Analysts Highlight Strategic Location and Future MRT Connectivity
SINGAPORE: Analysts have highlighted the significant redevelopment potential of the site in Ang Mo Kio recently identified for the Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), citing its favorable location and proximity to an upcoming MRT station.
This marks the first SERS announcement in four years, with four HDB blocks along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 designated for the scheme, affecting over 600 households, as reported by HDB on Thursday (April 7).
According to Christine Sun, senior vice president of research and analytics at OrangeTee & Tie, the land parcel is “well-located” adjacent to the Central Expressway (CTE) and within walking distance of the future Tavistock MRT station on the Cross Island Line. “It is also close to landed properties at Serangoon Gardens, meaning any new high-rise buildings will benefit from good views due to the surrounding low-rise housing,” she noted.
Ms. Sun also suggested that the site may have been selected to facilitate the construction of the underground MRT station, as additional space could be needed for construction activities. “Deep excavation and construction works for the MRT station could also impact the structural integrity of nearby buildings, particularly the safety of residents in older developments,” she added.
Lee Sze Teck, senior director for research at Huttons Asia, mentioned that the site was likely chosen for its potential to accommodate replacement homes “not too far from the current location.” He explained, “With this site available, it could lead to more flats nearby undergoing SERS, providing a location for replacement units.”
Dr. Lee Nai Jia, Deputy Director at the Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies (IREUS), indicated that there is potential to construct taller buildings on the site. “The maximum height could reach 36 storeys, leaving ample room for redevelopment into either new public housing or private developments,” he noted.
Echoing this sentiment, Ms. Sun stated, “Currently, the old housing blocks are around 13 storeys high, while the land can accommodate buildings up to 36 storeys. This area may be acquired via SERS for redevelopment to optimize land use.” She suggested that the site could be transformed into several tall blocks, potentially integrating retail or commercial spaces connected to the Tavistock MRT station.
Wong Siew Ying, head of research and content at PropNex Realty, pointed out that the site is conveniently located near several schools and amenities, including Chong Boon Market and Food Centre, AMK Hub, and the Ang Mo Kio bus interchange and MRT station. “The site is regular-shaped and appears sizable, offering significant redevelopment potential in the future. The four blocks sit on a relatively large plot and are spaced out, allowing for intensified land use and increased density in future housing developments,” she added.
Introduced in 1995, SERS aims to rejuvenate older housing estates. Ms. Sun noted that previous SERS projects occurred approximately every two years between 2014 and 2018, with most involving four to fewer than ten blocks of flats, excluding the extensive project at Tanglin Halt. “Thus, typical SERS exercises, based on historical records, do not generally involve a large number of flats and are not conducted regularly unless authorities decide to reassess and modify their SERS policy,” she concluded.
