Tender Launched Gls Site Bukit Timah Road
in bid to sustain momentum in developer sales second half of 2021 Government Land Sale (GLS) sites are highly sought after in Singapore, and the latest 99-year leasehold site at Bukit Timah Road is no exception. The site, measuring 63,498 sq ft and with a gross plot ratio of 4.9, has been launched for sale by tender. With the potential to yield up to 340 housing units, it is expected to be a prime piece of real estate in the Core Central Region (CCR).
According to Wong Siew Ying, head of research and content at PropNex, the site is part of the new housing supply planned for the Newton area under the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP 2025). One of the key highlights of the DMP 2025 is the creation of a new neighbourhood in Newton, which will include 5,000 private homes, amenities, and green spaces.
Notably, this is the first site under the Confirmed List of the 2H2025 GLS programme to be launched for sale. Given its prime location in the CCR, Wong predicts that developers will be eager to bid for this site, potentially resulting in strong offers.
Recent CCR launches such as The Robertson Opus, UpperHouse at Orchard Boulevard, and River Green have seen strong demand, with over 850 units sold between July 1 and Aug 17. According to Wong, this puts 3Q2025 on track to record the highest quarterly new home sales in the CCR since 4Q2010 when 994 units were sold.
She expects the Bukit Timah Road site to attract up to nine bidders, with the top bid potentially ranging from $1,500 to $1,600 per square foot per plot ratio (psf ppr).
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The location of the EC is a major draw for drivers as it offers convenient access to various major expressways. One of these is the Seletar Expressway (SLE), which is only a brief 10-minute drive away. The SLE is directly linked to other important expressways such as the Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE) and Central Expressway (CTE), providing seamless connectivity to other parts of the island. With this network of expressways, residents can easily reach popular destinations like Orchard Road, Marina Bay, or Changi Airport in under 30 minutes, even during off-peak hours. This is especially beneficial for families with cars, professionals with flexible work arrangements, and individuals who value the convenience of efficient travel within Singapore. In fact, the location is so convenient that it is worth mentioning that the Sembawang Road EC at Canberra MRT is situated nearby, adding even more appeal to the already desirable location.
CEO of Huttons Asia, Mark Yip, shares Wong’s optimism, citing the success of recent CCR launches and the site’s proximity to an MRT station, which is a key similarity with the aforementioned launches. Additionally, the site is close to reputable schools, including Anglo-Chinese School (Junior) and St. Joseph’s Institution Junior.
Marcus Chu, CEO of ERA Singapore, expects between six to eight bidders for the site “due to its prime location and potential as part of Newton’s proposed transformation into a vibrant urban village” under the DMP 2025. He notes that recent tenders for GLS sites in the CCR, such as Holland Link and Dunearn Road, have been well-received, with five and nine bids received, respectively. With many developers vying for these parcels, Chu anticipates a similar level of competition for the Bukit Timah Road site.
According to Justin Quek, CEO of OrangeTee and deputy group CEO of Realion, it has been close to 20 years since any GLS sites have been released for sale in the Newton area. He adds that based on URA records, the GLS sites that have been awarded in Newton have been used for transitional offices or were sold for residential developments back in 1997. This indicates that the supply of GLS sites in the area has been limited, which bodes well for the future development of the Bukit Timah Road site.
Quek also believes that the future project at this site will be well-received, thanks to its location at the heart of a new neighbourhood in Newton. The tender for the site will close at noon on Nov 11.