Table of contents
- Project overview
- Concept and design
- Customisation and flexibility
- Affordability and accessibility
- Social integration and fairness
- Future developments
- Public engagement and feedback
- Conclusion
Singapore’s public housing landscape is transforming with the introduction of the new “White Flats” by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Slated to be launched during the October 2024 Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise, these innovative flats will debut in the Kallang-Whampoa area, offering a new approach to home design and flexibility.
Project overview
The upcoming BTO project in Kallang-Whampoa will include 310 units, consisting of 80 three-room flats and 230 four-room flats. It is situated at the corner of Crawford Street and North Bridge Road, near Lavender MRT station.
This pilot project will be the first to introduce the new White Flats layout.
Concept and design
White Flats feature an open-concept layout that combines the living and bedroom spaces into a single, continuous area. This design removes the necessity for internal partition walls and beams, resulting in a versatile living environment.
Homeowners can customise their spaces according to their preferences and needs using glass partitions and furniture to delineate different areas within the flat.
Customisation and flexibility
Buyers will have the option to choose the White Flat layout when booking their flats. This flexibility is appealing to young couples and families with young children, offering an open space for children to play and the potential for reconfiguration as the family’s needs change over time.
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The flats will be divided into white spaces and service/wet areas:
- White space
- Power points and lighting points
- No floor finishes, walls and doors, beams
- Columns tucked to edges, contiguous living/bedrooms
- Service/Wet areas
- Floor and wall finishes
- Optional bathroom doors and sanitary fittings
- Power points and lighting points
Affordability and accessibility
The government has announced plans to enhance the Staggered Downpayment Scheme for BTO flats from June 2024. Eligible young couples may make a smaller initial payment of 2.5% of the flat price, down from the current 5% or 10%.
This measure is intended to support Singaporeans, particularly those who buy a flat shortly after starting work or finishing National Service, by making housing more affordable and accessible.
Social integration and fairness
Ensuring a balanced social mix in HDB towns is a priority. Attractive HDB project locations, such as the Greater Southern Waterfront, Bukit Timah Turf City, and the city centre, will continue to be developed.
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Priority in these projects will be given to individuals with specific needs, including families wishing to live near or with their parents, families with three or more children, and first-time buyers over second-timers.
Future developments
As Singapore’s early HDB towns from the 1960s and 1970s age, they will undergo redevelopment and rejuvenation.
Read this: Full list of HDB BTO projects hitting MOP in 2024 (and should you sell right after MOP?)
This presents an opportunity to envision the future of public housing, ensuring it meets the evolving needs and aspirations of Singaporeans.
Public engagement and feedback
During his speech at the Pre-University Seminar, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee emphasised the importance of public participation in the upcoming engagements for the Draft Master Plan 2025 by the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
He highlighted the significance of harnessing collective wisdom and partnering with Singaporeans, including young people, to shape the future of public housing.
Conclusion
The introduction of White Flats represents a significant development in Singapore’s public housing. With their open-concept design and flexibility, these flats are designed to meet the diverse needs of modern Singaporean families. As the October 2024 BTO exercise approaches, potential buyers are encouraged to consider the features of the White Flats. The government’s efforts to adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of Singaporeans ensure that public housing remains an important part of the nation’s housing strategy.
This article is a product of 99.co and is based on information gathered from various sources, including The Straits Times and Channel News Asia. These sources are used in good faith to provide valuable insights. The source of the referenced content is duly credited and we recommend readers refer them for a comprehensive understanding of the topic. 99.co is not responsible for errors, omissions, or consequences from using this information.
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