For Singaporeans aspiring to secure a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat during a BTO sales launch, the types of BTO flats available are a key concern.
Many may be wondering what types of units are up for grabs in the 2023 BTO sales exercises. With upcoming BTO units located in four towns—Kallang/Whampoa, Queenstown, Jurong West, and Tengah—totaling approximately 4,410 units, BTO flats are likely the top choice for many potential homeowners.
Besides budgeting for your first home, the first step to owning the most suitable BTO flat is to do the necessary research on the types of BTO flats available. Depending on the project, BTO flats typically include a variety of flat types, from 2-room Flexi to 5-room flats.
Among the many types of BTO units available, which one best meets a buyer’s needs? This article will introduce the types of upcoming BTO flats and their key features.
Table of Contents
HDB Flat Options: 2-room Flexi Flat
The 2-room Flexi Scheme is a combination of the Studio Apartment and the 2-room flat schemes.
These types of HDB flats are targeted at smaller and less affluent families, elderly people living alone, and singles.
It is also the only flat type that singles can apply for among the different types of BTO units available.
Features of a 2-room Flexi Flat
- Approximately 36 sqm (Type 1) or 45 sqm (Type 2)
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- Kitchen
- Storeroom-cum-bomb shelter
HDB Flat Options: 3-room Flat
A 3-room flat is a significant upgrade from a 2-room Flexi flat. It includes a living room area, which is absent in a 2-room Flexi unit.
Even though it is still on the smaller side for a family with one child, it is a viable housing option for families on a budget.
Families with no children or those planning to be dual-income-no-kids (DINKs) can also opt for a 3-room flat. They can knock down a wall to expand the living area or combine the master bedroom with the common room to create a huge sleeping space. With HDB considering offering open-plan units, homeowners might be able to save on hacking costs.
Features of a 3-room Flat
- Approximately 60 to 65 sqm
- 2 bedrooms, one of which is a master bedroom with an attached bathroom
- Kitchen
- Living/dining area
- Common bathroom
- Service yard for drying clothes
- Storeroom-cum-bomb shelter
HDB Flat Options: 4-room Flat
A 4-room flat is essentially a 3-room flat with an extra bedroom. This type of HDB flat is a warm and comfortable choice for families, especially for young couples looking to start a family.
Typically, this BTO flat type comes in different layouts, and buyers can choose according to their preferences. The best way is to learn to read HDB floor plans to make an informed decision among the types of units offered. The floor plan includes information like which walls are structural (cannot be hacked), where the windows are, and so on.
Features of a 4-room Flat
- Approximately 90 sqm
- 3 bedrooms, one of which is a master bedroom with an attached bathroom
- Living/dining area
- Kitchen
- Common bathroom
- Service yard for drying clothes
- Storeroom-cum-bomb shelter
HDB Flat Options: 5-room Flat
5-room units are more spacious, ideal for larger families, and include an additional dining area.
The long-term work-from-home trend has changed people’s preferences in home buying. More people are opting for larger properties, valuing space over location. Therefore, it’s not surprising if smaller families with a sufficient housing budget choose this larger HDB flat type.
Features of a 5-room Flat
- Approximately 110 sqm
- 3 bedrooms, one of which is a master bedroom with an attached bathroom
- Living/dining area
- Kitchen
- Common bathroom
- Service yard for drying clothes
- Storeroom-cum-bomb shelter
HDB Flat Options: 3Gen Flat
This is a new flat type introduced in 2013. 3Gen flats are available only to Singaporean couples who wish to live with their parents and are slightly larger than 5-room flats. If homeowners intend to resell their 3Gen flat, they can only sell it to another multi-generational family.
Those hoping to get a 3Gen flat can look out for the BTO launch in Ang Mo Kio in August 2022.
Features of a 3Gen Flat
- Approximately 115 sqm
- 4 bedrooms, two of which have attached bathrooms
- Living/dining area
- Kitchen
- Common bathroom
- Service yard for drying clothes
- Storeroom-cum-bomb shelter
⚠️ Please note that purchasing a 3Gen flat requires meeting additional eligibility criteria, which will be detailed later in this article.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for Buying a BTO Flat?
Buying a BTO flat requires meeting a set of eligibility conditions from HDB, which are generally listed on the HDB website:
| Eligible Applicant or Family Nucleus | Must meet one of the following eligibility schemes: Public Scheme Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme Orphans Scheme |
| Citizenship | At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen (SC) or a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) |
| Age | At least 21 years old (for widowed or orphaned individuals) or 35 years old (for unmarried or divorced individuals) |
| Income Ceiling | Must meet the set income ceiling for the BTO flat you plan to purchase |
| Property Ownership | 1. Do not own any other property locally or overseas, and have not disposed of any property in the last 30 months 2. Have not previously purchased a new HDB flat, Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) flat, Executive Condominium (EC), or received any CPF Housing Grant, or 3. Have only purchased one of the above properties and received only one CPF Housing Grant before |
Additionally, first-timer households consisting of one Singapore Citizen and one or more Singapore Permanent Resident family members must pay an additional $10,000 when purchasing a BTO flat. However, they can apply for a $10,000 top-up grant if they meet the eligibility conditions.
Buyers can apply for a new BTO flat through HDB’s eligibility schemes. There are different schemes available depending on your status, such as applying as a couple or a family. HDB’s e-Services has an eligibility check page for inquiries, and the details are also listed below.
Eligibility Schemes
- Public Scheme
- Form a family nucleus with your spouse and children (if any) or with your parents and siblings (if any).
- Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme
- Form a family nucleus as an engaged couple. You must get married within three months of collecting the keys to your new flat. HDB will require a copy of your marriage certificate.
- Orphans Scheme
- Form a family nucleus of single, orphaned siblings, where at least one of the deceased parents was a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
If you want to apply for a 3Gen Flat
As mentioned earlier, 3Gen flats are subject to additional criteria. Only multi-generational families can apply for these units, defined as follows:
- A married or engaged couple with their parents. The couple must also meet the requirements of the Public Scheme or Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme.
- A widowed or divorced individual with legal custody of their children, and their parents.
Income Ceiling for BTO Flat Application
| Flat Type | Income Ceiling (Average Gross Monthly Household Income) |
| 2-room Flexi (99-year lease) | $7,000 |
| 2-room Flexi (15- to 45-year lease) | $14,000 |
| 3-room flat | $7,000 or $14,000 (depending on the project, will be specified at each sales launch) |
| 4-room or larger flat | $14,000 |
How to Apply for a BTO Flat for Yourself?
First, you need to regularly check the HDB website for upcoming BTO projects and take note of the types of projects available. The types of BTO units available for selection differ with each launch, so read the detailed information about upcoming BTO projects on the website carefully.
Once you see a project you’re interested in, you can enter the ballot. The ballot costs $10, and you usually have to wait three to six weeks to find out if you were successful. First-timers have a higher chance of being selected. If your first ballot is unsuccessful, you will get an additional ballot chance for each subsequent attempt.
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