Expert lays out pros and cons of flats in new housing estates

The new housing estates include Pearl Hill and Marina South, amongst others.

Real estate expert, Lee Sze Teck from Huttons, believes that flats on the new housing estates at Pearl Hill, Marina South, Turf City, Mount Pleasant and Greater Southern Waterfront will likely be categorised as “Prime” given their locations.

Describing each estate, Lee said flats in Pearl Hill will likely have unblocked views of the city and the sea towards the south. 

“The triple line Outram MRT interchange is nearby, making travel to different areas of the island very convenient. Cantonment Primary School is near Pearl Hill,” said Lee, Huttons’ senior director for data analytics.

Talking about Marina South, Lee said some of the HDB flats in this estate may potentially have sea views whilst others may overlook Gardens by the Bay and Marina Reservoir. 

“It is next to the CBD and its central location makes travelling to the rest of Singapore almost equidistant. There will be more amenities in the area as the first two GLS sites will have retail space on the first level,” Lee said.

“The downside is the lack of primary schools,” he added.

Commenting on the Turf Club housing estate, Lee said:  “It is surrounded by greenery, low-density housing and GCBs. It will be served by Turf Club MRT station in 2032. As Bukit Timah is an education belt in Singapore, parents will find it convenient with plenty of top schools in the vicinity.”

Meanwhile, those eyeing flats in The Mount Pleasant estate will be close to the nature reserve and Mount Pleasant MRT station. 

“It is very close to the city and Healthcity Novena. There are also several schools in the area,” Lee said.

“The flats at Turf Club and Mount Pleasant give Singaporeans an opportunity to stay in the prime districts,” Lee added.

In the Greater Southern Waterfront, future residents can enjoy unblocked views of the sea.

“Flats in the former Keppel Golf course are likely to be next to the waterfront. It will probably be the only area in Singapore where flats are next to a marina,” Lee said.

“Residents will be living in an area which is slated to be a major mixed-use gateway in Singapore. The downside is the lack of good primary schools,”  Lee added.

Application rates may be high in Pearl Hill, Marina South, Turf Club and Mount Pleasant since there are no other newer public housing options with no restrictions on resale in the areas, pushing buyers to accept restrictions placed on the Prime flats in the four housing estates.
 
“For buyers who want to be part of the Greater Southern Waterfront, they may shift their attention to flats at Telok Blangah Towers, Telok Blangah Parcview and Telok Blangah Beacon, which are relatively new and have no restrictions on resale,” Lee added.