New in Oct BTO launch: 'White flats', additional subsidies

The Oct 16 Build-To-Order (BTO) launch will feature several changes that will affect home buyers, including a new way of classifying flats, more options for singles and new open-concept "white flats".

- Wong Yang

Here are the key changes:

1. NEW CLASSIFICATION MODEL FOR BTO FLATS

Flats in the Oct 16 BTO launch are the first to be classified under the new Prime, Plus and Standard model.

Instead of being classified under mature or non-mature estates, BTO flats will now be split into three groups.

Prime and Plus flats are in better locations, such as being closer to MRT stations and town centres. They come with stricter resale conditions, such as a 10-year minimum occupation period (MOP) and a subsidy clawback of between 6 and 9 per cent.

Prime flats are in the choicest locations that might be closer to the city centre or in surrounding towns.