{"id":7763,"date":"2022-01-24T08:00:43","date_gmt":"2022-01-24T00:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/blog\/singapore\/?p=7763"},"modified":"2023-10-24T18:05:51","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T10:05:51","slug":"hdb-space-really-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/hdb-space-really-need\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you REALLY need a five-room HDB flat?"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>

Getting your first property and not sure how many rooms you want to have? Not sure about the differences in size and floor area between 3-room, 4-room and 5-room flats? Check out this handy guide that will help you decide how much space you really need!<\/p>\n

The evolution of HDB flats and their significance<\/h3>\n

HDB flats have been an integral part of Singapore’s urban landscape for decades. They are not just mere structures but represent the aspirations and dreams of many Singaporeans. Over the years, the design, layout, and amenities of these flats have evolved to meet the changing needs of the population. From the simple 3-room flats to the more spacious 5-room variants, each type caters to different family sizes and lifestyles.<\/p>\n

The choice of a flat is not just about space but also about the community, accessibility, and future planning. For many, an HDB flat is not just a house but a home where memories are created, and milestones are celebrated.<\/p>\n

Finding the perfect balance between price and space<\/h2>\n

Here are HDB\u2019s specifications of 3, 4 and 5-room flats, as well as their average resale prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t
Flat type<\/th>Approx. floor area (sqm)<\/th>Approx. floor space (sq ft)<\/th>Bedrooms<\/th>Bathrooms<\/th>Media resale price (based on transactions in Dec 2021)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
3-room<\/a><\/td>60 - 68<\/td>646 - 732<\/td>2<\/td>2<\/td>S$350,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4-room<\/a><\/td>85 - 93<\/td>915 - 1,001<\/td>3<\/td>2<\/td>S$490,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5-room<\/a><\/td>107 - 113<\/td>1,152 - 1,216<\/td>3<\/td>2<\/td>S$588,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

If budget permits, most young couples tend to opt for 4-room and 5-room flats, considering 3-room flats are a lot smaller. Nevertheless, you should weigh your options based on how much you’re earning and how much space you need.<\/p>\n

Use this calculator on the HDB portal<\/a> to find the maximum housing loan (HDB or bank loan<\/a>) you\u2019re eligible for, depending on your income. It also helps you calculate the estimated monthly instalments. It\u2019s important not to overstretch yourself, and always make sure you\u2019ve got rainy day savings you can draw on in case of emergency.<\/p>\n

CPF Housing Grants<\/h3>\n

Whether you\u2019re getting a BTO or a resale flat, you may be eligible for CPF Housing Grants as well.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a first-timer applicant buying a BTO flat with a gross monthly household income of at most S$9,000, you may be eligible for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG). The grant amount depends on your income. Currently, the maximum grant amount is S$80,000.<\/p>\n

The maximum grant amount is double at S$160,000 if you\u2019re getting a resale flat. Besides the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, you may also be eligible for the Family Grant (up to S$50,000) and Proximity Housing Grant<\/a> (up to S$30,000).<\/p>\n

Find out more about these CPF Housing Grants here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Key considerations when buying a flat<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re leaning towards getting a resale flat, do keep in mind that flats in the 1990s had, on average, 10% more floor space than flats built from 2000 onwards. What does this mean? Well, with a resale flat, you might be able to get a flat with fewer rooms, but still effectively have roughly the same floor space.<\/p>\n

1. Is your household getting bigger?<\/h3>\n

Another thing that you should keep in mind is whether you want to have kids soon, or if your parents are likely to require assistance and move into your home in future. Both of these situations will mean that you\u2019ll need to allocate some space for them.<\/p>\n

The alternative is to upgrade, but it isn\u2019t quite as simple as just selling and re-purchasing when your family gets bigger. Firstly, there\u2019s your Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)<\/a> of five years, during which you\u2019re not allowed to sell your flat or buy any new residential properties (be it private or public).<\/p>\n

\"HDB<\/a>
This is the typical 4-room floor plan at McNair Heights BTO launched in Feb 2021.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Secondly, if you sell your flat and buy a second BTO, you\u2019ll have to pay a resale levy.<\/a>\u00a0That\u2019s S$40,000 if you\u2019re selling a 4-room flat, and S$45,000 if you\u2019re selling a 5-room flat.<\/p>\n

So if you don’t plan to upgrade to a bigger house right after the MOP, this means that you’ll live in your first property for quite a number of years. So be sure to plan carefully and consider what\u2019s likely to happen in the near horizon.<\/p>\n

2. Work and lifestyle needs<\/h3>\n

Think about your lifestyle and how this will impact the amount of space you need. If you have family living abroad and you\u2019d like to have a spare room handy for them when they visit, that means that you\u2019ll need more space.<\/p>\n

And with hybrid work becoming more common since the pandemic, you’ll most probably need a separate workspace if you work from home.<\/p>\n

Make the distinction between the must-haves and good-to-haves. If you continue to work from home, having a separate study is likely to be a must-have.<\/p>\n

Wanting more space for a walk-in closet? That\u2019s a “good-to-have”.<\/p>\n

Similarly, the balcony and larger living room space that you\u2019ll get when you choose a 5-room over a 4-room flat is likely to be a good-to-have. So these shouldn\u2019t be key factors in your decision-making process unless you have more than enough money to finance your purchase.<\/p>\n

Your purchase decision is a significant one that will continue to impact you for a few decades to come. So take some time to do more research and weigh the pros and cons. When it comes to considering which flat type to buy, only buy one that’s within your means.<\/p>\n

Factors beyond space and price<\/h3>\n

Here are some other factors that might influence your decision to get a 5-room HDB flat:<\/p>\n