The Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore is rolling out around 1,900 Flexi flats (2-room units each) in a Build-to-Order (BTO) exercise in October 2024. This is the first such launch, says a CNA report, in which single buyers can apply for these HDB units at any location.
Earlier, singles were only allowed to buy new 2-room Flexi flats (of 99-year lease) in non-mature estates. Now, the categories of “mature” or “non-mature” HDB housing estates are being replaced with the following categories: Standard, Plus, or Prime, based on the location and features of the new flats.
Alongside the new HDB categories and lifting of eligibility restriction, there is even better news for singles, as a certain number of BTO flats will be earmarked for them.
“HDB will set aside up to 65 per cent of the non-senior 2-room Flexi flats in Standard, Plus and Prime projects in a BTO exercise for first-timer singles,” reported CNA, quoting the Board.
This month’s BTO exercise will cover the locations of Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bukit Batok, Jurong West, Kallang/Whampoa, Pasir Ris, and Sengkang, according to HDB.
This latest sale marks yet another change in HDB regulations for singles, with the aim of making HDB housing more accessible for them.
Since the 1990s, singles aged 35 and above could buy HDB resale flats and that, too, with some restrictions on flat size and location. In 2013, the rules were revised to let singles apply for new 2-room HDB flats in non-mature estates.
From mid-2025, singles in Singapore are expected to have priority access if they apply for a BTO flat in order to live with their parents, or to live near their parents.
“We will continue to review our housing policies and make adjustments where necessary, to ensure they continue to support the housing needs and aspirations of singles who wish to have a place of their own,” said the HDB statement.
