HDB launches tender for first site since tightened EC rules, at Canberra Drive
The last GLS location that was awarded in that area was in September last year, when Oriental Pacific Holdings submitted the greatest of 4 proposals at $692 psf per plot ratio (ppr), or $198 million, to protect the EC location at Sembawang Roadway.
An executive condo (EC) site at Canberra Drive has been released for sale under the Confirmed List of the 1H2026 Government Land Sales (GLS) program. The 99-year leasehold EC site spans 124,167 sq ft and is expected to produce around 185 new non commercial units.
Furthermore, Justin Quek, replacement group chief executive officer of Realion (OrangeTee & ETC) Team, anticipates the site to amass developer interest as a result of the potential pent-up need for EC units in the location.
The tender for the EC area at Canberra Drive are going to seal on Oct 1, 2026.
ERA Singapore’s Lim includes that the loved one convenience of the Canberra Drive site might enhance its appeal to both programmers and future customers, specifically as EC websites are normally situated in much less main areas.
“Offered the highly attractive location of this Canberra Drive site, that is fairly nearer to amenities than the earlier plot, we expect developer interest for this site to be well-balanced,” notes Quek.
Canberra Crescent Residences floor plan
“This is the very first EC GLS site to be put out to tender since the current measures on EC acquisitions were announced on May 8,” says Eugene Lim, key executive officer of ERA Singapore. The measures include lengthening the least possible occupation period to one decade, taking out the Deferred Payment System, and raising first-timer priority at new EC launches.
Against this backdrop, Huttons Asia chief executive officer Mark Yip anticipates the Canberra Drive place to act as a “litmus test” of property developers’ assurance following the policy change. He includes that the tighter policies can tighten the pool of second-time purchasers and possibly extend the sell-out period for future EC jobs.
That claimed, Yip reckons that the Canberra Drive website could still see passion from developers due to its eye-catching locational attributes. Canberra MRT Station, on the North-South Line, is located within strolling distance of the website, while institutions such as Sembawang Primary School and Wellington Primary School lie within a 1km distance.
Meanwhile, Huttons Asia’s Yip prepares for approximately five proposals for the Canberra Drive site, noting that its “bite-size quantum” can offer lower threat to programmers. He estimates the highest proposal rate to range between $630 to $700 psf ppr.
He predicts three to 4 bidders for the website, and anticipates the leading quote to come in at about $600 to $700 psf ppr.
