SINGAPORE: Frustration is mounting among Singaporeans who applied for the Vanda Breeze @ Yishun Build-to-Order (BTO) project, as they face longer-than-expected completion timelines.
According to screenshots shared online, the estimated completion period is set for the second quarter of 2029, with a tentative move-in date in 2030.
On 13 October 2025, a Reddit user posted a video expressing frustration over the prolonged wait, describing it as an “eight-year wait” for their home to be ready.
Negative Google reviews and resident complaints
Google Reviews for the Vanda Breeze project have since been flooded with negative comments, with many questioning why the sales launch took place in 2022 when construction was not scheduled to start for several years.
One reviewer wrote, “We applied before getting married. Now, I’m a mum and my kid has started school, but my house isn’t completed yet.”
Another urged others to write to the Ministry of National Development (MND), saying the project’s long duration was “ridiculous” and “close to a decade.”
A recent post on 18 October included photos showing ongoing works at the site.
The comment criticised the contractor, commenting that “if they cannot deliver, they should not bid for such projects.”
The netizen analysed the possible construction timeline, suggesting that even under efficient conditions, completion before mid-2028 would be difficult.
One such estimate calculated a three-year average build time: nine months for foundation, 20–30 months for structural work, and several additional months for inspections and weather allowances.
This, the comment argued, meant the earliest keys could be collected in mid-2028, and the last units possibly by mid-2029.
HDB response: timeline consistent since launch
A screenshot of an HDB response shared by netizens on Google Reviews clarified that the project timeline has remained unchanged since its launch.
According to the HDB statement, “The completion timelines were clearly communicated during the November 2022 sales launch and reiterated when applicants booked their flats.”
HDB added that Vanda Breeze’s probable completion date has always been the second quarter of 2029.
A Reddit comment supporting this view stated, “When the area opened for balloting, it was already stated that TOP is 2028 or 2029. If you can’t wait that long, then why ballot?”
Environmental and site factors behind the waiting period
In its response to local media outlet 8days.sg, HDB clarified that the actual waiting period is approximately 67 months, or around 5.7 years.
This figure was calculated from the median month of the flat selection exercise in November 2022 to the projected completion month for the median block.
This calculation, HDB said, provides a more accurate reflection of the average waiting period for successful applicants, rather than the extreme end of the timeline cited by netizens.
HDB also explained that delays were due to the project’s physical characteristics.
Vanda Breeze’s site was heavily vegetated and located near a proposed park, requiring additional time for environmental mitigation and site preparation before construction could commence.
Such measures, HDB said, are necessary to minimise ecological impact and ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Comparison with Yishun Glade’s shorter wait
Vanda Breeze @ Yishun comprises 961 units, including 2-room, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room flats.
Earlier, on 12 October, HDB announced that about 3,300 BTO flats with waiting times of less than three years will be offered in the upcoming October sales exercise.
The 3,294 units will be spread across four projects in Bedok, Sengkang and Yishun.
One of these projects, Yishun Glade — located near Vanda Breeze — will feature a significantly shorter waiting time of under three years.
HDB explained that this is because Yishun Glade is part of the Shorter Waiting Time (SWT) initiative.
“To achieve shorter waiting times, suitable sites are identified early, and construction activities are brought forward by one to two years before project launch,” HDB said.
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