Completion of BTO Projects

SINGAPORE – After years of waiting, all 92 Build-To-Order (BTO) projects that faced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic have officially been completed. The last two developments, phase two of the Punggol Point Cove and Kempas Residences, saw their construction wrap up in January 2025, marking a significant milestone for many Singaporeans eagerly anticipating their new homes.

Delivery of Delayed Flats

In total, more than 75,800 BTO flats delayed by the pandemic over the last five years were delivered, as announced by National Development Minister Desmond Lee. The progress comes as a relief to homeowners, some of whom experienced long waits and unforeseen inconveniences during the pandemic era.

Challenges Faced in Punggol Point Cove

The phase two flats at Punggol Point Cove began delivering keys to homeowners in November 2024, with the last block finished in January 2025 after being delayed by one year. Notably, the construction was halted during Singapore's 2020 circuit breaker, leading to a range of challenges, including the termination of the original contractor, CKR Contract Services, in July 2023 for failing to meet deadlines. New contractor Qingjian International (South Pacific) Group Development resumed work in August 2023, eventually bringing the project to completion.

Occupancy Rates and Demand

As of January 15, approximately 59 percent of the 1,109 booked units in phase two have been occupied, highlighting the demand for housing in the thriving Punggol Point District, which now boasts the completion of all its BTO projects, including Punggol Point Woods and Punggol Point Crown.

Kempas Residences Progress

Meanwhile, the Kempas Residences project in Kallang/Whampoa also overcame its hurdles, with the last block delivered six months behind schedule. As of mid-January, 37 out of 555 booked units have had their keys collected, emphasizing a gradual but steady return to normalcy in Singapore's housing development scene.

Future Housing Developments

The Housing Development Board (HDB) is currently managing 110 housing projects, a notable increase from 95 a year prior, with plans to deliver around 17,000 flats across 27 projects in 2025. This comes in tandem with new measures introduced to prevent further delays, including closer monitoring and enhanced coordination between agencies and contractors.

Minister's Remarks on Construction Challenges

Minister Lee acknowledged the challenges experienced during construction but expressed optimism about the lessons learned. He emphasized the importance of digitalization and productivity enhancements, such as adopting robotics and automation in building processes, to streamline future developments.

Residents' Experiences

Residents have expressed mixed feelings regarding their experience; some faced inconveniences due to construction delays. Joycelyn Chua, a new resident at Punggol Point Cove, described living with her mother for years after her divorce due to project delays. Meanwhile, Brandon Ng, a homeowner in phase one of the project, reported five defects in his flat but remains grateful for finally being able to move in after a year-long wait.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In a broader context, the ongoing efforts to improve construction practices in Singapore are crucial not only for managing current projects but also for addressing the growing demand for affordable and quality housing in the city-state. With the completion of these final BTO projects, Singaporeans can finally look forward to stable housing solutions as the nation continues to recover from the pandemic's impacts.

Stay tuned for further updates on housing developments and governmental measures designed to enhance living conditions in Singapore!