Rise of the Former HUDC (Braddell View Vs LakeView)
The emergence of the Former HUDC developments in the Upper Thomson area signifies a historical significance, with these estates being among the oldest in the region. Established in 1974 by the Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) to cater to middle-income households in Singapore, these properties now face challenges related to aging infrastructure and the need for renovation.
Comparing the value proposition of these estates, both are priced similarly per square foot (PSF), ranging from $800 to $1000, and are potential candidates for en bloc redevelopment. While en bloc deals are not guaranteed, they present significant opportunities for property owners.
In terms of potential value appreciation through en bloc sales, Lakeview Estate holds promise due to its smaller land size compared to the vast expanse of Braddell View. This difference in land size could make it more feasible for developers to undertake redevelopment at Lakeview Estate.
Lakeview Estate
Lakeview Estate boasts a prime feature with its close proximity to MacRitchie Reservoir, a significant draw for nature enthusiasts. Residents and potential buyers can relish stunning reservoir views from certain vantage points, offering a delightful experience. The spacing between the three blocks at Lakeview Estate is notably generous compared to modern developments where buildings are increasingly closer together, sometimes to the extent of overlooking neighbors.
Braddell View
On the other hand, Braddell View's appeal lies in its expansive estate size, providing residents with lush green surroundings. The low-rise apartments in Blocks 10R, 10Q, 10P, 10N, 10M, 10L, and 10K near Toa Payoh Rise offer convenient access to Caldecott MRT for residents. In contrast, Blocks 10A to 10H consist of high-rise apartments closer to Braddell MRT station.
It's important to consider that while the lower blocks at Braddell View offer excellent views, they lack elevator access. This absence of lifts in the lower levels may pose challenges for families with young children or elderly members. Installing new lifts is deemed impractical due to the substantial costs it would entail for the estate.
Lakeview Estate
One of Lakeview Estate's key features is its proximity to MacRitchie Reservoir, which is a huge bonus for Nature Lovers. Owner and potential buyers get to enjoy wondrous views of the reservoir from a certain level. I definitely love this feeling. The space between each of the 3 blocks is rather far for today's context where the distance between each blocks is each closer and closer. Sometimes, for new developments, it can get so close that one can literally see their neighbour.
Braddell View
Braddell View strength lies in the large size of the estate. Residents get to enjoy the lush greenery. Furthermore, residents living in the low rise apartment which are Blks 10R, 10Q, 10P, 10N, 10M, 10L, 10k that are closer to Toa Payoh Rise will be able to walk to Caldecott MRT. While Blks 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G and 10H are High Rise Apartments and is closer to Braddell MRT.
Do note that whilst the view of the lower blocks is great, there no lifts. Furthermore there is no lifts in the lower level blocks which may not be ideal for the young parents with babies or your children or the elderly. Building a new lifts is also out of the question as the estate would incur lots of cost.
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Braddell View enjoys close proximity to not just one, but two MRT stations: Caldecott MRT station on the Circle Line (CCL) and Braddell MRT Station on the North South Line (NSL). Caldecott MRT station (CC17 & TE9) serves as an interchange for both the Circle Line (CCL) and Thomson East Coast Line (TEL). Additionally, Braddell View is conveniently located near three prestigious girls' schools: CHIJ Primary School (Toa Payoh), CHIJ Secondary School (Toa Payoh) on Toa Payoh Lor 1, Marymount Primary on Marymount Road, and the newly constructed Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) on Braddell Rise. This proximity is advantageous for families with daughters attending or planning to enroll in any of these esteemed educational institutions. It is rare to find a residential estate in such close proximity to three reputable girls' schools.
However, residing in Block 10D at Braddell View, particularly units facing Marymount Road, may present challenges such as noise disturbances from traffic and temporary construction activities at Mount Alvernia Hospital.
Braddell View also attempted Enbloc in 2019. You may read about it in this CNA article below.
Comparison of PSF between the 2 former HUDC Developments
