Buying a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat from the Housing & Development Board (HDB) is a major milestone for many Singaporeans. Designed to provide affordable public housing, BTO flats are sold directly by HDB and are popular due to their lower prices compared to resale flats. However, purchasing one involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and following a detailed application process.

Eligibility Requirements for BTO Flats

Before applying for a BTO flat, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Citizenship

• At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen (SC).

• For couples or families, the other applicant must be either a Singapore Citizen or a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR).

2. Age

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old.

• For unmarried or divorced singles, you must be 35 years old and above to buy a 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme.

3. Family Nucleus

You must apply under one of the following schemes:

• Public Scheme (e.g., with spouse, children, or parents)

• Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme

• Orphans Scheme

• Single Singapore Citizen Scheme (only for eligible singles)

4. Income Ceiling

• 2-room Flexi (non-mature estate): $7,000

• 3-room flat: $7,000–$14,000 depending on the project

• 4-room or larger: $14,000 (or $21,000 for extended families)

5. Property Ownership

• Must not own or have disposed of any private residential property (in Singapore or overseas) in the last 30 months.

• Must not own more than one HDB, DBSS or EC flat.

• Must not have bought more than two subsidised flats.

---

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a BTO Flat

Step 1: Check for Upcoming Sales Launches

• HDB launches BTO flats four times a year (February, May, August, and November).

• You can view the launch details on the HDB website.

Step 2: Ballot for a Flat

• Apply for a flat during the one-week application window.

• Submit your application online via HDB’s portal.

• Balloting is based on eligibility, priority schemes, and demand.

Step 3: Receive Ballot Results

• Results are released approximately 2 months after the application period.

• If successful, you will receive a queue number to select a flat.

Step 4: Book Your Flat

• Choose your preferred unit based on availability.

• Pay the Option Fee:

  • $500 for 2-room Flexi

  • $1,000 for 3-room

  • $2,000 for 4-room and larger

Step 5: Sign the Agreement for Lease

• About 4-6 months after booking, you will be invited to sign the lease.

• Pay the downpayment:

  • Using CPF or cash (5% for HDB loan, 10% for bank loan)

• You must also pay stamp duties and legal fees at this stage.

Step 6: Wait for Construction and Collect Keys

• Construction takes 3 to 5 years.

• You’ll be invited to collect the keys once the project is complete.

---

Financing Options

HDB Loan

• Up to 80% financing of flat price

• Must not own any private property in the past 30 months

• Household income ceiling: $14,000 (or $21,000 for extended families)

• Interest rate: 2.6% (pegged to CPF Ordinary Account + 0.1%)

Bank Loan

• Up to 75% financing of flat price (with 5% cash downpayment)

• More stringent credit assessment

• Floating or fixed interest rates (typically lower than HDB loan initially)

Read to compare HDB Loan or Bank Loan

---

Grants Available

Eligible first-timers can apply for the following CPF Housing Grants:

• Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): Up to $80,000, based on income level

• Grants are credited into your CPF OA account and used to offset the flat price

---

Important Considerations

• Priority Schemes (like the Married Child Priority Scheme or Parenthood Priority Scheme) can increase your chances during balloting.

• Consider the location, amenities, waiting time, and future resale potential.

• Buying a BTO is a long-term commitment, and there is a 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) before you can sell or rent out the whole flat.

FAQs about BTO Flats

Question: I am an existing HDB flat owner. Can I still apply for new BTO flat? 

Answer: Yes, existing flat owners can apply for BTO flats, but there are important conditions and restrictions:

Eligibility Conditions for Existing Flat Owners:

1. You must sell your existing flat within 6 months of collecting the keys to the new BTO flat.

2. Ownership Restrictions

   • You must not own any private property (local or overseas) or have disposed of any in the last 30 months before applying.

3. Number of subsidised flats

   • You must not have taken two previous subsidised housing grants/flats (e.g., BTO, SBF, resale flat with CPF grants).

   • You can apply if you have received only one housing subsidy so far.

Conclusion

Buying a BTO flat in Singapore is a structured and subsidized pathway to home ownership, especially for young couples and families. While the process involves eligibility checks and a bit of luck during balloting, it remains one of the most affordable options to own a home in Singapore. Be sure to stay updated on launch dates, assess your financial readiness, and understand the schemes and grants that can support your purchase.