More homes could be built in Upper Changi near MRT stations, as URA relooks land density limits
Gross plot ratio of three plots of land near Expo and Simei MRT stations could be increased.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has proposed increasing the density limits of three housing plots in Upper Changi and Simei, Singapore, to accommodate more residents near MRT stations. The agency raised the gross plot ratio for these plots, which directly determines the maximum floor area of a development. This move aims to optimise housing provision near MRT infrastructure, as these locations are close to Expo and Simei MRT stations.
These three plots are part of areas identified by the URA in 2022 for potential public housing development, with the objective of mixing different housing types to encourage social interaction among residents of varied backgrounds. At the time, the Upper Changi area was predominantly composed of private estates such as condominiums and landed houses. By introducing public housing and amenities, the URA aims to enhance accessibility to facilities for existing residents and promote social mixing.
One of the plots, situated close to Upper Changi MRT station, has been utilized for a Build-To-Order project named Simei Symphony, which became the Housing Board's first Simei project in over a decade when launched in July 2025. The three plots in question are among five land parcels earmarked for housing in Upper Changi and Simei.
Christine Sun, a chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group, a property firm comprising OrangeTee and ETC, estimates that the five plots can generate more than 2,000 homes if converted entirely into public housing. The largest plot, roughly 2 hectares in size, is situated between Upper Changi Road and Upper Changi Road East, approximately 370 meters from Expo MRT station.
With a proposed plot ratio of 3.5, this area could potentially yield up to 600 flats, representing a 70% increase from the 350 flats that can currently be built with a 2.1 plot ratio.
Another plot measures approximately 1.8 hectares and has been allocated a proposed plot ratio of 3.5. This site is capable of accommodating between 500 and 550 flats, compared to the 300 to 350 flats that can be constructed with the current 2.1 plot ratio. The third plot, located near the intersection of Simei Road and Simei Street 3 and about 510 meters from Simei MRT station, can yield around 480 to 530 flats based on its proposed plot ratio of 3.4, compared to the 300 to 350 flats possible with its current 2.1 plot ratio.
The remaining two plots in the area have the potential to generate up to 800 homes if used for public housing. Sun notes that demand for housing in the area will likely persist, regardless of whether private or public homes are constructed, as families may seek to reside near Singapore University of Technology and Design, while working adults may be attracted by the proximity to Changi Business Park.
The Simei Symphony development, launched in July 2025, garnered more than eight first-time applicants for each of its 100 five-room units and over six first-time applicants for each of its 140 four-room units during the July 2025 BTO exercise.
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