectivity in the area. For example, the North-South Corridor will strengthen transport links across the region once completed.
Looking further ahead, the Toa Payoh Integrated Development, which will include sports facilities, a library and a polyclinic, is also expected to be completed around 2030.
Overall, more than 10,000 new homes, including both public and private housing, are expected to be introduced across Toa Payoh West and Mount Pleasant over the next decade.
More support for families with three or more children
Alongside new housing supply, additional support will also be provided for larger families.
The Third Child Priority Scheme (TCPS) currently allows eligible families with three or more children to receive priority when applying for flats. Under the existing policy, up to 5% of flats in BTO and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises are reserved for these families.
From the June 2026 BTO exercise, the scheme will be expanded.
First, the allocation quota will increase to up to 10% of flats, doubling the proportion set aside for eligible families.
Second, the eligibility criteria will be broadened. Families will now be allowed to apply under the scheme while expecting their third child, rather than waiting until the child is born.
This change could help families secure housing earlier as they prepare for a growing household. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 2,800 BTO applicants secured homes through the scheme. With the new enhancements, even more families may benefit in the years ahead.
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