The updates on the flat types kicked off during the October BTO 2024 sales launch, making it more important than ever to familiarise yourself with the Standard, Plus, and Prime HDB classifications. This launch marked the first time these new HDB classifications were fully introduced, officially replacing the long-standing system of categorising BTO projects as mature or non-mature estates, which has been in place since 1992.
New HDB Classification of Flats Starting October 2024 BTO
- Introducing the New HDB Classification: Standard, Plus & Prime
- What Are the Differences Between Standard, Plus & Prime BTO Projects?
- What the New HDB Plus Category Means
- Resale Restrictions for Plus Flats
- The New HDB Classification Also Benefits Singles
- Rather Buy a Resale HDB Flat Instead?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introducing the New HDB Classification: Standard, Plus & Prime
In response to changes in the housing landscape and shifting buyer preferences, the government has introduced a new HDB classification system. Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced at the National Day Rally 2023 that BTO projects will now fall under three categories: Standard, Plus, and Prime, with full implementation starting during the October BTO 2024 sales launch.
These categories are based on factors like proximity to transport, nearby amenities, and distance from the city centre. They were first rolled out in the August 2023 BTO exercise, where the HDB Plus category debuted with two sites in Queenstown: Ulu Pandan Glades and Ulu Pandan Banks.
Existing BTO flats or flats that have already been booked will not be affected by the changes.
What Are the Differences Between Standard, Plus & Prime BTO Projects?
| Category | Definition | Existing BTO Flats | First BTO Launch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | – Typical BTO flats in less central areas, offering essential amenities and basic transport connections – Have fewer resale restrictions and are more affordable | All Standard flats starting from the October 2024 BTO launch | October 2024 |
| Plus | – Flats in desirable locations with better transport links and amenities than Standard flats, but not as central as Prime – Come with additional restrictions, such as a longer MOP and subsidy clawbacks upon resale | – Ulu Pandan Glades – Ulu Pandan Banks (Queenstown) | August 2023 |
| Prime | – Flats in highly desirable, central locations close to the city centre or prime amenities – Come with the strictest resale conditions, including a longer MOP and more substantial subsidy recovery | All Prime flats, including those launched under the Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) model, e.g., River Peaks I & II (November 2021) | Introduced October 2021 (PLH), fully implemented October 2024 |
The Standard category makes up the bulk of the supply. They are located island-wide and follow the regular subsidies and standard MOP rule of 5 years.
Prime projects, which refer to BTO flats under the existing PLH model that took effect in Nov 2021, are located in the “choicest,” most central locations. That said, they also have the tightest restrictions for buyers and sellers: a 10-year MOP and a subsidy recovery of 6% for buyers when they sell their home on the resale market for the first time.
What the New HDB Plus Category Means
The newest addition to the BTO categorisation is the Plus, which sees BTO projects located in areas more attractive than the Standard projects — near MRT stations, malls, and other favoured amenities by buyers — but less central than Prime projects.
HDB Plus flats also have a 10-year MOP, just like flats under the PLH model, though they have a lower subsidy recovery rate.
Speaking of which, subsidy recovery rates vary according to the BTO project. But don’t worry, HDB will provide it before you make a property purchase.
Resale Restrictions for Plus Flats
Plus Flats Can Only Be Resold to Singapore Citizens
On 22 August 2023, MND also announced that Plus flats, upon reaching the 10-year MOP, can only be sold to Singapore citizens on the resale market. An HDB resale valuation can help sellers determine how much their home is worth.
30-Month Waiting Period for Private Property Owners
Private property owners will also have to wait 30 months after selling their home to be eligible to purchase a Plus flat on the resale market.
$14,000 Income Ceiling
Additionally, the Government will gradually provide more housing grants, especially grants that are means-tested, such as the Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG), to keep costs low while still providing maximum support to lower- and middle-income households in Singapore.
The New HDB Classification Also Benefits Singles
The new HDB types come with some good news for single buyers. Starting H2 2024, eligible first-time singles who are at least 35 years old will be able to:
- Apply for two-room Flexi BTO flats in all locations, across all types of projects – Standard, Plus, and Prime
- Buy a Standard or Plus flat of any size in the resale market (except 3Gen)
- Buy a 2-room Prime flat in the resale market
The $7,000 income ceiling will still apply.
First-time singles buying a resale flat may also be eligible for CPF Housing Grants of $40,000 for the purchase of a 2- to 4-room resale flat or $25,000 for a 5-room resale flat. They can also apply for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (Singles) and the Proximity Housing Grant (Singles) if they meet the eligibility conditions.
Rather Buy a Resale HDB Flat Instead?
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Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between Standard, Plus, and Prime flats?
The main differences are location, subsidies, and the rules that apply after buying them. Standards are the typical BTOs with a 5-year MOP. Plus flats are in more attractive locations than Standard flats, come with more subsidies, have a 10-year MOP, and have some resale restrictions. Prime flats are in the most central and desirable locations. They receive the most subsidies but have a 10-year MOP and a subsidy clawback when sold.
What is a subsidy clawback?
Owners must return a percentage of the resale price to HDB when they sell their Plus or Prime flats for the first time because these were sold with extra subsidies to keep them affordable.
I’m a single homebuyer. What can I buy under the new system?
Starting from the second half of 2024, eligible singles aged 35 and above can apply for new 2-room Flexi BTO flats (Standard, Plus, or Prime), buy a resale Standard or Plus flat of any size (except 3Gen), and buy a resale 2-room Prime.
Can I rent out my entire Plus or Prime flat after the 10-year MOP?
No, you are not allowed to rent out the entire flat even after the 10-year MOP. This is to encourage owner-occupation.
Does the new HDB classification affect my existing flat?
No, existing HDB flats are not affected by these new rules. The Standard, Plus, and Prime classifications only apply to new BTO flats launched from the second half of 2024 onwards.
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