Resale HDB Flats You Can Buy Instead of Rochor Nov 2021 BTO

With the Housing Development Board’s (HDB) bombshell announcement of the new Prime Location Public Housing scheme, some would-be buyers interested in the Rocher BTO launch in November might now be thinking twice.

After all, they’ll now have to wait 10 years for the Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP), and a percentage of any sale after that would have to be paid back to HDB. In addition, buyers will need to adhere to the prevailing income ceiling for BTO flats (currently S$14,000), unlike other resale units on the market.

All this is sure to deter some Singaporeans from balloting as they might have aspired to sell after the original 5-year MOP period.

The Rochor site’s accessibility is outstanding, being right outside Jalan Besar MRT station on the Downtown Line. But there are also other HDB alternatives in the area that you can move into immediately, and skip the 4-5 year construction period.

Source: Ohmyhome Research, Onemap

HDB Flats at Kelantan Lane (Near Rochor MRT)

There are a good number of blocks scattered throughout the Jalan Besar area, some of which are also along Kelantan Lane close to where the new BTO site is located. These flats are old though (completed in 1977) and are mostly 3 or 4-room dwellings.

Source: HDB Map Services

Because of the prime location, resale prices are still healthy. There have been 10 transactions within the past year, most of them being 3-room units.

Those who are keen on the November BTO launch would already know the appeal of this area. The entire Jalan Besar Road is well known for local fare and specialised stores housed within vintage shophouses. The Berseh Food Centre also sits along the main road close to Kelantan Road.

If being within steps of Jalan Besar MRT station is important to you, then these units could be what you’re looking for.

HDB Flats at Veerasamy Road (Opposite Rochor MRT)

There are also newer HDB estates in the same Rochor area that you can consider. The blocks at Veerasamy Road were completed in 1985 and are on the opposite side of the Berseh Food Centre.

Here you can even find 5-room units, great for bigger families. Prices in the past year have gone up to S$838,000 for those, but there are also 3 and 4 room options ranging from S$355,000 to S$670,000.

On the upside of this estate over the upcoming Rochor BTO project, you’ll be closer to City Square Mall, which houses a lot more entertainment and dining options than what’s on the Rochor Road side. The HDB flat projects are about 2 to 3 minutes away to Berseh Food Centre, and the nearest supermarket – Sheng Shiong – is located at New World Centre.

HDB Flats at Tekka Market (Little India and Rochor MRT)

If you’re willing to stay a little farther away from Jalan Besar Road but still enjoy the convenience of that next-door MRT station, the HDB flats at Tekka Market might be the right fit for you.

The four HDB blocks might be coming to 40 years old (completed in 1982), but they enjoy the best of two worlds – the Little India station on the North-east Line, and Rochor Station on the Downtown Line. They sit above Tekka Market, a very popular spot for foodies.

There have only been 7 resale transactions in the past year for these 4 blocks, but they’re well within the affordable range of S$365,000 to S$580,000.

By being close to two MRT stations, you’ll enjoy easier access to Dhoby Ghaut where the School of the Arts and Singapore Management University are located. Even more shopping outlets await there and uptown towards Orchard Road.

Also a short walk away is Tekka Place shopping mall, which house an NTUC Fairprice supermarket and a themed food court known as the Eatbox that offers a good variety of food options as well.

HDB Flats at Lavender MRT Station

The surrounding area at Lavender MRT station also has plenty of HDB blocks you can look into. Lavender station sits nicely on the East-West line and can take you anywhere from Jurong to Changi Airport.

The nearby amenities might even be a better suit for your active lifestyle needs since Jalan Besar Community Centre and the Jalan Besar Stadium are right across the street. The new Aperia Mall is also just a short walk away, though it can’t compete in scale and range with City Square Mall or Plaza Singapura.

Prices here are just as competitive as the Rochor/Little India area, with 3-room flats starting at S$340,000 and 5-rooms going as much as S$880,000. With 23 total units sold within the past 12 months, it’s a clear sign that Lavender is a small estate with pretty high demand.

Frequently asked questions about Rochor BTO launch

When and where is the launch for the HDB Rochor BTO project?

The project site is next to Sim Lim Tower, and bordered by Jalan Besar, Kelantan Road, and Rochor Road. It will be part of HDB’s BTO launch in November.

What units are up for the Rochor BTO launch?

There will be 960 units in the Rochor BTO project, split into 2-room rental, 3-room and 4-room units.

How long is the MOP for HDB Rochor’s BTO project?

The Rochor BTO will be the first under the PLH scheme and will have a Minimum Occupancy Period of 10 years.

Cover image: Dreamstime