During his National Day Rally speech on 17 August, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled bold plans that will reshape Woodlands, Kranji, and Sembawang — marking the North Region as Singapore’s next growth corridor.
As a realtor, I see these plans as more than just urban development. They’re game-changers that will drive property values, rental demand, and investment opportunities for years to come.
📊 Infographic: What’s Coming to the North
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Woodlands as Northern Gateway
- RTS Link (2026): 10,000 commuters per hour, easing congestion
- Redeveloped Woodlands Checkpoint (from 2028): 5x expansion
- Woodlands Gateway: transport hub + mixed-use development
- ~4,000 new homes in Housing by the Woods precinct
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Kranji Racecourse Redevelopment
- 130ha site → ~14,000 new homes
- First tranche in 10 years
- Linked by North-South Line & future Sungei Kadut Interchange (2035)
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Sembawang Shipyard Transformation
- New lifestyle precinct, 3x the size of Ang Mo Kio Town Centre
- Proposals include heritage waterfront living, dining, co-working, and retail
- Iconic structures (King George VI Dock, 1938 Fire Station) to be creatively repurposed
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Housing & Price Trends
- Median condo prices in North up 38.2% (2020–2025)
- HDB resale prices surged 54–89%
- Rents climbed 82% in 5 years to $3.89 psf/month
🏡 Woodlands: The Northern Gateway
With the upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link and proximity to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Woodlands is set to thrive as a bustling gateway.
New housing precincts like Woodlands North Verge and Woodlands North Grove already reflect strong demand from young families and upgraders. Investors can expect rental upside from Malaysians working in Singapore seeking homes near RTS stations.
🌱 Kranji & Sembawang: Rare Growth Stories
- Kranji Racecourse’s transformation into a residential precinct is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, bringing 14,000 homes into a well-connected yet green environment.
- Sembawang Shipyard will evolve into a unique waterfront lifestyle hub — think Punggol 21, but bigger and bolder.
Both areas represent strong potential for long-term capital appreciation, much like Punggol’s rise since its masterplan was unveiled in 1996.
🔑 Why This Matters for Buyers & Investors
- Improved cross-border connectivity (RTS + SEZ) = higher rental demand & cross-border business opportunities
- Limited housing supply in the North has already driven prices up — and momentum will continue
- Waterfront & lifestyle precincts offer first-mover advantage for buyers who act early
- Master Plan 2025 commitment means transformation will definitely take shape in the next decade
📝 Summary Highlights
- RTS Link (2026) + revamped Woodlands Checkpoint = major boost in connectivity
- ~18,000 new homes planned across Woodlands, Kranji, and Sembawang
- Condo prices up 38.2%; HDB resale prices up to 89% since 2020
- Rents in the North surged 82% in 5 years, outpacing OCR average
- Lifestyle transformation at Sembawang to rival Punggol’s success
📢 What does this mean for you?
The North is no longer just a residential zone — it’s becoming Singapore’s next growth hub. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upgrader, or investor, this is the window to secure a property before prices climb further.
📞 Let’s chat today and position you early in the North’s transformation story.