Singapore’s public housing market has reached a new milestone with the sale of a Bukit Timah executive maisonette for an unprecedented $1.5 million. The 1,658-square-foot unit at Toh Yi Gardens set the record in May 2025, surpassing previous high-profile transactions in Bishan and highlighting the growing premium placed on space and location in the city-state’s competitive real estate landscape.
What makes this sale remarkable isn’t just the price tag but the unique characteristics of the property. Spanning the 7th to 9th floors, the maisonette offers rare elevation and generous living space—nearly double the size of a standard four-room Build-To-Order (BTO) flat. With only 62 years of lease remaining, the transaction raises questions about valuation, yet the scarcity of such units in Bukit Timah adds a layer of exclusivity. The estate itself consists of just 20 blocks, with executive flats making up only 22% of the total housing stock.
Location plays a pivotal role in the property’s appeal. Situated near top-tier schools like Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary and within walking distance of Beauty World MRT, the unit benefits from both educational and transport advantages. Nearby shopping centers and proximity to the Rail Corridor further enhance its desirability. When compared to private condos in the area, the price appears steep—yet similar-sized units in developments like Sherwood Tower have sold for comparable amounts, blurring the lines between public and private housing valuations.
This sale underscores a broader trend where select HDB flats, particularly those with unique attributes, command prices traditionally associated with private properties. While such transactions remain outliers, they reflect shifting buyer priorities in Singapore’s housing market. As urban redevelopment plans unfold in Bukit Timah, the dynamics of supply and demand may further reshape perceptions of value in public housing.