Artist’s impression of Tengah new town. (Photo: HDB)
The future Tengah estate is expected to pique the interest of property buyers due to the government’s rejuvenation plans for western Singapore, according to experts interviewed by The Straits Times.
People may be encouraged to live there as it will be integrated with the 600ha Jurong Innovation District (JID), which aims to nurture new growth areas in the manufacturing sector by bringing together researchers, students, innovators and businesses.
The JID will be developed in several phases over the next 20 years, with phase one expected to be completed by 2022.
The new town could also enjoy a spillover effect from the Jurong Lake District, which is envisioned as Singapore’s second central business district (CBD). This would result in high property demand from workers who commute there, said Mohamed Ismail, CEO of PropNex Realty.
OrangeTee Research Manager Wong Xian Yang added that “the success of these two districts will spur job creation in the vicinity and attract people to live in Tengah”.
However, residents of Tengah will have to contend with inconveniences caused by the nearby airbase, such as noise and building height restrictions. Nonetheless, these are unlikely to affect the estate’s charm.
“Tampines was also affected by the nearby Changi Airport, but did it diminish the attractiveness of the town? I would say the infrastructure and amenities are more important,” said Colin Tan, Director of Research and Consultancy at Suntec Real Estate Consultants.
Meanwhile, flat prices in Tengah are likely to be more affordable due to its secluded location in western Singapore, noted R’ST Research Director Ong Kah Seng. In addition, accessibility there is projected to improve following the completion of the Jurong Region Line in 2025.
But SLP International Property Consultants Research Head, Nicholas Mak, thinks it will take some time for people to “warm up” to Tengah.
Century 21 Singapore CEO, Ku Swee Yong, agrees, adding: “If I were working in the JID, I’d rather live in Jurong East or Jurong West, where there are already hospitals, polyclinics and schools.”
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
