99.co guides: A comparison of public housing in Singapore

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