The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has seen a surge in interest for its July 2025 Build-to-Order (BTO) sales exercise, with over 22,000 applications received as of 5pm on Wednesday, July 30, according to National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat. This marks a significant increase from the 13,200 applications during the February launch earlier this year.

A total of 5,547 flats have been offered across eight projects located in Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Sembawang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands — all aimed at catering to a wide range of home buyers with varying needs and budgets. In comparison, the February exercise saw 5,032 units launched.

The median application rate for three-room and larger flats among first-timer families stands at 1.4, up from 1.1 in February. However, it remains lower than the application rates from last year’s three exercises, which ranged between 1.6 and 2.6.

Prime Projects Continue to Attract Strong Interest

Despite higher subsidy clawback rates introduced in this exercise, Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) projects remain highly popular.

Four projects fall under the Prime category this round:

• Clementi Emerald – 12% subsidy clawback

• Toa Payoh Ascent

• Alexandra Peaks

• Alexandra Vista – all with 11% clawback

These clawbacks are the highest to date, up from 9% in earlier launches. The increase reflects the additional subsidies granted to ensure that flats in highly desirable locations remain affordable and inclusive for Singaporeans.

Nonetheless, demand remained robust. The four Prime projects received over 12,000 applications, nearly half of all applications in the current launch.

Among them, Toa Payoh Ascent emerged as the most sought-after, drawing nearly 5,900 applicants for 741 flats. Property analysts attributed this to its central location, proximity to Caldecott MRT, and nearby top schools including CHIJ Primary and Secondary, and Raffles Girls’ School.

Standard Projects and Singles See Strong Demand

Outside the Prime category, Simei Symphony in Tampines proved the most popular Standard project. Located in the Simei estate, its five-room flats saw about eight first-time applicants vying for each of the 100 units available.

The exercise also marked the rollout of new housing policy changes, including:

• Expanded Family Care Scheme to give priority to singles who apply to live with or near their parents.

• Increased allocation quota for second-timer families applying for 3-room or larger flats.

• Relaxation of deferred income assessment rules, allowing only one party in a couple to be a current or recent full-time student or NS man, instead of both.

These changes appear to have contributed to continued strong interest among first-time singles, especially for two-room flexi flats across Singapore.

Application Window Closing

The July BTO sales exercise, which began on July 23, closed at 11:59pm on July 30.

Minister Chee emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring public housing remains accessible, affordable, and fair, particularly as Singaporeans continue to show robust interest in both mature and non-mature estate offerings.