{"id":4683,"date":"2016-03-01T06:18:28","date_gmt":"2016-02-29T22:18:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/blog\/singapore\/?p=4683"},"modified":"2022-07-01T04:00:28","modified_gmt":"2022-06-30T20:00:28","slug":"resale-hdb-flats-permanent-residents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/resale-hdb-flats-permanent-residents\/","title":{"rendered":"Resale HDB flats. Is it now a good time for PRs (permanent residents) to buy?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Now is the time for PRs (permanent residents) to think of resale HDB flats.\u00a0For PRs (permanent residents), most of the time, the answer is \u201cas soon as you can\u201d. That\u2019s not just because prices have been falling \u2013 although that helps \u2013 it\u2019s because renting and limited availability (of location) are constant problems that need to be resolved fast. Here\u2019s why you shouldn\u2019t play the waiting game for too long:<\/p>\n

First, a quick clarification on buying HDB flats for PRs<\/b><\/h3>\n

For the Single Singapore Citizen<\/em> Scheme: In order to buy an HDB resale flat as a single, you must be at least 35 years old if you are unmarried or divorced, and at least 21 years old if you are widowed or an orphan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why resale HDB? Because many PRs can\u2019t get a Built to Order (BTO) or new flat anyway. If you\u2019re not clear on the rules, here\u2019s what you need to know for PRs<\/em>:<\/span><\/p>\n

First, you are only eligible to buy a BTO flat if your spouse is a Singapore citizen. It\u2019s not possible for two PRs to buy a new flat \u2013 your only options are a resale HDB flat, or private property (condos, landed property, etc.)<\/span><\/p>\n

Second, you need to have been in Singapore for at least three years. This applies to both you and your spouse. So if you have been in Singapore for five years, but your spouse has been in Singapore for only a year, you will have to wait another two more years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Third, a single PR cannot buy a HDB flat (including resale flats.) <\/span><\/p>\n

Assuming you are in a position to buy, there are plenty of reasons to get a resale HDB flat as soon as you can<\/b><\/h3>\n

The current rules leave many PR-only couples with the choice between expensive private housing (e.g. condos and landed property), resale HDB flats, or renting. There are many reasons a resale flat can top those options, especially now:<\/span><\/p>\n