What is a DBSS flat? DBSS, or Design, Build and Sell Scheme, was a short-lived HDB housing option between 2005 and 2012. They’re built by private developers and available exclusively on the resale market today.
Wondering what the difference is between a DBSS flat vs other HDB flats? Or what about DBSS flats vs Executive Condominiums (ECs)? In this article, we’ll answer those questions, as well as cover the list of DBSS flats in Singapore and how much they cost.
Watch Our Guide to DBSS Flats in Singapore
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What Is a DBSS Flat: DBSS Flats Vs Other HDB Flats
1. DBSS Flats Are Built by Private Developers
As mentioned, HDB flats are developed by HDB while DBSS flats are built by private developers. Private developers who wanted to build DBSS flats bought land from HDB and oversaw the design, planning, sale, and construction of the flats.
2. DBSS Flats Have a Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)?
Since DBSS flats are still HDB flats, this means the usual rules and eligibility criteria around buying resale HDB flats apply. DBSS flat owners also need to fulfil their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) of five years before they can rent out the whole unit or sell their homes.
3. 5-Room DBSS Flats Typically Have an Additional Bedroom
One reason why some buyers like DBSS flats is because of the variation in its unit offerings. While HDB flats have standardised floor plans based on home size, DBSS homeowners can expect features such as balconies, study areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and more natural light. The interior of DBSS flats resembles condos more than HDB flats.
5-room DBSS flats usually have four bedrooms, whereas regular 5-room flats typically only have three bedrooms and a study space that requires the addition of walls should the owner want a fourth bedroom.
What Is a DBSS Flat: DBSS Flats Vs ECs
You may be wondering: since they’re sold by HDB but built by private developers, aren’t they the same as ECs?
Indeed, the two property types are similar in that sense. However, they differ in a few key areas: a DBSS flat is essentially like a standard HDB in most ways, except with more premium interior furnishing and larger space. On the outside, a DBSS flat looks pretty much like any ol’ HDB. The DBSS project may have better common facilities like barbecue areas and multi-purpose sports courts, but no swimming pools and/or security guards.
Unlike DBSS flats, however, ECs are built exactly as private condos are – think swimming pools, fitness gyms, and all the usual frills. They feature a full suite of facilities and amenities and are physically indistinguishable from regular condos. In fact, after 10 years, ECs become private and can be sold on the open market.
Lastly, ECs are still being launched by the government, but DBSS flats have been discontinued since 2012.
List of DBSS Flats in Singapore
| DBSS flat | HDB estate | Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) date |
| Pasir Ris One | Pasir Ris | 2020 |
| Parkland Residences | Hougang | 2019 |
| Lake Vista @ Yuan Ching | Jurong West | 2019 |
| Trivelis | Clementi | 2019 |
| Centrale 8 | Tampines | 2019 |
| Belvia | Bedok | 2019 |
| Adora Green | Yishun | 2018 |
| The Peak @ Toa Payoh | Toa Payoh | 2017 |
| Parc Lumiere | Simei | 2016 |
| Natura Loft | Bishan | 2016 |
| City View @ Boon Keng | Boon Keng | 2016 |
| Park Central @ AMK | Ang Mo Kio | 2016 |
| The Premiere @ Tampines | Tampines | 2013 |
HDB DBSS Flat Prices in 2023: How Much Do They Cost?
| HDB DBSS projects | Price (for 3-bedroom unit transactions in the past 6 months) |
| Pasir Ris One | Not available |
| Parkland Residences | $670,000 to $910,000 |
| Lake Vista @ Yuan Ching | $660,000 to $790,000 |
| Trivelis | $798,000 to $1,240,000 |
| Centrale 8 | $735,000 to $970,000 |
| Belvia | $795,000 (only one transaction in August 2023) |
| Adora Green | $620,000 to $720,000 |
| The Peak @ Toa Payoh | $907,000 to $1,380,000 |
| Parc Lumiere | $900,000 to $920,000 |
| Natura Loft | $975,000 to $1,400,000 |
| City View @ Boon Keng | $947,000 to $1,260,000 |
| Park Central @ AMK | $755,000 to $853,000 |
| The Premiere @ Tampines | $785,000 to $908,000 |
Although DBSS flats are priced at a premium, there are a handful of affordable ones too. When we looked at the recent DBSS flat transaction prices for units with three bedrooms (based on PropertyGuru listings, accurate as of 6 September 2023), the million-dollar ones are usually located in the city fringe areas, or popular estates like Bishan.
Ultimately, DBSS flat prices vary from project to project. Let’s take a look at some of the most talked-about and sought-after DBSS flats in town.
1. Bishan DBSS: Natura Loft
|
Address |
Bishan Street 24 |
|
No. of storeys |
40 |
|
Nearest MRT station |
CC15/NS17 Bishan |
|
Price for DBSS flat with 3 bedrooms |
$975,000 to $1,400,000 |
Anyone who’s kept up with property news in recent years would be aware of the multiple million-dollar flat transactions occurring at Natura Loft. And this is by no means a blip.
Given its long remaining lease, convenient location, and proximity to choice schools like Raffles Institution and Catholic High School, it’s not surprising that Natura Loft DBSS consistently fetches such high prices.
Browse Natura Loft (Bishan) DBSS for sale on PropertyGuru.
2. City View @ Boon Keng
|
Address |
Boon Keng Rd |
|
No. of storeys |
40 |
|
Nearest MRT station |
NE9 Boon Keng |
|
Price for DBSS flat with 3 bedrooms |
$947,000 to $1,260,000 |
Another HDB DBSS project that’s been consistently sold for over the $1 million mark is City View @ Boon Keng, affectionately known as ‘that Kallang DBSS’.
If Natura Loft’s location was good, City View’s is incredible. Located in the Kallang/Whampoa district, It’s just a few minutes shy of ‘prime location’. Plus, at 40 storeys high, the Kallang DBSS’s high floors offer a stunning vista of the CBD and Marina Bay.
Browse City View @ Boon Keng DBSS for sale on PropertyGuru.
3. Toa Payoh DBSS: The Peak @ Toa Payoh
|
Address |
Lor 1 Toa Payoh |
|
No. of storeys |
42 |
|
Nearest MRT station |
CC17/TE9 Caldecott, NS18 Braddell |
|
Price for DBSS flat with 3 bedrooms |
$907,000 to $1,380,000 |
True to its name, The Peak @ Toa Payoh DBSS fetches top dollar in its neighbourhood. Interestingly, The Peak @ Toa Payoh DBSS is taller than the other DBSS projects highlighted here, at 42 storeys instead of the usual 40. If you go weak in the knees for panoramic views, you may also want to read our guide to the tallest HDB flats in Singapore.
Browse The Peak @ Toa Payoh DBSS for sale on PropertyGuru.
4. Ang Mo Kio DBSS: Park Central @ AMK
|
Address |
Ang Mo Kio St 52 |
|
No. of storeys |
30 |
|
Nearest MRT station |
NS16 Ang Mo Kio |
|
Price for DBSS flat with 3 bedrooms |
$755,000 to $853,000 |
We’ve covered HDB DBSS projects in Bishan and Toa Payoh. Which neighbourhood is next? Ang Mo Kio, of course! Park Central @ AMK DBSS may not grab headlines like its neighbours, but, make no mistake, demand for a flat here is definitely strong.
Park Central @ AMK is located in the food lovers’ paradise that is Ang Mo Kio, and the Instagrammable Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is just a short drive or bus ride away. It’s also within walking distance to Ang Mo Kio MRT station, which will serve as an interchange MRT station for the upcoming Cross Island Line and North South Line.
Browse Park Central @ AMK DBSS for sale on PropertyGuru.
5. Clementi DBSS: Trivelis
|
Address |
Clementi Ave 4 |
|
No. of storeys |
40 |
|
Nearest MRT station |
EW23 Clementi |
|
Price for 4-room flat |
$798,000 to $1,240,000 |
Amid all the excitement over Natura Loft DBSS, the news about Trivelis DBSS might have escaped your attention. Homes in Clementi offer proximity to tertiary institutions like NUS, NTU, and SIM.
Browse Trivelis (Clementi) DBSS for sale on PropertyGuru.
Why Did HDB Stop Building DBSS Flats?
The DBSS scheme was first launched in 2005, but was suspended years later in 2012 due to the many DBSS complaints. Buyers were unhappy over issues such as poor design, workmanship and defects despite them paying a premium. These issues have largely been rectified across affected developments such as Pasir Ris One and Trivelis.
In any case, no matter what property you’re viewing, do your due diligence when looking for your dream home. If you’re a first-time home buyer and are also considering other options like condos, consider signing up for the upcoming New Beginnings Property TourTalks.
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