Canberra Vista was one of the most popular BTOs when it launched in February 2020. While most of the site has opened up, not everyone has collected their keys as of this article's publication in February 2025, despite the expected key collection period being last month. Yes, it's been 5 years already! There's considerable frustration online—completely understandable—but I believe the delays are largely due to COVID, the holiday season, and other factors, possibly including the sheer size of the site. But given the many amenities surrounding this BTO, I would say the wait's probably worth it. I visited the site earlier this month to explore and check out some of the amenities in and around the area. &nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td>Project name</td><td>Canberra Vista</td></tr><tr><td>Location</td><td>Along Canberra Drive, just next to Canberra MRT station</td></tr><tr><td>When was it launched?</td><td>Feb 2020</td></tr><tr><td>Total no. of units</td><td>1,467</td></tr><tr><td>No. of blocks</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>No. of storeys</td><td>10 storeys</td></tr><tr><td>Unit types</td><td>2-room Flexi, 3-, 4-, 5-room and 3Gen</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;<h3>First impressions: super convenient on all fronts</h3>&nbsp;I cannot overstate how convenient this BTO is. It's literally doorstop to the Canberra MRT station on the North-South Line. And there are two MRT exits actually facing (and leading to) the BTO. The landscape is still being done on the periphery, so I can't be sure if there's going to be a direct pathway from the MRT station to the BTO itself, but whatever the case, it just feels really convenient.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/bda1138a-d2a0-47bd-8d34-2680ee4d0ade-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>View of the Canberra MRT station from one of the blocks. See how close the station is to the site!&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/35d12c67-bdfb-4ee2-85b0-cb9670049c1a-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>This sheltered pathway linking the blocks is right next to the MRT&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/339f5889-4099-4ae2-aebf-229596a0b35e-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>One of the MRT exits that lead right to Canberra Vista&nbsp;&nbsp;There are planned bus stops along Canberra Drive, although they weren't up yet when I visited the place. If you do need to take a bus for whatever reason, there's a bus stop right in front of the Canberra MRT station that goes to nearby neighbourhoods like Woodlands and Sembawang.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/41c13d83-56c4-4e12-afee-fb519b09a4d1-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Right of picture: One of the planned bus stop sites&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/00b3d0eb-040e-4e5e-b6c4-c0e0dcc0ec23-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Bus stop located right in front of Canberra MRT station&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides the convenience of public transportation, there's convenience of amenities as well. Canberra Plaza, a small yet substantial neighbourhood mall, is accessible via a link bridge from the train station or by crossing the road.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/f9879a75-2dd9-46d4-839f-9c98e14ba884-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>The neighbourhood centre, Canberra Plaza, is located within walking distance from the BTO&nbsp;&nbsp;It offers a variety of retail and food and beverage options, including notable establishments like Ya Kun, Daiso, Guardian, Starbucks, A&amp;W as well as a Cantine food court and a Fairprice supermarket. If you can't find what you're looking for there, Sembawang Shopping Centre is located just beyond the landed home enclave, about a 15-minute walk away, while Sun Plaza and Northpoint City are both one MRT station away at Sembawang and Yishun respectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/1c67c841-8d19-4584-9dcd-d495521b769f-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Inside Canberra Plaza&nbsp;For cheaper food options, you'll need to walk a bit further. Bukit Canberra, located less than a 20-minute walk away, is home to the Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre. It's one of the nicest hawker centres I've ever visited (no cap), situated within a spacious integrated complex that also features an ActiveSG Sport Centre, community gardens, a lawn area, and a polyclinic. It seems that construction for this integrated hub is not yet complete, as a community library is expected to occupy the heritage house on the site.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/0e27cfca-dca8-418c-b4bd-38eb58bf5ee1-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Bukit Canberra, an integrated community complex&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/619a9aa2-4bbf-4ee6-a42a-010abf9004db-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>The lovely hawker centre within Bukit Canberra&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The potential downsides: noise levels and higher traffic</h3>&nbsp;The only real caveat to being located so close to an MRT station is the noise from trains running on the tracks, particularly for units directly facing the tracks. Some units, especially those on the 5th or 6th floor, are quite close, but the station is well-covered, providing some noise buffer. Sections of the exposed track to the BTO are also relatively short, and some are equipped with noise barriers, which will go some way to helping mitigate noise levels.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/6a56ae36-5472-4b03-8e4b-42a2d9e55d4f-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Some of the blocks are located quite close to the MRT station&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/5176e8d4-5b27-4f52-b315-42aba54b2fa7-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Noise barriers set up by the tracks&nbsp;&nbsp;Foot traffic is also pretty high in the surrounding site, seeing as this area's really where everyone gathers whether to take the MRT or to head to Canberra Plaza. So there isn't a whole lot of privacy or quiet, especially for the blocks closer to the MRT. That being said, blocks further away are pretty peaceful for now, and some even face a small park in the area. There's actually also a huge chunk of land along of Canberra Drive that's dedicated to high-rise residences that aren't built yet, so do expect traffic in the area to increase in the future.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/c2fe2eba-25c3-4626-b810-1e38b74d969b-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Along Canberra Drive. Left: Canberra Vista BTO; Right: the small park&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>Site tour of Canberra Vista</h3>&nbsp;I was able to access about 70% of the site when I was there. The construction for the 2-storey childcare centre in the middle of Canberra Vista wasn't quite finished, so access was blocked off at that part.Facilities: Walking around the estate is relatively easy if you stick to the sheltered paths that circle the estate. But it does become a bit more complicated if you decide to weave in and out of the blocks. I was lost for a while when I decided to do that. I don't see much of that happening to residents here though, as each part of the BTO has its own playgrounds and fitness stations so there isn't a real need to cut between the blocks. There are a whopping five playgrounds alone located within this BTO.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/386be71e-a5a6-4439-a4d1-b0747e05a29f-blob" width="912" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;There are plenty of sheltered seating areas around, so if you like to lepak at the void deck, you've got plenty of choices. The seats and tables are in this pebble design with woodgrain surfaces, which feel like they can really stand to scruffs and dirt.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:912/1824;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/d7ca1241-cac1-4369-a2f4-a63a67e9ca4f-blob" width="912" height="1824"></figure>&nbsp;I think it's partially because the landscaping isn’t fully complete yet, but the space doesn’t feel very green compared to some other BTOs I've been to. The blocks also lacked their own roof gardens. The only roof gardens here are on top of the two multi-storey car parks located at opposite ends of the BTO.Some blocks, however, have direct access to the roof gardens from the 7th floor. On those levels, there are many empty spaces (see images below), and I'm not sure what they will be used for or if there are plans to incorporate common seating areas. The upside is that there aren't any units too close to the route leading to the car park roof gardens, allowing for some privacy.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:866/1732;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/b22c7098-f2f8-4ca3-b7ea-380b9c761de0-blob" width="866" height="1732"></figure>&nbsp;As mentioned earlier, there's a two-storey childcare centre located in the middle of the estate. And there's a spacious drop-off area right in front of it, which will help a bit with potential traffic congestions in that area during drop-off and pick-up times.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:866/1732;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/9f39207d-44cb-4d05-b47a-536bf5e0b79c-blob" width="866" height="1732"></figure>&nbsp;<blockquote>Searching for an interior designer for your home renovation? You've come to the right place. Just fill out the form <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/get-free-quote">here</a> and we'll connect you with up to 6 recommended firms that fit your needs perfectly.</blockquote>&nbsp;Nicely spaced out: What I really liked while walking around the site was the decent spacing between the blocks. Even if you're facing another unit on the opposite block, it doesn't feel too awkward or lacking in too much privacy.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/0bf001a3-5e09-4c90-ae89-0d9f238f255a-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Blocks are generally spaced relatively far apart&nbsp;&nbsp;The roads in the BTO area are quite spacious, which is great for drivers. BUT note that the internal roads aren't entirely connected, so you'll need to use specific entrances to access the right block, drop-off area or car park. Both vehicular entrances are located along Canberra Drive.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/c3799763-cdd8-41a2-9335-2147dc3aabf6-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Driveways are pretty spacious&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/d75e6b40-0d77-42d0-a863-7562268c5400-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>A separate driveway to one of the two carparks in the BTO&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/411b904b-479f-4837-94e3-299b3f375af8-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>One of the two vehicle entrances to the BTO. Just be sure to remember which entrance you need to use based on your block, as the internal driveways aren't connected&nbsp;The walkways and corridors on each level are spacious, well-ventilated, and brightly lit, especially in the blocks with larger units. They are a bit long though, so if your unit's at the end, it's a pretty long walk from the lifts. The rubbish chute areas are also properly ventilated and similarly spacious. While I didn't see any units facing the lift lobbies directly, some are relatively close.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/b6938e5d-79a7-4407-bf18-4edb28658825-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Walkway for one of the blocks with smaller unit types&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/44cb48a2-3ab0-4328-ae94-0e87b66409ff-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>Some of the units are just next to the lift lobby, although not directly facing it&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/cfeb5366-8945-4dc0-abaa-8b038ed4174f-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Rubbish chute areas are properly ventilated&nbsp;&nbsp;Meh design: Despite all its merits, Canberra Vista is pretty generic and bland in terms of design, with a monochromatic colour scheme and not a lot of distinctive details. Even some of the playground designs seem uninspiring.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/675;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/b1cd853f-6d52-4169-b178-0b653569f065-blob" width="1200" height="675"></figure>Somewhat bland facade design&nbsp;&nbsp;Manual waste collection system: Unlike some BTOs that have the newer Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System, Canberra Vista relies on a manual waste collection system. One downside to this is that each block has a designated area for rubbish trucks to collect the waste, and some of the units are situated directly facing this area.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:1200/677;" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/981a16d8-6b28-4ad6-87be-2ddefac5de2b-blob" width="1200" height="677"></figure>

Canberra Vista BTO Review and Site Tour: Massive Site With a Buffet of Nearby Amenities

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