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The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will unveil the Draft Master Plan 2025 on June 25, announced Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Thursday (May 29). The much-anticipated Draft Master Plan, which will outline Singapore’s detailed land plans for the next 10 to 15 years, is being introduced through an exhibition after gathering public feedback from an engagement exercise that began in October 2023. Several locations in the Central Region, including Bukit Timah Turf City, Mount Pleasant, the former Keppel Golf Course, and Marina South, are being targeted for the development of more homes. The government is also focusing on decentralisation efforts, with Jurong Lake District set to become the largest mixed-use district outside the Central Business District (CBD). Further plans are underway to expand Changi Aviation Park, Changi City, and regional hubs such as Tampines and Punggol Digital District. The public was also consulted on a recreation master plan that will highlight Singapore’s parks, public spaces, attractions, and the ambitious "Long Island" project. This 800-hectare land reclamation initiative will be located along Singapore’s eastern coast. Chee made these comments at the opening ceremony of i Light Singapore, the light art festival held in Marina Bay since 2010. The event was launched by URA to commemorate the opening of Marina Bay. Chee said, "Our vision for Marina Bay began in the 1970s, when Singapore’s pioneer generation of leaders and planners recognised the need to expand the city center to support and sustain Singapore’s long-term growth as a global business and financial hub." Plans were set in motion to reclaim around 360 hectares of prime waterfront land, creating a new waterbody seamlessly connected to the existing city center. Today, Marina Bay stands as a vibrant and modern hub anchored in sustainable infrastructure, offering a mix of attractions and developments, Chee noted. "The transformation of Marina Bay is a story of long-term planning and meticulous implementation," he added. Every decade, the government revisits the long-term plans that guide Singapore’s development, mapping out strategic land uses and infrastructure needs for the next 50 years. Chee remarked, "This is how far ahead we plan to ensure we are prepared for the future." The development of Singapore is not solely about building structures and infrastructure, but also about connecting people, places, and creating spaces where Singaporeans can live, work, and play, the minister concluded. He also stated, "Taking on this new portfolio at MND is a challenging task, but it is also a deeply meaningful job. I hope to continue engaging and collaborating with all of you, our stakeholders and partners, to transform even more of our public spaces into vibrant, impactful experiences that enrich our lives, strengthen our community identity, and foster a sense of shared ownership of this beautiful city we call home."

Sembawang EC Site and Hougang Mixed-Use Plot Launched for Tender: Over 1,000 New Homes Expected

03/06/2025 By In General Property News No Comments

Two government land sites have been launched for tender in Singapore, promising to deliver over 1,000 new homes. The plots, located in Sembawang and Hougang, are set to cater to strong housing demand in the coming years.

The Sembawang site, designated for an executive condominium (EC) development, covers 18,968 square meters (sq m) and offers a maximum gross floor area of 26,556 sq m, translating into 265 new homes. Market experts anticipate significant competition for this plot, due to the lack of EC developments in the northern region and the high demand for newly launched EC projects.

Mark Yip, CEO of Huttons Asia, highlighted the strong demand for recent EC projects, such as Aurelle at Tampines, which saw 682 out of 760 units sold within the first day of launch in March at an average price of S$1,766 per square foot. Yip predicts the Sembawang EC site will attract up to eight bidders, with the winning bid likely ranging between S$600 and S$700 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr).

The appeal of this development will primarily come from upgraders in nearby towns like Yishun, Sembawang, and Woodlands. With a projected 3,500 HDB flats in these areas set to meet their minimum occupancy period between 2026 and 2029, there will be a steady flow of potential buyers seeking to move into ECs, said Eugene Lim, key executive officer at ERA Singapore.

ECs have become increasingly popular due to their relatively affordable pricing, especially compared to private condominiums. In 2024, the price gap between ECs and private condos in the Outside Central Region (OCR) was significant, with median prices for ECs at S$1.48 million and private condos at S$2.1 million, offering a more accessible option for those upgrading from HDB flats.

North Gaia, the latest EC development in the north, sold out all its units earlier this year. However, Lim noted that developer interest might be diluted by other available OCR sites, such as those in Woodlands and Bukit Panjang, which share similar attributes to the Sembawang site.

The tender for the Sembawang EC plot will close on September 11, 2025, the same day as another GLS tender for a large mixed-use site in Chencharu Close, Yishun/Sembawang. Lim warns that the simultaneous closing of these two tenders may affect developer interest in the Sembawang site.

Meanwhile, the Hougang Central plot represents the first GLS site offered for development in this area since 2014. The site, located directly above Hougang MRT station, will feature a mixed-use development with around 40,000 sq m of commercial space, nearly double the size of Hougang Mall. Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore, expects strong demand for this project due to the limited number of new launches in Hougang over the past five years.

The Hougang site will serve as the first major mall in the area, attracting significant interest from buyers. Yip points to similar projects, such as Parktown Residence in Tampines, which sold more than 87% of its 1,193 units during its launch. With a gross floor area of over one million square feet, the Hougang site is expected to see joint venture bids from developers, with the top bid potentially reaching S$800 to S$900 psf ppr.

The Hougang site tender closes on December 16, 2025. To facilitate the new development, HDB will close three existing facilities in phases: the Hougang Branch on September 1, the sheltered atrium by the end of September, and the surface car park at Hougang Avenue 10 by March 2026. To ensure uninterrupted service for residents, a new round-the-clock e-Lobby will open on September 1, equipped with self-service kiosks for transactions.

Both the Sembawang EC site and the Hougang mixed-use plot are confirmed under the GLS programme for the first half of 2025, and will undoubtedly contribute to the growing demand for homes in these vibrant northern and northeastern districts.

URA to Unveil Draft Master Plan 2025 in June: Chee Hong TatMore homes are being planned in various locations in the Central Region such as Bukit Timah Turf CityCDL to Sell Majority Stake in South Beach Office Complex for $834 Million to Cut DebtCDL to Sell Majority Stake in South Beach Office Complex for $834 Million to Cut Debt
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