What Is Turf City — And Why It Matters For Bukit Timah Buyers
A 176-hectare former racecourse will become a 15,000–20,000 home estate over the next two-to-three decades. Here’s what every buyer in District 11 and surrounding areas needs to understand.
Quick summary: Bukit Timah Turf City is one of Singapore’s largest land transformations of the next 20 years. Buyers within walking distance of the future Turf City MRT station and the new Racecourse Neighbourhood will sit at the centre of a wholesale rezoning of one of the country’s most established premium districts. This piece walks through what’s planned, the timeline, and what the implications are for property buyers and investors today.
What exactly is Turf City?
Bukit Timah Turf City is the 176-hectare site bounded by Dunearn Road, Bukit Timah Road, and Eng Neo Avenue. It was the home of Singapore’s second racecourse from 1933 until the Singapore Turf Club’s operations consolidated and the site’s interim lifestyle and recreational uses ended at the close of 2023.
The land has been zoned for residential use since URA’s 1998 Master Plan — so the transformation now underway is the long-anticipated execution of a decades-old plan, not a sudden policy change.
What’s being built
Headline numbers from URA’s 2024 announcements
- 15,000 to 20,000 new homes across the next 2-3 decades
- Mix of public (HDB) and private housing — first new HDB flats in Bukit Timah in nearly 40 years
- 4 distinctive neighbourhoods within the masterplan
- 22-27 heritage structures conserved, including the two historic grandstands
- Future Turf City MRT station to anchor the estate
- Car-lite design — fewer parking lots, more pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
The four neighbourhoods
Based on URA’s conceptual plans, the four neighbourhood working names give a sense of the character intended for each pocket:
- Racecourse Neighbourhood — civic heart, anchored by the two historic grandstands and a central open space referencing the original racetrack. Large-scale sports, recreation, and community amenities within 5 minutes of Turf City MRT.
- Three additional neighbourhoods — each with its own public spaces integrated with existing landscape and heritage buildings.
URA has invited the public to suggest names for the neighbourhoods — final names will be announced as the masterplan progresses.
Why this matters for property buyers today
If you’re considering a property purchase in District 10, 11, or 21 within the next 1-3 years, Turf City changes three things about your analysis:
The realistic timeline
It’s important to separate marketing optimism from the actual government rollout schedule. URA’s masterplan covers a 10-15 year planning horizon for guidance, with implementation expected over 20-30 years.
| Phase | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 2024–2026 | Masterplan refinement, public engagement, GLS site tenders begin (first tender released 2026, Wing Tai-Metro JV awarded second site) |
| 2026–2030 | First private launches on GLS sites. Infrastructure construction begins. Road improvements roll out. |
| 2030–2035 | First HDB BTO releases. Turf City MRT station construction. Grandstand restoration. |
| 2035+ | Estate substantially complete. Civic amenities operational. Mature neighbourhoods. |
Dates indicative based on URA announcements. Final timeline subject to phasing decisions and infrastructure readiness.
Which existing projects sit closest to Turf City?
Projects within walking distance of the future Turf City MRT station and Racecourse Neighbourhood:
- Dunearn House — upcoming July 2026 launch. 380 units, 99LH. Directly adjacent to Turf City.
- The Tessarina (Wilby Road, mature freehold) — established stock with Turf City exposure.
- Watten House (Watten Estate Road, FH, TOP 2027) — nearly sold out (1 unit left at last update).
- Hilltop Cottages, Ridgewood, Spanish Village — older mature stock with strong Turf City positioning.
- Wing Tai-Metro JV second GLS site at Dunearn Road — upcoming launch (date TBA).
Want to position early?
The first new launch adjacent to Turf City is Dunearn House — preview July 2026. VVIP registration is open. WhatsApp me to discuss which Turf City-adjacent options fit your goals.
📱 WhatsApp +65 9646 8188Frequently asked questions
When will the first new homes at Turf City be ready?
URA has begun releasing Government Land Sales (GLS) sites at the periphery of the Turf City estate. The first private launches from these GLS sites are expected from 2026 onwards. The main Turf City masterplan rollout — including new HDB flats and the Turf City MRT station — is targeted for the 2030s.
Will Turf City have HDB flats?
Yes. The Turf City masterplan includes the first new HDB flats in Bukit Timah in nearly 40 years, as part of a deliberate inclusivity goal. The mix will combine public and private housing.
Will Turf City have its own MRT station?
Yes — URA’s plans reference a future Turf City MRT station to anchor the estate, with most amenities within a 5-min walk of it.
Will the new HDB and private supply hurt prices of existing condos nearby?
The supply is spread over 20-30 years — that’s slow enough that the amenity upgrades (MRT, retail, community spaces, conserved heritage buildings) are likely to lift the area before supply pressure becomes meaningful. Established projects within walking distance of the new MRT typically benefit. Bukit Timah has historically demonstrated price resilience even through MRT line additions.
Which is the first new launch adjacent to Turf City?
Dunearn House (preview July 2026) is the first new non-landed launch directly adjacent to the Turf City redevelopment site. 380 units, 99-year leasehold, by Frasers Property × CSC Land × Sekisui House.
Related: Dunearn House landing page · All upcoming launches · Thomson Reserve
Sources: URA Draft Master Plan, URA press releases (May 2024), public announcements through 2026.
Aden Yang · ERA Branch Division Director · CEA: R063636G · +65 9646 8188
Leave a Reply