The Bukit Timah Turf City redevelopment is rewriting the property landscape of central Singapore. For the first time in almost 40 years, new HDB flats will be built in Bukit Timah – a district long associated with luxury condominiums, landed homes, and prestigious schools.There are going to be up to 20,000 new homes on the Turf City site, which is directly facing Binjai Park, one of the more expensive landed enclaves in Bukit Timah. This historic move opens the door for more Singaporeans to live in one of the country’s most desirable neighbourhoods. The introduction of new public housing in Bukit Timah for the first time in about 40 years is a significant move that could help prevent the further entrenchment of the area as a private residential enclave.
📜 A Historic Moment for Bukit Timah
Bukit Timah has always been synonymous with prestige. From colonial times through Singapore’s modern era, the district has been home to landed estates, Good Class Bungalows (GCBs), and high-end condominiums. Public housing, however, has been almost absent here – the last HDB blocks in Bukit Timah were launched in the 1980s at Toh Yi Drive.
With the Turf City redevelopment, the government is bringing back affordable housing to Bukit Timah. This bold step not only diversifies the housing mix but also ensures that more families can enjoy the connectivity, schools, and greenery that define the area.
🏡 Why Is This Such a Big Deal?
- First HDBs in 40 years: Homebuyers who thought Bukit Timah was out of reach now have an entry point.
- Balanced housing mix: Both HDB flats and private condos will coexist, creating an inclusive community.
- Central location: Easy access to Orchard Road, the CBD, and key expressways.
- Prestige at affordability: Living in Bukit Timah without paying Bukit Timah’s traditional premium.
🚇 Connectivity Boost: MRT & Transport
One major advantage for future HDB residents in Turf City will be unmatched connectivity. The upcoming Turf City MRT Station (Cross Island Line) is expected to open around 2032. This will connect residents to Clementi, Ang Mo Kio, Punggol, and eventually Changi Airport – making Bukit Timah more accessible than ever before.
On top of that, an Integrated Transport Hub with a bus interchange will be built right next to the MRT, ensuring seamless travel across the island.
Source: URA Draft Master Plan 2025
🌳 Green & Inclusive Living
The new Bukit Timah HDB flats will be part of a town designed with green corridors and nature integration. Large forested areas around Bukit Tinggi will be preserved, while jogging and cycling paths will connect residents to nearby parks and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
This approach ensures that Turf City is not just another housing estate but a 10-minute neighbourhood where homes, shops, schools, and nature are all within walking distance.
Source: SLA Press Release
👨👩👧 Who Will Benefit Most?
The new Bukit Timah HDB flats will appeal to several groups of homebuyers:
- Young families – keen to live near top schools like Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang Girls’ High, and Methodist Girls’ School. The insertion of public homes in Bukit Timah would benefit schools in the area, as children from more diverse backgrounds will be able to attend these schools such as Nanyang Primary and Raffles Girls’ Primary. But of course, the 1 km school distance rule still meant that those living closer to these schools are still more likely to get a place. It sounds good on paper, maybe 🙂
- First-time buyers – who never thought central Singapore was within reach of their budget. A public housing project always is going to be cheaper than private condos at Turf City.
- Upgraders – who may choose to start with an HDB in Bukit Timah, before moving to a condo in the same estate later.
📈 Investment Angle
Even though HDB flats are not an “investment product” in the traditional sense, history shows that HDBs in central locations tend to enjoy strong demand and healthy resale prices. The Bukit Timah HDBs will likely follow this trend, especially with MRT access and Bukit Timah’s prestige factor. But given the flats will likely be considered Prime flats, then it is also likely to only cater to those at the upper middle class.
For investors, the presence of public housing also strengthens the private condo market. A mixed population ensures vibrant communities, retail demand, and rental appeal – all of which support property values long term.
Source: Straits Times
❓ FAQs – Bukit Timah HDBs at Turf City
Q1. When will the Bukit Timah HDBs launch?
The first launches are expected in the early 2030s, in tandem with Turf City’s phased development.
Q2. How many HDB flats will there be?
Exact numbers have not been confirmed, but they will form part of the 15,000–20,000 new homes planned for Turf City.
Q3. Will they be affordable compared to condos?
Yes. The new HDB flats will provide a more accessible entry point for buyers who want to live in Bukit Timah without condo prices.
📢 Conclusion
The return of Bukit Timah HDB flats after 40 years is nothing short of historic. It signals Singapore’s commitment to inclusivity, even in traditionally high-end districts. For homebuyers, it’s a golden chance to live in Bukit Timah with its unrivalled schools, greenery, and connectivity. For investors, it strengthens the long-term prospects of Turf City as a residential estate.
