More than 2,000 homes could eventually be built in Singapore’s Upper Changi and Simei areas under proposed changes to land-use plans that would allow several housing sites near MRT stations to be developed at higher densities.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) published proposed amendments on Sept. 18 to increase the gross plot ratios of three residential sites near Expo and Simei MRT stations. If approved, the changes would allow more floor space to be built on the plots, potentially increasing the number of homes they can accommodate.
The three sites are part of five plots in the wider Upper Changi and Simei area that have been earmarked for housing. Together, the five sites could accommodate more than 2,000 homes if they are eventually developed entirely as public housing.
One of the largest sites, covering about 2ha between Upper Changi Road and Upper Changi Road East, is around 370m from Expo MRT station. Its proposed plot ratio would increase from 2.1 to 3.5, allowing the site to potentially accommodate up to about 600 flats, compared with roughly 350 at its existing density.
A second site near Upper Changi Link and Upper Changi Road, measuring about 1.8ha, could have its plot ratio raised from 2.1 to 3.5. Based on estimates, it could accommodate around 500 to 550 flats, compared with about 300 to 350 under the current ratio.
The third site, near Simei Road and Simei Street 3, is about 510m from Simei MRT station. Its proposed plot ratio would rise from 2.1 to 3.4, potentially allowing around 480 to 530 flats instead of roughly 300 to 350.
The other two housing plots in the area could collectively accommodate up to another 800 homes if used entirely for public housing. However, the latest URA amendments do not specify the final housing capacity or detailed development plans for those two sites.
The proposed changes would place a significant portion of the potential new housing close to Singapore’s MRT network. Expo MRT is served by the East-West and Downtown lines, while Simei MRT is on the East-West Line, giving future residents access to established transport connections across the island.
The sites are also near the Singapore University of Technology and Design and Changi Business Park, potentially making the area attractive to households seeking homes close to education and employment hubs.
There has already been strong interest in new public housing in the area. Simei Symphony, a BTO project launched in July 2025, recorded more than eight first-time applicants for each of its 100 five-room flats and more than six first-time applicants for each of its 140 four-room flats.
However, the proposed higher plot ratios do not mean that more than 2,000 flats will immediately be built. The eventual number and type of homes will depend on how the sites are allocated, their final layouts, unit sizes and supporting facilities.
The proposed amendments are available for public inspection and representations until Oct. 2, 2026. They were submitted to the Minister for National Development for consideration under Singapore’s Master Plan process.
If the plans proceed, Upper Changi and Simei could see a substantial expansion of housing supply, particularly around existing MRT stations. The next stages of planning will determine when the sites are developed, whether they become public or private housing and how many homes ultimately rise across the eastern precinct.
