Singapore is a city made up of an incredibly diverse range of property types. And while that sounds great in theory, it makes the thought of buying property absolutely terrifying – ‘decideophobia’ is a real thing people!
In the interests of helping you along, we’ve come up with a handy guide comparing all the different types of public housing available, along with some of the key factors we think you need to consider when making a purchase.
Built-to-order (BTO) flats
Developed and sold by: Housing & Development Board (HDB)
Lease Tenure: Short-lease 2-room flexi flats – 45 years, All other flats – 99 years
Average wait: Est. 3 – 5 years from sales launch
Property agents required?: No, flats are balloted by HDB
Restrictions on who can buy:
- Foreigners not permitted to buy unless married to Singapore Citizen (SC)
- At least one SC applicant required
- All applicants must be SC if applying under the Joint Singles Scheme
- Must be at least 21 years old (or 35 years old if applying under the Joint Singles Scheme)
- Must fall under one of HDB’s BTO/SBF eligibility schemes
Income ceiling:
- 4-room flat or bigger: ≤$12,000; or ≤$18,000 (if purchasing with extended or multi-generation family)
- 3-room flat in Non-mature estates: $6,000 – $12,0001
- 3-room flat in Mature estates: ≤$12,000 (depending on project)
Financing options: HDB or bank loan
Grants available: Additional CPF Housing Grant and Special CPF Housing Grant
Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) before rental or resale: 5 years
Ownership of overseas property after purchase: Only possible after fulfilment of MOP
Restrictions on other property ownership after purchase:
If buying another BTO, resale or newly launched EC unit, you will need to dispose of existing flat within 6 months of possession, subjected to fulfilment of MOP. Possible to buy private properties only after fulfilment of MOP
Resale levy: Applicable if you buy a new subsidised property from HDB
Resale HDB flats
Developed and sold by: Flat owner
Lease Tenure: 99 years
Average wait: Est. 3 months from exercising option to purchase
Property agents required?: Recommended but not mandatory
Restrictions on who can buy:
- Only for SC and Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) applicants who fall under one of HDB’s Resale Flat eligibility schemes
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must comply with the flats’ Ethnic Integration Policy and SPR quota
Income ceiling: No
Financing options: HDB or bank loan
Grants available:
- Additional CPF Housing Grant
- Additional CPF Housing Grant (Singles)
- Family Grant
- Singles Grant
- Proximity Housing Grant (Family/Singles)
- Half-Housing Grant
Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) before rental or resale: 5 years
Ownership of overseas property after purchase: Only possible after fulfilment of MOP
Restrictions on other property ownership after purchase:
- If buying another BTO, resale or newly launched EC unit, you will need to dispose of existing flat within 6 months of possession, subject to fulfilment of MOP
- Possible to buy private properties only after fulfilment of MOP
- If owners are all SPR, flat must be sold within 6 months of acquiring new local residential property
Resale levy: None
Executive Condos
Developed and sold by: Private developers
Lease Tenure: 99 years
Average wait: Est. 3 – 5 years from sales launch
Property agents required?: No, units are sold directly by developer
Restrictions on who can buy:
- Foreigners not permitted to buy unless married to SC
- All applicants must be SC if applying under the Joint Singles Scheme
- Must be at least 21 years old (or 35 years old if applying under the Joint Singles Scheme)
- Must fall under one of HDB’s EC eligibility schemes
Income ceiling: ≤$14,000
Financing options: Bank loan
Grants available: Family and Half-Housing Grant
Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) before rental or resale: 5 years
Ownership of overseas property after purchase: Only possible after fulfilment of MOP
Restrictions on other property ownership after purchase: Must wait 30 months after selling current EC before you can apply for new subsidised flat. Possible to buy private properties only after fulfilment of MOP.
Resale levy: $55,000 levy only applicable if you buy a new subsidised BTO or EC from HDB
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