Singapore’s HDB Jumps Out of the Covid‑Cobbler
After two years of pandemic‑grind, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) says it’s finally pulling the plug on the delays that left thousands of Singaporeans in a “waiting‑room” for new homes.
One‑Hitter of 7200 Flats
By mid‑year, HDB had already delivered 7,200 Build‑to‑Order (BTO) flats – a far cry from the 6,275 in 2021 and a whopping 2,485 in 2020. The new houses are spread across six projects:
- Senja Ridges, Senja Heights and Senja Valley in Bukit Panjang
- Dakota Breeze near Old Airport Road
- Northshore Edge in Punggol
- Fernvale Glades in Sengkang
Three of these projects are more than a month ahead of schedule, proving that “slow and steady” can indeed win when construction finally kicks off.
From Pause to Push‑Off: The Current Pulse
HDB has nearly 100 BTO projects still under construction (excluding the February and May sales). These run the gamut of waiting times from 2 to 5.4 years – with a median of 4.3 years. For the six already finished, the median waiting period settles at 4.1 years once the pandemic‑slip is factored in.
Recovering Momentum: CEO Tan Meng Dui’s Word
HDB CEO Tan Meng Dui cleared the air: while Covid‑19’s hiccups can’t “be fully recovered”, the construction scene is speeding up. “We’re all pulling a tighter rope now,” Tan joked, “and it feels like we’re getting the slack back—so the crew can finally finish the first stair and hand over the keys.”
- Prioritised work zones
- Manpower and material supplies secured
- Weekend‑friendly, less‑noisy construction waivers
How the Numbers Stack Up
The HDB has fortified its supply line: BTO stocks rose by 35% from 17,000 units in 2021 to a staggering 23,000 in 2022‑2023. They’re on course to launch:
- 23,000 flats this year (including the 4000 & 4600 launched in February and May)
- 4,900 flats in August across Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East, Tampines, and Woodlands
- 9,500 flats in November covering Bukit Batok, Kallang Whampoa, Queenstown, and Yishun
They’ve earmarked up to 100,000 new units between 2021 and 2025—just enough to keep the supply lining healthy for those still counting down the days.
What This Means for Residents
Home‑buyers can finally breathe a sigh of relief. With the median wait time projected between 4 to 4½ years for the next two years—no longer stretched to 4–5 years like during the pandemic—your new key might just be around the corner.
So, keep your eye on the horizon, grab that reservation slab, and prepare for the “move‑in feel‑to‑feel” joy that comes after a long wait. In the meantime, a little patience and a lot of excitement can make all the difference.
