HDB BTO flat availability is a key concern for Singaporeans eager to secure a BTO flat during any BTO launch.
With the upcoming February 2023 BTO launch right around the corner, you may be wondering what type of BTO units are available for grabs. The upcoming launch will offer about 4,410 flats across four estates in Kallang/Whampoa, Queenstown, Jurong West, and Tengah, and securing a BTO unit is probably at the top of many prospective homeowners’ minds.
Aside from budgeting for your first home, for those ready to get yourselves your very own HDB BTO flat, you know the first step is to do the necessary research on the HDB BTO flat availability. Depending on the project, BTO launches typically include unit types ranging from 2-room Flexi to 5-room flats.
How do you know which types of BTO units available for selection would best meet your needs? In this guide, we will go over the HDB BTO flat availability during upcoming launches and their key features.
HDB Flat Selection: 2-room Flexi Flat
The 2-room Flexi Scheme is a union of the Studio Apartment and 2-room flat schemes.
These types of flats are aimed at smaller and less affluent households, elderly residents who live by themselves, and singles.
This is also the only type of BTO flat that a single may apply for among the different types of BTO units available for selection.
Flat Features of a 2-room Flexi Flat
- About 36 square meters (sqm) (Type 1) and 45 sqm (Type 2)
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bathroom
- Kitchen
- Storeroom-cum-apartment shelter
HDB Flat Selection: 3-room Flat
A 3-room flat is a significant upgrade from the 2-room Flexi. It includes an area for a living room, which the 2-room Flexi does not have.
While still on the small side for a family with one child, it is a viable living option for families that are on a budget.
Childless couples (and those who intend to be child-free) can opt for 3-room flats too. They could knock down a wall to expand their living area, or combine the master bedroom and common room to have a huge sleeping space. With HDB considering offering open-plan flats, these homeowners might just be able to save on hacking!
Flat Features of a 3-room HDB Flat
- About 60 to 65 sqm
- 2 bedrooms, 1 of which is a master bedroom with an attached bathroom
- Kitchen
- Living/dining area
- Common bathroom
- Service yard
- Storeroom-cum-apartment shelter
HDB Flat Selection: 4-room Flat
4-room flats are essentially a 3-room flat with an additional bedroom. This flat type is a cosy and comfortable option for families and is especially ideal for young couples who are looking to start a family.
Typically, this BTO flat type comes in different layouts, and you can pick the one that suits your preferences. The best way to make an informed decision on the flats available for selection is to learn how to read an HDB floor plan. The floor plan will teach you how to decipher which are the load-bearing walls (which can’t be hacked), where the windows are, etc.
Flat Features of a 4-room HDB Flat
- About 90 sqm
- 3 bedrooms, 1 of which is a master bedroom with an attached bathroom
- Living/dining area
- Kitchen
- Common bathroom
- Service yard
- Storeroom-cum-apartment shelter
HDB Flat Selection: 5-room Flat
These are a more spacious variation of flats and are ideal for larger families, and include an additional dining area. These are a more spacious variation of HDB BTO flats and are ideal for larger families, and include an additional dining area.
The enduring work from home arrangements has changed the way we shop for homes. More are going for larger properties, valuing space over location. So, we wouldn’t be surprised if smaller families with sizeable housing budgets went for these larger flat types.
Flat Features of a 5-room HDB Flat
- About 110 sqm
- 3 bedrooms, 1 of which is a master bedroom with an attached bathroom
- Living/dining area
- Kitchen
- Common bathroom
- Service yard
- Storeroom-cum-apartment shelter
HDB Flat Selection: 3Gen Flat
This is a new type of flat that was launched in 2013. 3Gen flats are only available for selection for Singaporean couples who want to live with their parents. They are slightly larger than a 5-room, and if you plan to resell your 3Gen flat, it can only be resold to another multi-generational family.
For those hoping for a 3Gen flat, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the Ang Mo Kio August 2022 BTO launch.
Flat Features of a 3Gen Flat
- About 115 sqm
- 4 bedrooms, 2 of which have attached bathrooms
- Living/dining area
- Kitchen
- Common bathroom
- Service yard
- Storage-cum-apartment shelter
Note that 3Gen flats are subject to additional criteria that we will cover later on.
Are There Any Criteria for These HDB BTO Flats?
Yes, HDB has a set of eligibility conditions that need to be met before you can buy a BTO flat. The general overview of these conditions is given on HDB’s website:
| Eligible applicant/family nucleus | You will need to qualify for a new HDB BTO flat under one of our eligibility schemes: Public Scheme Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme Orphans Scheme |
| Citizenship | At least one Singapore Citizen (SC) applicant, or
At least one other Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) |
| Age | At least 21 years old (widowed or orphaned) or 35 (unmarried or divorced) |
| Income ceiling | You are within the set income ceiling for the HDB flat you intend to buy |
| Property ownership | You don’t own any other property locally or overseas and haven’t disposed of any within the last 30 months,
You haven’t bought a new HDB/Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) flat or Executive Condominium (EC) or received any CPF Housing Grants before, or You’ve only bought one of those properties and only received one CPF Housing Grant before |
In addition, first-timer households that comprise only one SC and one or more PR family members have to pay an additional $10,000 when they purchase their HDB BTO flat. However, you can apply for a $10,000 top-up grant if the eligibility conditions are met.
HDB also has eligibility schemes through which you can apply for new BTO flats. Depending on whether you are applying for the BTO flat as a couple or a family, there are different schemes to choose from. You can also make use of HDB’s e-Service to check your eligibility.
Eligibility Schemes
- Public Scheme
- You form a family nucleus with your spouse and children (if any), or your parents and siblings (if any).
- Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme
- You form a family nucleus with your fiancé/fiancée; you will need to solemnise your marriage within three months of the collection of keys to your new flat. HDB will require a photocopy of your marriage certificate.
- Orphans Scheme
- You and your siblings are orphans and single, and at least one of the deceased parents was either a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
If You Are Applying for a 3Gen Flat
As mentioned earlier, 3Gen flats are subject to additional criteria. Only multi-generation families can apply for these flats, and such a family is defined as:
- Married/engaged couple with their parents. The couple must also be eligible to buy a flat under either the Public Scheme or Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme.
- An individual who is widowed/divorced with children under legal custody, and their parents.
Note: 3Gen flats will not be available in the upcoming 2023 BTO Feb launch.
Income Ceiling When Applying for a BTO Flat
| Flat type | Income ceiling (Average gross monthly household income) |
| 2-room Flexi flat (99-year lease) | $7,000 |
| 2-room Flexi flat (15- to 45-year lease) | $14,000 |
| 3-room flat | $7,000 or $14,000 (depending on the project; details will be given for each launch) |
| 4-room flat or bigger | $14,000 |
How Do I Get My Own HDB BTO Flat?
You will first need to check HDB’s website regularly for upcoming HDB BTO launches, and also take note of the HDB BTO flat availability. Not every flat will have the same types of BTO units available for selection, so read the HDB BTO launch information carefully.
When you see a launch that interests you, you can ballot for it. It costs $10, and you usually have to wait three to six weeks to know if your ballot was successful or not. First-timers have a higher chance of being selected. If you were not successful in your first ballot, you will get additional ballot chances each time you try again.
How Can I Apply for BTO in Singapore: Watch Our Video
Now that you know the HDB BTO flat availability for upcoming BTO launches, watch our video to learn how to apply for a BTO flat.
For more property news, content and resources, check out PropertyGuru’s guides section.
Looking for a new home? Head to PropertyGuru to browse the top properties for sale in Singapore.
Need help financing your latest property purchase? Let the mortgage experts at PropertyGuru Finance help you find the best deals.
