For many Singaporeans, owning an HDB flat isn’t just about having a roof over your head. It’s a milestone, a symbol of stability, and for some, even a long-term investment. With housing demand evolving and urban planning becoming increasingly future-ready, a new wave of HDB towns is set to transform how and where we live.
Whether you’re a newlywed couple planning your first home, a young professional looking for a better work-life balance, or someone eyeing the long game of real estate appreciation, this guide to the best upcoming HDB towns over the next five years will help you navigate your options with confidence.
What Makes an HDB Town “Up-and-Coming”?
Before diving into the list, let’s understand what separates a rising town from the rest.
Generally, an up-and-coming HDB town has some or all of the following:
- Major infrastructure upgrades (e.g. new MRT lines, roads, bus interchanges)
- Government investments in planning (such as those in the URA Master Plan or HDB’s new town concepts)
- New amenities and lifestyle options like parks, malls, schools, and healthcare facilities
- Job opportunities nearby, so people can live and work within the same region
- A strong community-building ethos – from smart features to green initiatives and shared spaces
Now, let’s explore the towns leading the charge.
Top Upcoming HDB Towns to Watch
1. Tengah – The Eco-Friendly “Forest Town” of the West
When people talk about future-ready housing in Singapore, Tengah is usually the first name that comes up. Touted as Singapore’s first car-lite HDB town, Tengah is designed with sustainability and smart living at its core.
Key features:
- Divided into five unique districts like Plantation, Park, and Brickland, each with their own identity.
- Jurong Region Line (JRL) will connect Tengah to Jurong East, Boon Lay, and Choa Chu Kang by early 2030s.
- Smart features built into homes — think centralized cooling systems, energy monitoring, and even automated waste collection.
- A massive “Forest Corridor” that spans across the town, offering residents park connectors, biodiversity trails, and green lungs right outside their door.
This would be attractive to young families who want to grow up surrounded by nature, tech-savvy buyers looking for a smart home ecosystem, or west-siders hoping to upgrade within familiar surroundings.
2. Chencharu (Yishun North) – The Undiscovered Gem
Quietly emerging near Khatib MRT is Chencharu, a new housing precinct within Yishun that many people haven’t heard of — yet. This town will see its first BTO launches in 2025, and planners are envisioning it as a green, community-focused enclave with easy access to recreational spaces.
Key features:
- Located near Lower Seletar Reservoir and ORTO leisure park, which means waterfront walks and weekend fishing trips could become part of your lifestyle.
- Low- to mid-rise housing blocks that emphasize openness and community interaction.
- Family-centric amenities such as childcare centres, community gardens, and sheltered play zones.
This new and upcoming town would attract nature lovers, families looking for peace and quiet without being too far from town, and those who appreciate the charm of low-density living.
3. Woodlands North Coast – Singapore’s Northern Gateway
The Woodlands Regional Centre is not just undergoing a facelift — it’s being completely reimagined. With the RTS Link to Johor Bahru expected to be completed around 2026, Woodlands North Coast is set to become a bustling hub of cross-border commerce and convenience.
Key features:
- The area is envisioned as a live-work-play district, with commercial, residential, and recreational zones integrated along the northern coastline.
- The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and the upcoming RTS Link make it ultra-accessible.
- Waterfront living is on the cards, with future parks, promenades, and potentially waterfront dining.
This town may be attractive to cross-border commuters, families who want to enjoy both urban convenience and natural scenery, and those working in healthcare or logistics hubs nearby.
4. Tampines North – A Natural Extension of a Mature Town
Tampines has long been one of Singapore’s most well-developed HDB towns. Now, Tampines North is injecting fresh life into the East with new housing clusters, schools, and better access to green spaces.
Key features:
- Part of the upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL), Tampines North MRT will vastly improve connectivity to other parts of the island.
- New shopping nodes, schools, and community hubs tailored to young families.
- Proximity to Tampines Eco Green and other green spaces for a balance between nature and convenience.
This would attract east-siders looking to stay close to home, young couples who work in Changi Business Park, and upgraders looking for larger flats in a familiar area.
Considerations for Prospective Homebuyers
As attractive as these towns are, buyers should go in with open eyes. Here are a few tips:
- Longer Wait Times: New towns like Tengah and Chencharu often come with longer construction timelines (up to 5–6 years). Be prepared for a wait.
- Connectivity Now vs. Later: While some areas promise future MRT stations, current connectivity might be limited. Consider your transport needs in the short term.
- Resale and Rental Prospects: Towns near business hubs or MRT lines (e.g., Woodlands North Coast) could enjoy better capital appreciation in the long run.
- Lifestyle Compatibility: Tengah’s eco-features are ideal for green living fans but may not appeal to everyone. Tampines North might suit those who prefer a familiar, well-established environment.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right HDB Town for Your Future
Singapore’s public housing landscape is evolving in exciting ways, with towns like Tengah, Chencharu, Woodlands North Coast, and Tampines North leading the charge. These areas represent more than just new flats, they signal a shift toward smarter, greener, and more community-oriented living.
Whether you’re planning for your future family, seeking lifestyle upgrades, or hoping for long-term property value, these best upcoming HDB towns offer a variety of choices tailored to different needs and preferences. A great home isn’t just about location, but also about how that location fits into your life story.
