For HDB upgraders, the question is not “is it a nice condo?” It is “can we afford it comfortably, and will it still be a good asset when we sell?” Here is how One Chuan Grove measures up.
1. Affordability: what a typical upgrader can buy
Take a Serangoon couple, both 38, earning $16,000 a month combined. They are selling a 4-room flat for about $680,000 with $120,000 of loan left.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Cash + CPF from the HDB sale (after loan & fees) | ~$543,000 |
| Loan limit (TDSR, 27-year tenure) | ~$1.74M |
| Maximum price (limited by funds) | ~$1.9M |
At indicative prices, that buys a 2-bedroom or 2+Study. With about $80,000 more in savings, a compact 3-bedroom (from about $2.2M) comes within reach. Many upgrading families find that extra through existing savings or a slightly higher sale price.
2. The ABSD timing advantage
This is where One Chuan Grove stands out for upgraders. If you buy first and sell later, the ABSD refund window runs to 6 months after TOP, and TOP is estimated around 2030. You can:
- secure your unit at launch,
- stay in your flat during construction,
- sell when you are ready.
The catch is that you must pay the 20% ABSD upfront. On a $2M unit that is $400,000, so this route only works if you have the funds. Otherwise, sell first. See the ABSD remission guide.
3. CPF and lease: future-proofing your exit
Older resale condos nearby, such as Chiltern Park with 64 years left, cost much less per sqft. The drawback shows up when you sell: younger buyers face CPF limits under the age-95 rule. A fresh 99-year lease keeps your future buyer pool wide. Try the CPF lease calculator.
4. Resale track record in the area
From 2019 to 2026, the median psf of resale condos near Lorong Chuan rose between 23% and 68%. The Scala, the closest 99-year comparison, rose 36%, and 97.5% of its resales made a profit. Past results do not guarantee future ones, but the location has held value well.
5. Lifestyle continuity
For Serangoon, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio and Hougang families, the move keeps schools, food places and grandparents close by. That is hard to put a number on but matters a lot. See the local pages for Serangoon, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio and Hougang.
Our take
Yes, for upgraders who can comfortably afford their target unit type. The ABSD timing, the fresh lease and the location make One Chuan Grove one of the more upgrader-friendly launches of 2026–27. If your budget only just reaches a unit that is too small for your family, a newer resale like The Scala may serve you better. We will tell you honestly which one it is.