Tanjong Rhu to Welcome New High-Rise Housing Developments

Singapore is set to see the emergence of high-rise housing developments on three strategically located plots in Tanjong Rhu, a city fringe area, which experts estimate could yield over 5,000 new homes. These developments, whether public or private, have been made possible through a recent amendment to the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) 2019 masterplan. The amendment includes the re-parcelling of residential plots and an increase in their plot ratios.

To support these new housing projects, provisions have been made for potential road widening in the area, ensuring connectivity for future residents. The URA believes that these high-density residential developments will meet housing demand while capitalizing on the location’s central positioning and proximity to amenities.

Analysts have noted that more than a decade has passed since a new private residential development was launched for sale in this area. The only recent development was The Line @ Tanjong Rhu, a 130-unit freehold condominium launched in 2012. Some Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats in the vicinity date back even further, with their 99-year leases starting from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s.

Situated across the Geylang River from the Singapore Sports Hub, these three plots enjoy proximity to Tanjong Rhu and Katong Park MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line, slated to open in 2024. Additionally, they are within walking distance of Dunman High School, Katong Community Centre, and a park connector leading to Marina Bay.

While Tanjong Rhu primarily consists of private residential properties, experts suggest that public housing developments could also be considered for these plots. However, it is unlikely that any of the plots will be allocated for Build-To-Order (BTO) projects in 2023, according to Housing Board data for September and December sales launches. These plots are currently not listed as Government Land Sales sites, with the list expected to be updated by December.

Christine Sun, Senior Vice-President for Research and Analytics at OrangeTee & Tie, believes that private housing is more likely due to the area’s current residential profile. Still, she acknowledges that new public flats cannot be ruled out, especially considering the government’s efforts to make prime areas more accessible to homebuyers.

These plots’ proximity to the Greater Southern Waterfront and MRT stations makes them suitable for potential Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) model developments, which will be renamed Prime flats from H2 2024. The Greater Southern Waterfront has been identified as a possible location for PLH model flats by the authorities.

The three plots offer various development opportunities due to their sizes and plot ratios. For instance, the first plot adjacent to Sampan Place covers about 2 hectares and has a plot ratio of 3.6, translating to an estimated 600 to 720 public housing units or approximately 800 to 900 condominium homes.

The second plot at the intersection of Tanjong Rhu and Kampong Arang roads encompasses approximately 3.9 hectares with a plot ratio of 4.3, suggesting potential for 1,400 to 1,700 flats or 1,950 to 2,000 private residential units.

The third plot, sandwiched between Tanjong Rhu Road and East Coast Parkway, spans about 5.8 hectares with a plot ratio of 3.5, allowing for 1,700 to 2,100 flats or 2,300 to 2,400 condominium units.

These plots have remained vacant for an extended period, making them a rare find on the city fringe, offering the possibility of sea or river views. Experts anticipate significant demand from both owner-occupiers and investors due to strong rental demand in Tanjong Rhu. To maximize development potential, these plots may be subdivided or developed in phases, depending on market dynamics and demand.