The upcoming June 2026 sales exercise is shaping up to be one of the largest mid-year BTO launches in recent years by the Housing & Development Board (HDB). Around 6,900 flats will be released across seven projects. These span Bukit Merah, Upper Thomson, Ang Mo Kio, Sembawang North, and Woodlands.
Roughly half of the flats will come under the Plus or Prime categories, making it one of the most premium BTO exercises to date. Those prioritising connectivity and city-fringe convenience may want to pay close attention to this upcoming exercise.
Here's what we know so far about the June 2026 BTO launch.
The June exercise will see a major release at Berlayar in Bukit Merah, with 1,960 flats planned for the former Keppel Club site. Following closely after the previous launch in October 2025, this second BTO project in the area presents another rare opportunity to secure a waterfront-facing HDB flat, especially once the Greater Southern Waterfront takes shape in the coming years.
Connectivity remains one of Berlayar's strongest attributes. Telok Blangah MRT station on the Circle Line sits nearby. It is one stop away from HarbourFront, where commuters can switch to the North East Line. Daily amenities will also improve over time. A market and hawker centre is planned across the road from the future development. In addition, the area will see new preschools, shops, and supermarkets as part of the broader estate plans.
Given its central location and waterfront setting, the upcoming Berlayar BTO project in the June exercise is likely to fall under the Prime classification, similar to the previous project. Last year's launch offered only 880 units, whereas the upcoming exercise will see roughly double that number. In theory, this increases the chances for applicants, although demand will almost certainly still exceed supply.
The June 2026 BTO also places greater emphasis on 2-room flats over 3-room units in Berlayar Estate. Around 810 units are expected to be 2-room flats, compared to just 170 3-room units. The remaining 980 units will be 4-room flats. This allocation slightly improves the odds for singles, who are restricted to applying for 2-room flats.
The exact Subsidy Recovery rate will be announced closer to launch. For reference, the previous Berlayar project carried a 14 per cent rate, and a similar figure may apply this time, given the comparable location and likely classification.
The Upper Thomson release forms part of a broader public housing rollout in this part of Bishan, rather than a standalone project. The wider plan stretches from Lakeview to Shunfu and will eventually introduce about 1,600 new flats across several developments.
As for the pilot project, the June exercise will centre on a new BTO project at Lakeview, with around 1,200 units on offer. The mix includes approximately 470 2-room flats and 740 4-room flats, alongside about 50 public rental units. The Lakeview BTO could appeal to buyers who want to live near Bishan but prefer to avoid the density of its established neighbourhoods and the higher resale prices in the area.
Notably, this marks the first time in more than four decades that HDB has launched new flats in the Upper Thomson area. For many buyers, that alone makes this exercise significant. The Upper Thomson address, along with the relatively central setting, points towards a likely Prime classification for this site.
Another standout feature is the potential greenery views towards MacRitchie Reservoir, as well as the short walk to Marymount MRT station on the Circle Line. From there, commuters are just one stop away from Bishan Interchange, which links to the North South Line. HDB has also planned the usual heartland amenities like minimarts, childcare, and a Residents' Network Centre to support the upcoming housing estate.
Ang Mo Kio will likely draw some of the strongest interest in the June 2026 exercise. As a mature estate with an established track record, it rarely sees large BTO releases. That limited supply in recent years could translate into pent-up demand this time round.
Two projects will be launched here, offering a combined total of about 1,050 flats. Given the location and surrounding amenities, both sites are expected to fall under the Plus category. Some flats may sit within walking distance of the Mayflower MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, while others could be slightly farther away. Even so, Ang Mo Kio's reputation and mature-town appeal mean demand is likely to remain strong, regardless of the finer details.
The first site, along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 2, sits directly opposite CHIJ St Nicholas Girls' School. Mayflower Primary School may also fall within the 1-kilometre enrolment radius. Around 480 homes, comprising 90 3- and 390 4-room flats, will be built here. The estate already has established amenities such as coffee shops and minimarts, so daily essentials are within easy reach.
The second project, along Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, will provide about 570 units, comprising 370 2-room and 200 4-room flats. This site does not seem to have any primary schools within a 1-kilometre radius, although Mayflower Secondary School is located nearby. The focus on 2-room configuration at this BTO project makes sense, as singles are less affected by primary school proximity.
For buyers who simply need to secure a flat in the June 2026 BTO exercise, Sembawang North may be the pragmatic choice. The area will see one of the largest supply injections this round, with about 2,000 flats released across two projects along Sembawang Drive and Sungei Sembawang. These launches form part of the wider Sembawang North estate, which will eventually deliver around 10,000 homes when fully developed.
The Sembawang Drive site is the larger of the two, with roughly 1,130 units. It will offer the full mix of 2-room flexi and3- to 5-room flats, including some 3Gen units. As this is a newer precinct, amenities within immediate walking distance remain limited for now. Residents will likely depend on the more established parts of Sembawang for shopping and dining. In exchange, they get a quieter setting with lower density, less traffic and fewer crowds.
The nearest MRT station is not within comfortable walking distance, so most residents will need to rely on bus services to reach Sembawang station on the North South Line. For families, Northoaks Primary School and Endeavour Primary School appear to fall within the one-kilometre enrolment radius, subject to final confirmation.
The second project, located next to Northoaks Primary School, will provide about 870 units, again spanning 2-room flexi and 3- to 5-room flats. It shares the same quieter, less built-up character as the rest of Sembawang North, but benefits from being right beside the school.
Both projects are expected to fall under the Standard classification. That makes them suitable for buyers who want fewer resale restrictions and greater flexibility in the future. For applicants who prioritise securing a unit over location prestige, Sembawang North stands out as one of the more straightforward options in this June BTO launch.
The June 2026 BTO exercise will feature one project in Woodlands. Based on its location, it is likely to fall under the Standard classification. That makes it a practical option for buyers who prefer to avoid the 10-year MOP tied to Prime and Plus flats.
The project is expected to offer about 640 units, spanning 2-room flexi and 3- to 5-room flats. Depending on the exact block location, some units could be within walking distance of the Woodlands Integrated Transport Hub. This includes Woodlands MRT station on the North South Line and the Thomson-East Coast Line.
Even if certain blocks are slightly farther out, frequent bus services connect residents to the transport hub. Causeway Point sits right next to the interchange and covers most daily shopping and dining needs. For families, Si Ling Primary School and Fuchun Primary School appear to fall within the one-kilometre enrolment radius, subject to final confirmation.
Overall, this may not be the most high-profile site in the batch. However, the decent unit count, broad flat mix and Standard classification position it as a sensible and flexible choice for many applicants.
IMPORTANT NOTEIf you intend to take part in the June 2026 sales exercise, make sure you apply for your HFE letter early and submit all required documents by 15 May 2026.
Even though HDB has not announced the launch prices for the upcoming BTO exercise, we can forecast an estimate price range for each property type in the respective estates based on previous exercises.
| Berlayar Rise | Lakeview Cascadia | Kebun Baru Ridge, Kebun Baru Breeze | Woodgrove Acres | Sembawang Portico, Sembawang Brook | ||||||
| Forecast | Min | Max | Min | Max | Min | Max | Min | Max | Min | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDB 3 Room | $435,000 | $591,000 | $435,000 | $591,000 | $380,000 | $492,000 | $260,000 | $325,000 | $250,000 | $344,000 |
| HDB 4 Room | $592,000 | $810,000 | $592,000 | $810,000 | $543,000 | $746,000 | $353,000 | $437,000 | $302,000 | $437,000 |
| HDB 5 Room | - | - | - | - | - | - | $472,000 | $582,000 | $420,000 | $579,000 |
Based on SRX's pricing forecast, the table below compares affordability across the upcoming BTO launches.
Legend: Red means that income level may not be able to qualify for a mortgage per MAS 30% MSR Rule
| Berlayar Rise Median* Monthly Cash Payment | |||||||||
| Your Household Income | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $9,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDB 2 Rooms | $740 | $533 | $348 | $164 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 3 Rooms | $1,502 | $1,294 | $1,110 | $925 | $740 | $556 | $371 | $187 | $2 |
| HDB 4 Rooms | $2,269 | $2,062 | $1,877 | $1,693 | $1,508 | $1,323 | $1,139 | $954 | $770 |
| *Based on Berlayar Rise median pricing forecast of $326,500 for HDB 2 Rooms and $513,000 for HDB 3 Rooms and $701,000 for HDB 4 Rooms | |||||||||
| Lakeview Cascadia Median* Monthly Cash Payment | |||||||||
| Your Household Income | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $9,000 |
| HDB 2 Rooms | $740 | $533 | $348 | $164 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 3 Rooms | $1,502 | $1,294 | $1,110 | $925 | $740 | $556 | $371 | $187 | $2 |
| HDB 4 Rooms | $2,269 | $2,062 | $1,877 | $1,693 | $1,508 | $1,323 | $1,139 | $954 | $770 |
| *Based on Lakeview Cascadia median pricing forecast of $326,500 for HDB 2 Rooms and $513,000 for HDB 3 Rooms and $701,000 for HDB 4 Rooms | |||||||||
| Kebun Baru Ridge, Kebun Baru Breeze Median* Monthly Cash Payment | |||||||||
| Your Household Income | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $9,000 |
| HDB 2 Rooms | $509 | $302 | $118 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 3 Rooms | $1,187 | $980 | $795 | $611 | $426 | $241 | $57 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 4 Rooms | $2,039 | $1,831 | $1,647 | $1,462 | $1,277 | $1,093 | $908 | $723 | $539 |
| *Based on Kebun Baru Ridge, Kebun Baru Breeze median pricing forecast of $270,000 for HDB 2 Rooms and $436,000 for HDB 3 Rooms and $644,500 for HDB 4 Rooms | |||||||||
| Woodgrove Acres Median* Monthly Cash Payment | |||||||||
| Your Household Income | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $9,000 |
| HDB 2 Rooms | $118 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 3 Rooms | $601 | $394 | $209 | $25 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 4 Rooms | $1,020 | $813 | $628 | $443 | $259 | $74 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 5 Rooms | $1,559 | $1,352 | $1,167 | $982 | $798 | $613 | $428 | $244 | $59 |
| *Based on Woodgrove Acres median pricing forecast of $174,000 for HDB 2 Rooms and $292,500 for HDB 3 Rooms and $395,000 for HDB 4 Rooms and $527,000 for HDB 5 Rooms | |||||||||
| Sembawang Portico, Sembawang Brook Median* Monthly Cash Payment | |||||||||
| Your Household Income | $1,000 | $2,000 | $3,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 | $6,000 | $7,000 | $8,000 | $9,000 |
| HDB 2 Rooms | $150 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 3 Rooms | $620 | $412 | $228 | $43 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 4 Rooms | $916 | $708 | $524 | $339 | $155 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| HDB 5 Rooms | $1,447 | $1,239 | $1,055 | $870 | $685 | $501 | $316 | $131 | $0 |
| HDB Jumbo | $1,520 | $1,313 | $1,128 | $943 | $759 | $574 | $390 | $205 | $20 |
| *Based on Sembawang Portico, Sembawang Brook median pricing forecast of $182,000 for HDB 2 Rooms and $297,000 for HDB 3 Rooms and $369,500 for HDB 4 Rooms and $499,500 for HDB 5 Rooms and $517,500 for HDB Jumbo | |||||||||
The figures show you an estimate of the extra monthly cash instalments you have to fork out after CPF deduction. These estimates take into account the prevailing CPF OA contributions, Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) and loan interest rate.
Depending on your household income, a cash payment highlighted in red means that it may not be affordable for you to purchase that BTO.
Assumptions:
1. Buyers have sufficient savings for the 10% downpayment.
2. The monthly installment is based on the maximum tenure of 25 years at HDB concessionary interest rate of 2.6% p.a.
3. Buyers apply as a first-timer household under one of the eligibility schemes, and all buyers are Singapore citizens.
4. Buyers fulfil all eligibility criteria e.g. within income ceiling for flat intended, at least 21 years old, do not own other property overseas or locally.
Disclaimer: Calculations provided above for financing are for general reference only. StreetSine Singapore Pte Ltd accepts no liability whatsoever arising from any use of or reliance on the use of these tables.
The Feb 2026 BTO launch offers around 4,692 flats across four locations in Singapore.
Most flats come with manageable waiting times
Close to eight in ten units in the February 2026 exercise are expected to be completed within four years. This helps ease concerns over long construction timelines and gives buyers greater certainty in planning their move.
A strong share of Shorter Waiting Time flats
About 1,316 out of 4,692 flats, or 28 per cent of the total supply, are classified as Shorter Waiting Time units. These flats come with estimated completion periods of under three years and are mainly located in Tampines and Sembawang. They are likely to appeal to households hoping to move in sooner rather than later.
4-room flats form the bulk of supply
4-room units make up just over half of the total flats offered. This flat type continues to meet the needs of a wide range of households, offering a balance between space and affordability.
Singles have a relatively broad selection
2-room Flexi flats are available across most projects in the February launch. This gives first-timer singles more location options compared to exercises where supply is concentrated in only one or two estates.
Limited supply of five-room flats
5-room units are available only in the Sembawang projects and form a small share of the overall launch. Compared with recent exercises, this is one of the lower 5-room supplies in recent years. As a result, competition for larger flats may be firmer, especially among families with greater space needs.
Standard
Standard BTO flats come with the usual five-year Minimum Occupation Period and no additional subsidy recovery requirements.
Plus
Plus BTO flats carry a 10-year Minimum Occupation Period and a 6 per cent subsidy recovery upon resale.
Prime
Prime BTO flats come with a 10-year Minimum Occupation Period and a higher 12 per cent subsidy recovery.
Sembawang Voyage / Sembawang Deck (Standard)
Price (After EHG): From S$30,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$370,000 - S$400,000
Price (After EHG): From S$156,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$460,000 - S$560,000
Price (After EHG): From S$224,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$585,000 - S$675,000
Price (After EHG): From S$384,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$715,000 - S$820,000
Tampines Bliss (Standard)
Price (After EHG): From S$258,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$530,000 - S$580,000
Price (After EHG): From S$401,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$688,000 - S$758,000
Tampines Nova (Plus)
Nearby Resale Range: S$420,000 - S$440,000
Price (After EHG): From S$404,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$738,000 - S$828,000
Kim Keat Crest (Plus)
Price (After EHG): From S$83,000
Nearby Resale Range: -
Price (After EHG): From S$266,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$710,000 - S$768,000
Price (After EHG): From S$400,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$850,000 - S$1,090,000
Redhill Peaks (Prime)
Price (After EHG): From S$95,000
Nearby Resale Range: -
Price (After EHG): From S$295,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$628,000 - S$828,000
Price (After EHG): From S$508,000
Nearby Resale Range: S$915,000 - S$1,135,000
Household income S$4,000
With an Enhanced CPF Housing Grant of up to S$80,000, eligible first-timer families can afford 3-room Standard flats in Sembawang and Tampines. They may also manage a 4-room Standard flat in Sembawang, largely using CPF with minimal cash outlay.
Household income S$7,000
With an estimated EHG of about S$30,000, families can consider three-room flats across all projects. 4-room flats in Standard and Plus developments are also within reach. A 5-room Standard flat in Sembawang remains viable at this income tier.
Household income S$9,000
Even with a smaller EHG of around S$5,000, families at this level can afford 3-, 4- and 5-room flats across all classifications, including Plus and Prime projects such as Kim Keat Crest and Redhill Peaks. CPF contributions can typically cover monthly instalments.
Single buyers
First-timer singles earning around S$3,500 per month can purchase a 2-room Flexi flat in Standard or Plus projects with minimal cash. Those earning up to S$4,500 may also consider Prime flats such as Redhill Peaks.
Estimated waiting time: 1 year 11 months (SWT)
Tampines Bliss stands out for having the shortest waiting time in this launch, making it one of the fastest BTO projects since Shorter Waiting Time flats were introduced. The development will comprise three 10-storey blocks with 284 units of 3- and 4-room flats. Planned amenities include a preschool, an eating house, children's play areas, fitness corners and a therapeutic garden.
A landscaped green corridor will link the project to the Tampines Park Connector, Bedok Reservoir Park and Pasir Ris Park. Residents will also enjoy close proximity to Tampines Round Market & Food Centre, as well as convenient access to Tampines MRT station on the East West Line and Tampines East MRT station on the Downtown Line.
Estimated waiting time: 2 years 8 months (SWT)
Situated in the heart of Tampines Central, Tampines Nova will offer a limited 255 units of 2-room Flexi and 4-room flats across two 14-storey blocks. The Plus project will feature a central courtyard, fitness areas, a rooftop community garden and an on-site preschool.
Its location places residents within walking distance of Tampines Mall, Century Square and Tampines 1, as well as Tampines Bus Interchange and Tampines MRT station on the East West Line. With its mature-town setting and strong transport links, demand is expected to be firm.
Families may also be drawn to the wide range of nearby primary schools, including Poi Ching School, Gongshang Primary School, Tampines Primary School, St. Hilda's Primary School, Yumin Primary School, Chongzheng Primary School and Junyuan Primary School, along with several secondary schools in the vicinity.
Estimated waiting time: 2 years 9 months (SWT)
Sembawang Deck forms part of the developing Sembawang North precinct and will offer 777 units across four residential blocks. The flat mix ranges from 2-room Flexi to 5-room units, giving buyers a wide selection of sizes. Within the development, residents can expect amenities such as a preschool, eating house, minimart and neighbourhood shops.
In terms of surrounding facilities, residents can head to Sembawang Mart, Sun Plaza and Bukit Canberra, which brings together sports facilities, healthcare services and dining options under one roof. Over time, the area will also see a new neighbourhood centre and community park, supporting the estate's continued development.
Estimated waiting time: 3 years 8 months (SWT)
Sembawang Voyage sits within Sembawang North, the estate's newest housing precinct, and is bounded by Sembawang Drive, Admiralty Street and Admiralty Lane. The project will feature four residential blocks between 26 and 29 storeys, offering 1,173 flats in two-room Flexi, four-room and five-room layouts. One block will also house 56 public rental units.
A preschool will be integrated at the ground level of the multi-storey car park, providing added convenience for families with young children. As development in Sembawang North progresses, residents can also look forward to additional neighbourhood amenities coming onstream.
Families will find several schools within reasonable proximity, including Endeavour Primary School, Wellington Primary School, Northoaks Primary School and Canberra Primary School. Canberra Secondary School is located slightly farther away.
Estimated waiting time: 3 years 1 month (SWT)
Kim Keat Crest will feature four residential blocks with 1,151 units, offering a mix of 2-room Flexi, 3-room, and 4-room flats, alongside a dedicated rental block. Residents will enjoy on-site conveniences such as shops, a minimart, and an eating house. In addition, Toa Payoh Town Centre and the nearby markets provide a wide range of daily essentials, dining options, and services.
The Plus BTO project will also benefit from the upcoming Toa Payoh Integrated Development, which will house new sports facilities, healthcare services, a relocated public library, and an enhanced town park. Although residents will rely more on buses for MRT connections, Toa Payoh's status as a mature estate and its consistently strong resale track record continue to support long-term demand.
For families, schools remain a key attraction. Established institutions such as St. Andrew's Village and Pei Chun Public School sit within close proximity, and their presence often drives buyer interest.
Estimated waiting time: 4 years 7 months (SWT)
Redhill Peaks sits along Redhill Close, just a short walk from Redhill MRT station. Residents will also enjoy easy access to established amenities such as Bukit Merah Town Centre and Redhill Market and Food Centre. The project will feature three 49-storey residential blocks, offering 1,052 units across 2-room Flexi, 3-room, and 4-room flat types.
As a Prime project within a mature estate, Redhill Peaks benefits from strong existing infrastructure. Bukit Merah Central stands directly opposite, giving residents convenient access to daily essentials, eateries, and services. Within the development, new amenities such as a preschool and a residents' network centre will further enhance convenience and create a more self-contained environment.
For families, school proximity adds to the appeal. Gan Eng Seng Primary School and Bukit Merah Secondary School sit right next to the site, while Zhangde Primary School and Alexandra Primary School are also located within a reasonable distance. This combination of connectivity, amenities, and schools strengthens the project's overall draw.
Build-to-Order flats, commonly known as HDB BTO, remain the main pathway to home ownership for many Singaporeans. Unlike resale flats, BTO units are brand-new homes sold directly by the Housing & Development Board. Buyers choose a flat during a sales launch, and construction only begins when demand for the project reaches the required threshold.
Because flats are built upon order, waiting times typically stretch to about three to five years, except for Shorter Waiting Time (SWT) flats. In return, buyers secure a subsidised home at below-market prices. For many families, this represents both a fresh start and a long-term financial foundation.
Since the reforms announced during the National Day Rally 2023, new BTO projects no longer follow the old "mature" and "non-mature" estate labels. Instead, flats now fall under Standard, Plus, or Prime categories. These changes started rolling out from the second half of 2024.
Standard flats form the bulk of supply across Singapore. They carry a five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) and the fewest resale restrictions. Owners may rent out the entire flat after MOP, and resale buyers do not face an income ceiling.
Plus flats sit in more attractive locations, often near MRT stations or town centres. They come with a ten-year MOP and tighter resale rules. Owners must return part of the subsidy upon resale. Resale buyers face a S$14,000 income ceiling, and owners cannot rent out the entire flat even after MOP.
Prime flats occupy the most central and sought-after areas. These units also carry a ten-year MOP but come with the strictest resale controls. Subsidy recovery applies upon resale, income ceilings are enforced for buyers, and whole-unit rental is not allowed. These rules aim to keep prime public housing accessible and discourage speculative gains.
From the October 2025 launch onwards, HDB introduced the Family Care Scheme (FCS) - Joint Balloting. This allows parents and their children, regardless of marital status, to apply together for two flats within the same BTO project, provided eligible unit types are available.
Under this arrangement, a portion of the flats is set aside for parents and another portion for their children. The scheme builds on the earlier FCS (Proximity) phase launched in July 2025. Together, these measures strengthen support for multi-generational living and close family arrangements.
Starting from the July 2025 BTO launch, second-timer families receive an additional five per cent allocation for 3-room and larger flats. This adjustment followed a steady decline in first-timer application rates in recent years.
While first-timers still receive priority, this change recognises that some families need a second subsidised home due to evolving circumstances. HDB continues to expand the overall BTO supply, which helps balance demand across applicant groups.
The Fresh Start Housing Grant increased from S$50,000 to S$75,000 in July 2025. Eligible second-timer families receive most of the grant before key collection, while the remaining amount supports mortgage payments over five years.
Eligibility has also widened to include first-timer families for shorter-lease BTO flats, although without grant entitlement. These adjustments improve affordability for households facing financial challenges.
From September 2023 onwards, first-time applicants who secure a ballot queue number but decline to select a flat will be treated as second-timers for one year. If they decline again in their next successful application, they face a one-year suspension from applying. These measures encourage serious applications and reduce repeated ballot wastage.
Before you apply for a BTO flat, confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Housing & Development Board. These rules determine whether you can apply and what flat types you qualify for.
Basic requirements include:
Applicants must qualify under an approved scheme. The Public Scheme covers families with at least one Singapore Citizen. The Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme allows couples who intend to marry to apply. Singles aged 35 and above may apply for 2-room Flexi flats under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme.
Other schemes include the Joint Singles Scheme, Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme, and Orphans Scheme. Each comes with specific conditions relating to citizenship, age, and family structure.
The HFE letter is mandatory before you can apply for any BTO flat. It confirms your eligibility, the CPF Housing Grants you qualify for, and the maximum HDB loan you can take.
HDB recommends applying at least two months before your intended BTO launch. For example, if you plan to apply for a June 2026 launch, submit your HFE application by mid-April 2026. Processing usually takes up to 21 working days, though it may take longer during peak periods.
To apply:
Your HFE letter will state whether you can buy a BTO, SBF, or resale flat, the grant amount you qualify for, and your maximum HDB loan quantum. This forms the foundation of your financial planning.
Before the application window opens, decide how you will finance your flat. If you take an HDB housing loan, you can typically borrow up to 80% of the flat's purchase price. The loan amount is capped based on your HFE assessment.
If you prefer a bank loan, apply for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) early. This ensures your loan is ready when you proceed with booking. Compare interest rates carefully and understand your Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) and Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) limits, as these affect how much you can borrow.
Many buyers choose HDB loans due to simpler processing and generally more flexible servicing thresholds.
HDB typically holds three BTO exercises each year, in February, June, and October. Each launch runs for about one week. Projects differ by town, flat mix, and classification, ranging from 2-room Flexi units to 5-room and 3Gen flats. You can find full details on the HDB Flat Portal, including locations, unit supply, indicative prices, and estimated completion timelines.
During the application window, submit your application online via the HDB Flat Portal. Applications are not processed on a first-come-first-served basis. Instead, HDB conducts a ballot after the application window closes. HDB updates application rates several times a day, allowing you to monitor competition levels before the window closes. Higher application rates mean stronger demand.
Note that you may submit only one application per BTO exercise, choosing one flat type in a single project. Ensure your HFE letter is valid and that all details submitted are accurate.
Once the application window closes, HDB will conduct a computerised ballot to assign queue numbers to applicants. This process determines the order in which successful applicants are invited to select their flats.
Several factors affect the outcome. First-timers receive additional ballot chances, which improves their odds. Priority schemes may also give extra weightage, depending on your eligibility. Ultimately, the demand-to-supply ratio plays a key role, as heavily oversubscribed projects tend to be more competitive.
A strong queue number improves your chances of choosing a preferred unit. If your queue number exceeds the total flat supply, you may not be invited to book a flat.
If you are successful, you will receive a queue number and an invitation to attend a booking appointment. If not, you can try again in the next BTO exercise, as long as your HFE letter is still valid.
If invited, attend your booking appointment to select a specific unit.
During this appointment, you will:
The option fee is non-refundable if you withdraw, so ensure your finances are in order before booking.
You have up to nine months from booking to sign the Agreement for Lease.
At this stage, you will pay:
If you are taking an HDB loan, disbursement will be coordinated accordingly. If you are using a bank loan, confirm that the bank is ready to release funds.
After signing the lease, your flat enters the construction phase. Most BTO flats take about four to five years to complete, except for SWT flats, which offer a waiting time of under three years. Once construction finishes, HDB will notify you to collect your keys. At that point, you complete final payments and officially take possession of your new home.
The acronym for Build To Order is BTO. Eligible buyers planning to buy a new HDB apartment can apply for BTO.
Tender for construction will be called only if the number of applicants is at least 70% of the number of apartments in a specific contract (50% since 2011), otherwise, the project will not be built.
Comparing with typical HDB Resale flats, the BTO flats require a waiting period of about 3-4 years. For eligible BTO flat buyers in urgent need of accommodation who are not willing to wait for about 3-4 years, they can ballot for leftover units that are reintroduced into the market, Sales of Balance flats (SBF).
Buyers can enjoy a much higher chance of success if they apply for BTO flats in non-mature estates, which are generally well-developed today with good transport networks and easy access to amenities.
In fact, most first-timer applicants are able to secure a flat with-in two tries, and almost certainly on their third attempt. These flats are also more affordable and give applicants eligibility for more grants.
It is typically buyers who apply for mature estates or through HDB's Sale of Balance Flats exercise who are unsuccessful on multiple tries. This is because flat supply is limited and demand is high in these estates.
Applicants with children or planning to live close to their parents can also take advantage of HDB's various priority schemes.
For instance, married couples who are expecting a child or already have children can apply for the Parenthood Priority Scheme (PPS) or the Third Child Priority Scheme (TCPS).
The PPS gives priority to first-timer married couples who are expecting or have children younger than 16 years old, by setting aside up to 30 per cent of the BTO flat supply for them.
Families with three or more children will enjoy further priority under the TCPS, where HDB sets aside, on top of the PPS, up to an additional 5 per cent of the flat supply.
Another scheme offered is the Married Child Priority Scheme, applicable for married children who wish to live together with or close to their parents for mutual care and support.
Under this scheme, up to 30 per cent and 15 per cent of the BTO flat supply is set aside for first-timer and second-timer applicants, respectively. In addition, those who apply for a new pair of flats with their parents in the same BTO project can enjoy priority under the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme. - source: MND Singapore