A Single’s Guide to Buying an HDB Flat

Ready to purchase your own home? If you are single, 35 years old and older, you can purchase an HDB flat and may be eligible for housing grants. Here’s a comprehensive guide for singles looking to buy an HDB flat.

BTO Flat

A Build-To-Order (BTO) flat is priced lower than comparable resale flats in the same area, offering an affordable option for home buyers. Singles with a monthly income of $7,000 and below can apply for a 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate, with a full 99-year lease. Depending on their monthly income, they can get up to $40,000 in CPF housing grants.

BTO flats are launched for sale every quarter. You can visit the HDB Flat Portal to check out the upcoming BTO projects and weigh your options. Find out how you can purchase a BTO flat with our step-by-step guide.

Resale Flat

Single Singaporeans aged 35 and above can also buy an HDB resale flat. There is a wide choice of flats with varying leases across towns. There are no income ceiling restriction except if you decide to get an HDB housing loan and/ or apply for CPF housing grants of up to $80,000.

Resale flats can be purchased anytime throughout the year. After finding the resale flat of your choice and negotiating the purchase price with the seller, you will only need to wait about 8 weeks from HDB’s acceptance of your resale application before collecting the keys to your new home.

You can choose to manage your transaction via the HDB Resale Portal or engage the services of an estate agent registered with the Council of Estate Agents.

Other Housing Options

Singles who wish to live on your own but have not met the minimum age criteria of 35 years old to purchase an HDB flat, have the option of renting from the open market. If you’re planning to do so, do take note of the following:

• Request the flat owner to show documentary proof that they own the flat, and HDB’s approval letter to rent out the flat or bedroom
• Refer to CEA’s templates when preparing your tenancy agreement and make sure that you fully understand all the terms and conditions
• Ensure that you are included as an authorised tenant

Source: mynicehome.gov.sg