How to Choose the Right Unit, Stack and Floor in an Integrated Condo
A practical guide to picking a stack, floor and facing in a large integrated development such as LinkTown Residences (Hougang Central Residences): sun, noise, views, walking time, privacy, pricing by floor and how to read the elevation and balance charts on launch day.
Picking a unit type is the easy part. On launch day, the harder decision is which condo stack, which floor and which facing. In a large integrated development, those choices matter more than usual, because the same tower can sit above a mall, beside a bus interchange and next to a busy public plaza.
This guide explains how to judge a stack in a development like LinkTown Residences (Hougang Central Residences), the Hougang Central GLS site linked to Hougang MRT, a new bus interchange and a mall. The site plan and block layout haven’t been released, so we don’t describe specific stacks here. Instead, use this as a checklist once the plans are out.
First, understand the terms
- Stack: a vertical column of units with the same layout and facing, usually numbered (for example, #xx-05 on every floor).
- Facing: the direction the main windows or balcony point towards.
- Elevation chart: the developer’s diagram of every unit by floor and stack, often colour-coded with indicative prices.
- Balance chart: the live version on launch day, showing which units are still available.
1. Sun orientation
Singapore is near the equator, so the sun rises in the east and sets in the west almost all year, passing high overhead. That is why north-south facing units are traditionally preferred: they receive less direct low-angle sun into living rooms and bedrooms.
- West-facing units get the strong afternoon sun, which can heat up rooms and raise air-conditioning bills.
- East-facing units get morning sun, which is milder but still direct.
- Screening matters: a west-facing unit shaded by another block, or with a deep balcony, may be more comfortable than its compass direction suggests.
On the site plan, find the north arrow first. Then check which rooms face each direction. A west-facing bedroom is a different compromise from a west-facing kitchen.
2. Noise from the bus interchange, MRT and plaza
Integrated living means transport and retail right below you. That is the convenience you pay for, but some stacks will be closer to the activity than others. When plans are out, locate:
- The bus interchange entrances and exits, where buses queue, turn and idle.
- Loading bays and service roads for the mall.
- The town plaza and any outdoor event space, which may host weekend activities.
- Main roads around the site and any MRT ventilation structures.
Noise usually drops with height, but not always: sound can travel upwards from open plazas and hard surfaces. If you work from home or have young children who nap, stacks facing the quieter side of the site deserve extra weight. Visit Hougang Central at peak hours and on a weekend evening to get a feel for it.
3. Views and future developments
A good view today is not guaranteed forever. For each stack you like, ask:
- What is directly in front at your floor: another tower in the same development, the mall roof, HDB blocks or open space?
- What does the URA Master Plan show for neighbouring land? Sites zoned for higher density could be redeveloped.
- How far away is the nearest block facing yours? Close-facing blocks affect both views and privacy.
Around Hougang Central, much of the surrounding area is established HDB estate, with Punggol Park and the Hougang Sports Centre nearby. Views towards greenery or open sports grounds are often valued, but check the Master Plan rather than assuming nothing will change. Our location page covers the surroundings.
4. Lift lobby to MRT: walking time
“Directly linked to the MRT” describes the development, not every unit. In large projects, the walk from one tower’s lift lobby to the station gate can be noticeably longer than from another. Things to check:
- Which tower lands closest to the MRT link and bus interchange.
- Whether the route is sheltered all the way, and whether it passes through the mall (convenient, but busy at peak times).
- How many units share each lift lobby, and how many lifts serve them.
- How far your unit is along the corridor from the lift.
For daily commuters, a few extra minutes each way adds up. For resale or rental later, shorter walking times are an easy selling point.
5. Privacy from the mall and podium
Low floors in integrated towers may look down onto the mall roof, a sky garden, outdoor dining or the podium’s landscaped deck. Some buyers enjoy the activity; others don’t want diners or pool users looking back in. Check which units overlook shared facilities, and whether mall roof plant such as cooling towers sits within view or earshot.
6. Corner units vs mid units
- Corner units often have windows on two sides, better cross-ventilation and more privacy, and fewer shared walls. They are commonly priced higher and can be exposed to more sun on one face.
- Mid units are sandwiched between neighbours, so they may stay cooler and are usually cheaper per square foot, but have fewer windows.
7. Layout efficiency
Two units of the same stated size can feel very different. Look at how much of the area goes to bay windows, planters, AC ledges, long corridors and the balcony. A compact, rectangular layout with little wasted space is usually easier to furnish and easier to resell. Compare the indicative floor plans to get used to spotting this.
8. The pricing gradient by floor
Developers price each unit individually. Typically:
- Prices rise with each floor, sometimes with larger jumps at floors where the view clears surrounding buildings.
- Better facings and stacks carry a premium over less favoured ones on the same floor.
- Penthouses and top floors are priced at a further premium.
The key question is value, not the cheapest or most expensive unit. A mid-floor unit on a good stack can be better value than a high floor on a poor one. Analysts expect LinkTown Residences to average about S$2,500–2,600 psf, but official prices are not yet announced; see our price estimate guide.
How to use the elevation and balance charts on launch day
- Before launch: once the indicative price list is out, mark three to five target units on the elevation chart, grouped into first choices and backups.
- Set price ceilings: for each unit type, decide the most you’ll pay including stamp duty. Use the stamp duty calculator.
- Watch the balance chart: popular stacks can go quickly. If your first choices disappear, move to backups rather than choosing on impulse.
- Don’t chase the last unit: the remaining units on a hot stack are not automatically good value.
- Confirm the details: before paying the booking fee, check the unit number, floor, facing and price on the paperwork.
Our showflat and launch page explains how preview, EOI and booking day usually work.
Quick condo stack checklist
| Check | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Orientation | North-south preferred; note which rooms face west |
| Noise | Distance from bus interchange, loading bays, plaza and main roads |
| View | Current outlook and URA Master Plan for nearby land |
| Walking time | Lift lobby to MRT link; sheltered route |
| Privacy | Overlooking the mall, podium facilities or other blocks |
| Layout | Efficient shape, little wasted area |
| Price | Value within the floor and stack gradient, not just psf |
When the site plan and elevation chart for LinkTown Residences are released, we’ll go through them stack by stack with registrants. Register your interest to receive them as soon as they’re available.
General guidance only. LinkTown Residences’ site plan, block layout, stacks and prices have not been released. Published by an independent licensed salesperson, not the developer.
