Finance

Record-Breaking HDB Flat in Bukit Timah Sells for Over $1.5 Million—Here’s What You Need to Know

2025-05-09

Author: Yu

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, a Bukit Timah executive maisonette has just hit the market for a staggering $1,501,555 in May 2025, marking it as Singapore’s most expensive executive HDB flat ever sold.

This eye-catching residence at Toh Yi Gardens stretches across 154 square meters (1,658 square feet) and comfortably claims the top spot just ahead of another notable sale in Bishan that closed for $1.5 million.

What Makes This HDB Flat So Special?

Let’s break down what you’re actually getting for that record-breaking price:

- **Address**: 3 Toh Yi Drive (Toh Yi Gardens) - **Flat Type**: Executive Maisonette - **Size**: 154 sqm (1,658 sq. ft.) - **Storey Range**: 7th to 9th floor - **Lease Commenced**: 1988 - **Lease Remaining**: 62 years and 4 months This rare gem is situated between the 7th and 9th floors, offering both space and elevation—two highly sought-after attributes in Singapore's competitive real estate market. In fact, at nearly twice the size of a standard 4-room BTO flat, it stands out significantly.

The Scarcity Factor at Play

HDB units in Bukit Timah are exceptionally rare, with the entire Toh Yi Gardens estate comprising only 20 residential blocks that house 1,713 units. Of these, there are just 380 executive flats, making up a mere 22%. The maisonette configuration itself is no longer in production, leading to a fixed supply.

Prime Location Perks

This particular flat boasts several desirable features that elevate its value:

- **Educational Advantage**: Located near top-ranked Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School and within 1km of Methodist Girls’ Primary.

- **Transit Access**: A mere 5-minute stroll to Beauty World MRT, connecting directly to the upcoming Cross Island Line.

- **Retail Conveniences**: Variety of shopping centers, including Bukit Timah Plaza and KAP Mall, all just a walk away.

- **Nature-Adjacent**: Close access to the Rail Corridor offers an escape into nature.

- **View Factor**: Higher floors likely provide views toward the Holland landed enclave.

Price Against Value: A Curious Comparison

While $1.5 million for an HDB flat with 62 years remaining may raise eyebrows, consider this: similar private condominiums in the vicinity command prices ranging from around $2.5 million to $4 million.

Interestingly, the recent sale of a 1,560 sq. ft. unit in Sherwood Tower went for $1.52 million—clearly comparable to this HDB unit, yet the tower offers private amenities.

What This Sale Signals for the Market

This transaction is a fascinating glimpse into a market where extreme scarcity meets high demand. Selling at approximately $906 per square foot, this price is relatively high for an HDB flat but reveals a shift in how buyers may value public versus private housing, particularly in sought-after areas.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

As new HDB developments are set to emerge in the Bukit Timah area after a 40-year hiatus, this sale could foreshadow an uptick in similar high-value transactions.

While appealing headlines like this record sale grab attention, it’s essential to remember it represents an outlier within the HDB market. Most transactions will not reflect such astronomic figures, but they do hint at evolving buyer perceptions and market dynamics.