Why Buy an HDB Flat in Bukit Timah?

Updated: 10 May 2021

Most people see Bukit Timah and think of it as a rich man’s playground. A swanky neighbourhood filled with quality residential properties from condominiums, townhouses, apartments, and semi-detached houses. But contrary to popular belief, there are a couple of humble HDB estates surrounding this unique district. 

Before we explore the prime area in the West, let’s take a step back to learn more about its vibe.

The vibe 

This green enclave will certainly provide both residents and visitors with a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. While the estate is within proximity to several nature parks and trails, Bukit Timah is best known for being home to Botanical Gardens and the 163-hectare Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. 

As Singapore’s primary rainforest reserve, it has one of the richest ecological systems and an abundance of wildlife at every corner. Just this year, a new stretch of the Rail Corridor trail was reopened, giving visitors a space for recreation while being one with nature. 

Beyond its lush greenery and natural surroundings, Bukit Timah holds a traditional charm that cannot be found in most developed areas. Before it became the premiere neighbourhood that it is today, it was once home to humble kampongs up until the 1980s. 

Today, Bukit Timah comprises eight different sub-zones—Anak Bukit, Holland Road, Swiss Club, Hillcrest, Coronation Road, Leedon Park, Farrer Court and Ulu Pandan. 

With many properties named as Good Class Bungalow Areas and more HDB flats coming soon, this residential estate is becoming one of Singapore’s most desired places in which to live. 

What you’ll pay for housing in Bukit Timah

With more Good Class Bungalows (GCBs) than HDB flats and some of the biggest new launches sprouting in the area, there’s no doubt that Bukit Timah is primed for premium prices. 

Some of Singapore’s most expensive homes are located within the estate, including freehold properties in Ewart Park, Ladyhill Park, and Queen Astrid Park. 

Normanton Park, one of the most anticipated projects this year, has contributed to the rise in property prices in the region and across the nation. In the first quarter of the year, developers have already sold about 730 units out of the 1,862 units offered.

In terms of affordability and price, HDB flats in Bukit Timah are comparably higher compared to the rest of the region. According to the HDB median resale prices for Q1 2021, 3-room units in Bukit Timah are priced at $416,500. It comes as close second to the resale flats in the Central area, which are at $420,000. 

Here are the estimated prices for HDB resale flats in Bukit Timah: 

• 3-room: $416,500
• 4-room: $628,000
• 5-room: $839,000
• Executive: $970,000

What you’ll find in Bukit Timah

While it might seem rather secluded from the rest of Singapore, there are plenty of things to do and places to go when in Bukit Timah—it essentially has everything you need in one place. 

From shopping malls to recreation spots, here’s what you’ll find within the area: 

Nature parks and trails in Bukit Timah: 

• Bukit Timah Nature Reserve 
• Hindhede Nature Park
• Dairy Farm Nature Park 
• Chestnut Nature Park
• Zhenghua Nature Park  
• Kampong Trail 
• Green Corridor 

Shopping malls in Bukit Timah: 

• The Rail Mall 
• Bukit Timah Shopping Centre 
• Beauty World Centre 
• Cluny Court 
• KAP Mall 
• Coronation Shopping Plaza 
• Tay Junction 
• Holland Piazza
• Bukit Timah Market & Food Centre

Recreation spots in Bukit Timah:

• Gallop Stables @ Horse City
• Bukit Timah Saddle Club
• Bukit Timah Railway Station
• Champions Golf
• Former Ford Factory 

The commute 

Bukit Timah is a stone’s throw away from central landmarks like Orchard Road and is easily accessible through various road networks. With the introduction of the Downtown line back in 2017 and multiple bus stops located within the catchment area, getting around via public transport will not be an issue. 

As if train stations haven’t boosted the convenience for residents enough, the Thomson East Coast Line (TEL) is set to open to the public in stages from 2021 to 2025, which will connect the Northern and Eastern regions via the Central region and the new downtown. 

The schools 

Just like Clementi, there are many prestigious educational institutions within the Bukit Timah neighbourhood. For young families or couples looking to have children, living closer to your child’s school presents a host of advantages such as more convenience, less travel time, and a better sense of security on the parents’ end. 

These are some of the school’s located within and bordering the Bukit Timah district: 

Primary Schools in Bukit Timah: 

• Bukit Timah Primary School 
• Henry Park Primary School 
• Methodist Girls’ School 
• Nanyang Primary School 
• Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School 
• Raffles Girls’ Primary School 

Secondary Schools in Bukit Timah:

• Anglo Chinese School 
• Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) 
• Nanyang Girls’ High School 
• Singapore Chinese Girls School 
• St. Margaret’s Secondary School 

Pre-Tertiary/Tertiary Institutions in Bukit Timah: 

1. National Junior College 
2. Hwa Chong Institution
3. Ngee Ann Polytechnic 
4. National University of Singapore (Bukit Timah Campus) 
5. SIM Global Education (GE) / Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS)

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Contributed by Hannah Grey.