More Public And Private Homes Draft Master Plan 2025
Singaporeans can look forward to more housing options in central locations such as Newton and Paterson Hill, as well as new neighbourhoods in Dover within the Greater one-north area. These plans were recently announced by Minister for National Development, Chee Hong Tat, as part of the government’s Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP2025).
According to Catherine He, head of research at Colliers Singapore, these new housing projects will provide residents with more opportunities to live closer to the city centre. She also believes that they will support the government’s efforts to meet the rising demand for housing and ease pressure on the transport network.
In Newton, the focus will be on three distinct clusters: Newton Road, Scotts Road, and Monk’s Hill. Additionally, a new integrated development above Orchard MRT Station will be introduced in Paterson Hill, which is located off Orchard Road. In Dover-Medway, a mixed public and private residential neighbourhood will be developed.
Chua Yang Liang, head of Southeast Asia research at JLL, notes that these developments align with the government’s ‘live-play-work’ strategy. The areas are already well-supported with a range of amenities, making them ideal for the government’s plans.
The new housing proposals complement the government’s earlier plans to redevelop Bukit Timah Turf City, Pearl’s Hill, Marina South, Mount Pleasant, and the former Keppel Golf Course site.
The new Newton neighbourhood, described as a mixed-use ‘urban village’ by URA, will see new housing progressively introduced around key clusters at Newton Circus, Scotts Road, and Monk’s Hill. These plots were previously reserve sites, but under the DMP2025, they will have a maximum gross plot ratio of up to 4.9. Notable existing developments in the area, such as the former UOB Kay Hian Building and the Kheng Leong Co. Building at 8 Anthony Road, had 15-year land leases that expired in 2023.
The DMP2025 also proposes to rezone three land plots off Winstedt Road in the Monk’s Hill area for residential use with a gross plot ratio of up to 3.5. This will support the development of a new ‘Village Square’ anchored by a high-density mixed-use development next to the MRT station. Additionally, Monk’s Hill Road will be transformed into a linear park connecting Newton MRT Station to Emerald Hill.
Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, believes that the land rezoning will give developers more flexibility in how they use these sites. One of the new residential plots, announced under the 2H2025 Government Land Sales (GLS) programme, is expected to be launched for sale in August.
The largely private residential enclave along Paterson Hill will be revitalised into a mixed-use hub, with more retail fronting the street to connect the Orchard Road shopping belt with the River Valley area. The DMP2025 includes plans for a new integrated development above Orchard MRT Station, which will include residences, offices, F&B, and retail spaces.
Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at OrangeTee, believes that up to 1,000 private homes, along with retail, F&B, and office spaces, could potentially be developed in the Paterson area. She also notes that as government land sites in prime locations become increasingly scarce, expanding the residential landscape in the Orchard Road precinct is a good move.
Previously zoned as ‘residential with commercial at 1st storey’ in the previous master plan, the land parcel above Orchard MRT Interchange will now be rezoned as a white site with an increased plot ratio of up to 5.6, according to Hutton’s Lee. He believes that this presents a prime opportunity for a residential and shopping project. The last time a GLS site was launched directly above the interchange was in 2005, which led to the development of ION Orchard and The Orchard Residences.
In one-north, a mix of public and private homes will be added to the Dover-Medway area, along with more housing in Mediapolis. As an established hub for business and R&D, the precinct has seen growing efforts from the government and private developers to boost residential supply.
The Margaret Drive site, situated within the well-established Queenstown estate, was officially launched in May as part of the Confirmed List under the 1H2024 Government Land Sales programme. Its prime location offers convenient access to Queenstown MRT station on the East-West Line, as well as its proximity to Queenstown Primary School. Additionally, Penrith Hong Leong is set to enhance the area’s offerings even further.
According to market watchers PropNex and OrangeTee, around 6,000 public and private homes are expected to be rolled out in phases at one-north. Sun believes that the introduction of more residential developments could potentially support the development of more businesses in the future. She adds that this change is important as more businesses could be set up, making it a bigger hub for various industries.
The DMP2025 highlights the Dover-Malway area, which will include public housing and private residential developments with new amenities and recreational spaces. The neighbourhood’s urban design will promote active mobility through cycling paths, sheltered walkways, and access to public transport.
Several new private residential launches have already emerged in the area, including CapitaLand Development’s Lydenwoods along Science Park Drive, set to preview on June 28, and Bloomsbury Residences on Media Circle, launched by Qingjian Realty and Forsea Holdings in March. With these new developments, the DMP2025 is set to provide Singaporeans with more housing options and better living opportunities in central locations.