Are you thinking of buying a flat in Singapore? Have you ever thought about renting a flat instead? What is the difference between a flat and a house?
Most people don’t really know anything about flats. They think they are just houses with more rooms. And they would be surprised to find out that flats are very different from houses.
Flats are actually quite similar to houses. But they are also different in a lot of ways. Like the most important difference is that flats are always smaller than houses.
So if you want to know more about flats, read on.
What are HDB flats?
HDB flats are a type of public housing in Singapore that is built and managed by the Housing and Development Board. HDB flats are known for their affordability and are popular among Singaporeans of all income levels.
There are four main types of HDB flats in Singapore:
- 2-room flats
- 3-room flats
- 4-room flats
- 5-room or executive flats
2-room and 3-room flats are the most common type of HDB flats, while 4-room and 5-room flats are less common. HDB flats are typically located in HDB towns, which are self-contained towns that have all the amenities and facilities that residents need.
Who can apply for an HDB flat?
You must be a Singapore Citizen or a Singapore Permanent Resident in order to apply for an HDB flat. If you are married, both you and your spouse must meet this criterion in order to be eligible. If you are divorced, you must still meet the eligibility criteria in order to apply for a flat.
You will also need to ensure that your household income does not exceed the income ceiling for the flat type that you are applying for. The income ceiling is different for 2-room flats, 3-room flats, 4-room flats, and Executive Condominiums. You can find out more about the income ceilings here.
In addition, you must not already own or have an interest in any private property in Singapore or overseas. If you are found to have done so, your application for an HDB flat will be rejected.
HDB prices and flat types
Property prices differ greatly depending on factors such as location, facility / amenities, condition, etc. Neighbourhoods and units are rarely all the same, and when you look closely, you will discover that the average price varies slightly from area to area, even in the same neighbourhood.
| Type | HDB BTO Flats (Non-Mature Estates) | HDB BTO Flats (Mature Estates) | Resale Flats | Executive Condominiums | Private Condominiums |
| Two-Room (Flexi) | $90,000 to $162,000 | $137,000 to $277,000 | – | $640,000 to $720,000 | $800,000 to $900,000 |
| Three-Room | $164,000 to $248,000 | $205,000 to $421,000 | $350,000 to $380,000 | $776,000 to $960,000 | $970,000 to $1.2m |
| Four-Room | $253,000 to $381,000 | $311,000 to $617,000 | $420,000 to $550,000 | $1.12m to $1.4m | $1.4m to $1.8m |
| Five-Room | $405,000 to $516,000 | $423,000 to $725,000 | $520,000 to $700,000 | $1.6m to $1.76m | $2m to $2.2m |
How to apply for an HDB flat
There are a few things to take note of when applying for an HDB flat. Firstly, you will need to make sure that you are eligible for an HDB flat. You can check your eligibility by using the HDB eligibility tool. Secondly, you will need to decide on the type of flat that you want to apply for. Once you have done that, you will need to submit your application online.Â
After you have submitted your application, you will need to attend an appointment at the HDB branch. At the appointment, you will need to submit the required documents and make the necessary payments. Once your application has been processed, you will be notified of the results.
Things to consider before applying for an HDB flat
There are many factors to consider before applying for an HDB flat, such as your budget, location, housing type, and more. Can you afford it? HDB flats are not cheap, and you will need to be able to pay for the down payment, monthly installments, and other associated costs. Do you meet the eligibility requirements? HDB has strict eligibility requirements for those who wish to apply for a flat. Make sure you meet all the criteria before you apply. What kind of flat do you want? HDB offers a variety of flat types, from 2-room flats to 5-room flats. Decide which type of flat is best for you and your family. Where do you want to live? HDB flats are located all over Singapore. Choose a location that is convenient for you and your family.
Here are some things to keep in mind as you navigate the HDB application process.
- Budget. How much can you afford to spend on your HDB flat? Keep in mind that you will also need to factor in the cost of renovation and furnishing your home.
- Location. Location is an important consideration when choosing an HDB flat. You will want to choose a location that is convenient for you, whether that means being close to work or close to amenities.
- Housing Type. HDB flats come in a variety of housing types, from studio apartments to five-room flats. Consider your needs and Choose the type of housing that is right for you.
HDB resale process
The resale process for HDB flats is fairly straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind.Â
First, you will need to engage a HDB-approved resale agent to help with the paperwork and marketing of your flat. The agent will help to determine the market value of your flat and market it to prospective buyers.Â
Once you have received an offer from a buyer, the agent will help to negotiate the price and terms of sale. Once both parties have agreed on a price, you will need to submit the following documents to HDB:Â
- A copy of the Option to Purchase (OTP)
- A copy of the subsequent sale and purchase agreement
- The completed HDB Resale Checklist
After HDB has reviewed the documents and approved the sale, the next step is to notify HDB of your intention to sell your flat. You will need to submit a copy of the Resale Option Holder Agreement.Â
HDB rental process
The rental process for HDB flats is a process that is conducted by the Singapore government in order to better manage the public housing in the country. In order to apply for an HDB rental unit, one must first submit an application form which is available on the HDB website. The form must be completed and submitted with the required documents.
Once the application is received, it will be processed by the HDB. If the application is successful, the HDB will then contact the applicant to arrange for aflat viewing. If the applicant is satisfied with the flat, they will then be required to sign a tenancy agreement. The whole process usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks.
HDB rules and regulations
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) is Singapore’s public housing authority. It designs, builds, and maintains HDB towns and flats.
All HDB flats are leased for 99 years, and cannot be sold or transferred within the first 30 years of the lease. After the 30-year mark, you can sell or transfer your HDB flat to Singaporeans, SPRs, and F with effect from 1 May 2003, you can sell or sublet your HDB flat to any buyers without HDB’s approval.
To ensure that our housing stock is well-maintained and preserved for future generations, HDB has put in place a set of rules and regulations governing the use and upkeep of HDB flats.Â
These rules and regulations are designed to ensure that all HDB residents can enjoy a safe and comfortable living environment. For example, HDB flats must be used for residential purposes only, and no unauthorised modifications or additions can be made to the flats. Maintaining the flat in a good condition, not carrying out illegal renovations, and not subletting your flat without HDB’s approval.
HDB also has a strict Limited Liability Policy in place, which protects HDB from any legal liability arising from the use of HDB flats. This means that residents must take full responsibility for their own actions and must not cause damage to HDB property or disturb the peace and quiet of their neighbours.
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