LinkTown Residences vs Affinity at Serangoon: Two CRL-Adjacent Condos Compared
Affinity at Serangoon sits near the future Serangoon North CRL station; LinkTown Residences sits above the future Hougang NEL–CRL interchange. A neutral look at location, lease, size and price.
The Cross Island Line (CRL) has put Serangoon North on the map for buyers who once overlooked it. Affinity at Serangoon, a large condo completed in 2023, sits near the future Serangoon North station. One stop east, LinkTown Residences (Hougang Central Residences) is planned directly above Hougang MRT, which will become an interchange between the North-East Line and the CRL.
Both are bets on the same new line, but they are very different products. This guide compares them side by side using publicly reported information, so you can see which fits your plans. It is neutral: we have no reason to talk down either project.
Affinity at Serangoon at a glance
Based on publicly reported information:
- Location: Serangoon North Avenue 1, District 19. The site was formerly the Serangoon Ville estate, sold en bloc in 2017.
- Size: 1,052 units, including 40 strata landed homes, in low- to mid-rise blocks of up to 14 storeys.
- Tenure: 99-year leasehold from 2018.
- Completion: 2023.
- Developer: an Oxley Holdings-led consortium.
- Rail: roughly 600 m from the future Serangoon North station (CR9) on CRL Phase 1, according to listing portals.
Serangoon North MRT: what changes around 2030
Serangoon North is mainly served by buses today. When CRL Phase 1 opens, targeted by LTA for around 2030, Serangoon North (CR9) becomes a new station on the line between Hougang (CR8) and Tavistock (CR10). From there, Ang Mo Kio is two stops west for the North-South Line, and Hougang is one stop east for the North-East Line.
For Affinity residents, that is a real upgrade: a station within walking distance where there was none. For LinkTown residents, the CRL adds a second line to a station that already runs direct to Serangoon, Dhoby Ghaut, Outram Park and HarbourFront. Our CRL Phase 1 stations guide walks through all 12 stops.
| Trip (after CRL Phase 1) | From Serangoon North (CR9) | From Hougang (CR8 / NE14) |
|---|---|---|
| Ang Mo Kio (NSL) | 2 stops on CRL | 3 stops on CRL |
| Pasir Ris (EWL) | 4 stops on CRL | 3 stops on CRL |
| Dhoby Ghaut / city | Change to NEL at Hougang | Direct on NEL |
| Serangoon (CCL) | Change at Hougang, then 2 stops on NEL | 2 stops on NEL |
Stop counts based on LTA’s published CRL Phase 1 and NEL station sequences. Not journey times.
Head-to-head comparison
| Affinity at Serangoon | LinkTown Residences | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Completed 2023; resale | New launch; sales expected early 2027 |
| Tenure | 99 years from 2018 | 99 years (GLS site awarded Jan 2026) |
| Units | 1,052 (incl. 40 strata landed) | About 830 (reported) |
| Rail today | Mainly buses to existing MRT stations | Directly linked to Hougang MRT (NE14) |
| Rail from ~2030 | ~600 m to Serangoon North CRL (reported) | NEL–CRL interchange downstairs |
| Retail | Neighbourhood shops; not integrated | Integrated ~300,000 sq ft mall, bus interchange, town plaza |
| Avg psf | ~S$1,814 (12 months to Sep 2026, reported) | ~S$2,500–2,600 (analyst estimate) |
| Move-in | On completion of purchase | Expected 2030/2031 |
Affinity at Serangoon price vs LinkTown’s expected price
Based on reported transaction data, Affinity at Serangoon averaged about S$1,814 psf over the 12 months to September 2026, with individual deals spread widely depending on size, block and floor. Analysts expect LinkTown Residences to average around S$2,500–2,600 psf, which would be roughly 38–43% higher per square foot. LinkTown prices are not official; see our price estimate and price page.
At a S$2 million budget, those averages work out to roughly 1,100 sq ft at Affinity versus about 770–800 sq ft at LinkTown. That space difference is the clearest way to understand what the integration and new lease cost.
Illustrative arithmetic using average psf only. Smaller units usually transact at higher psf; landed units at Affinity are priced differently.
Living experience
Affinity at Serangoon is a residential enclave. The blocks are relatively low-rise, and the strata landed homes add variety to the mix. Serangoon Gardens, with its food options and Chomp Chomp Food Centre, is in the wider area, and NEX at Serangoon is a short ride away. It suits buyers who want a quieter setting and more space for their money.
LinkTown Residences is town-centre living. The mall, bus interchange and MRT are part of the development, and Hougang Mall is about a two-minute walk. Punggol Park and Hougang Sports Centre are nearby. It suits buyers who want to do most of daily life on foot and under cover. Our integrated development explainer covers the pros and cons of living above a hub.
The CRL angle: which gains more?
It is tempting to say the project gaining a new station, Affinity, has more upside. That can be true, since the CRL fills a genuine gap for Serangoon North. But part of that expectation may already be reflected in today’s prices, and the line is a target, not a guarantee. For LinkTown, the CRL is an addition on top of an NEL station that already works today, so the home does not depend on the new line opening on time.
Different risk profiles, then: Affinity offers a lower entry price with more to gain from the new line; LinkTown costs more but starts from established connectivity.
Serangoon condo or Hougang condo: who each suits
- Consider Affinity at Serangoon if you need to move in soon, want more space per dollar, like a quieter residential area, or specifically want a strata landed home within a condo.
- Consider LinkTown Residences if you can wait until about 2030/2031, value a direct MRT and mall link, want a fresh 99-year lease, or prefer progressive payments during construction.
For more Hougang and Sengkang benchmarks, see LinkTown vs nearby Hougang condos.
What to check before choosing
- Walk the route to Serangoon North station. Once LTA confirms entrance locations, time the walk from the specific Affinity block you are considering. Portal distances are measured to the station, not to your lift lobby.
- Compare like with like. Affinity’s strata landed homes and larger apartments transact at different psf levels from its smaller units, so compare caveats for the same unit type and size.
- Look at the full cost of waiting. With LinkTown, you may pay rent or stay in your current home for several years. With a resale, you start paying the full loan, maintenance fees and property tax straight away.
- Check your loan and CPF position. Both are 99-year leaseholds with long remaining leases, so CPF usage should not be restricted for most buyers today, but confirm with CPF and your bank.
Next steps
If you are comparing a Serangoon North condo with the upcoming Hougang Central launch, walk both areas on a weekday, check routes on OneMap and compare recent caveats. Register your interest to receive the LinkTown Residences site plan and prices once released.
Comparison based on publicly reported information and transaction data as at Sep 2026. Distances are portal estimates; CRL dates are LTA targets and may change. Verify project details with URA, LTA and the developers.
