How to buy a resale flat
SquareRooms|September 2023
So, you'd like to buy a resale HDB flat-but where do you even start? Here's our handy guide to buying and financing your resale HDB flat.
ASIH JENIE
How to buy a resale flat

Every country has its own unique housing culture. In Singapore, the public housing system makes it a particularly unique scene. Getting a Built-to-Order (BTO) flat has become a rite of passage for young couples, but it's not everyone's top choice. Some prospective owners prefer going down the resale road, opting for an older flat instead of a shiny, brand-new one.

If getting a BTO flat is already a difficult process, resale flats require even more legwork and plenty of research. To help you get a headstart on your resale journey, here's a crash course in viewing, choosing and financing a HDB resale flat.

The pros of buying a resale HDB flat

BTO flats will always be the most affordable option. However, the resale HDB flat has its own unique merits.

• Shorter waiting times: The resale procedure typically takes under three months to complete, while the waiting time for a BTO flat can stretch to five years from the date of application.

• No balloting nightmares: Finding the right resale HDB flat is a matter of agreement with the seller and satisfying HDB's eligibility criteria. There may be a bidding war, but there is no balloting or queuing.

• Generous floor plans: It's no secret that the square footage of HDB flats has been getting more compact in recent years, which makes older, more spacious resale HDB flats very appealing.

• Fewer restrictions: Only families and couples with at least one Singapore citizen can ballot for a BTO flat, while a resale flat can be owned by two permanent residents.

• More locations: You can have your pick of any location, regardless of where the next BTO flats are launching.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2023 من SquareRooms.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2023 من SquareRooms.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من SQUAREROOMS مشاهدة الكل
Transform your laundry routine
SquareRooms

Transform your laundry routine

Designed for the demands of modern urban living, Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo redefines convenience by combining washing and drying in a single, space-saving unit.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
Personal moments and timeless design
SquareRooms

Personal moments and timeless design

In a cosy flat filled with curated art and travel mementos, Amirul and Clarice's home tells a story of love, inspiration, and evolving tastes. From mid-century elements to modular classics, the couple shares how they shaped a space that reflects their journeys-and how it's still growing with them.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Old meets bold
SquareRooms

Old meets bold

Tim and Nicole were so enamoured with their Tiong Bahru rental that they bought it, preserving its midcentury charm while personalising the pre-war unit.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Branching out
SquareRooms

Branching out

With a tree at its centre and a mix of global influences across the ages, this home feels more like a living art gallery than a typical apartment.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Minimalist marvel
SquareRooms

Minimalist marvel

Thoughtfully designed by Ray Seah and Kate Sitchon, the space combines sleek aesthetics with practical solutions, offering the perfect balance of style and comfort.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Petite Paris
SquareRooms

Petite Paris

Channelling Parisian charm with a touch of Peranakan flair, this 4-room HDB flat looks like it belongs on the set of Emily in Paris.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Across the ages
SquareRooms

Across the ages

In this one-of-a-kind home, the tastes of three generations— Baby Boomer, millennial, and Gen Z-converge.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
Living artfully
SquareRooms

Living artfully

Explore how Kave Home's Gala, Aiguablava, and Jondal collections bring together comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless style to transform any space into a haven of modern living.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
A new chapter
SquareRooms

A new chapter

Caesarstone adds 9 styles to its Porcelain Collection

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024
The natural balance
SquareRooms

The natural balance

Inspired by the serene beauty of dewdrops, the Antao Collection by Villeroy & Boch transforms bathrooms into wellness sanctuaries, combining sustainability with timeless elegance.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024