If you have tried to apply for HDB during the Build-to-Order (BTO) launches and failed many times, don’t worry. You are not alone.
We were together for 6 years when we first applied for a HDB and we were more than ready to progress with the uniquely Singapore way of marriage proposal – “Shall we apply for HDB flat?”
Most local young people spend most of their life staying with their parents, and the earliest possibility to getting their own home is when they are getting married, hence this is really a moment to look forward to.
However, this moment can be really frustrating when I have to repeat it for 6 times and spent 18 months before luck is on my side for a good enough queue number to select a unit.
Here is the list of BTO we have balloted before:
2012 March BTO Bukit Batok, Skyline
2012 July BTO Bukit Merah, Ridgeview
2012 Nov BTO Queenstown, Ghim Moh Edge
2013 Jan BTO Ang Mo Kio, Kebun Balu Court
2013 Mar BTO Bukit Batok, Sky Peak
2013 May SBF Queenstown, Sky Terrace
Tips for Singaporean couples
Think long term and start planning early.
If you are as lucky as me, you will need to 18 months to get a chance to ballot, 42 months for construction and 60 months of MOP, a total of 10 years before you are eligible to buy another property or sell this HDB.
If you are getting married at 30 years old, the typical age where Singaporean couples get married, you will be close to 40 years old before you can start to unlock your first property and grow your real estate portfolio.
Another way out to start early – Resale first then BTO
For those who cannot wait 5 years for to get the keys to your new flat, here is a way you can consider.
Buy a HDB resale flat first before balloting for new BTO. Resale first then BTO (RFTB).
Resale First Then BTO (RFTB)
Using this RFTB method, you will be able to move into a house much earlier yet you can still apply for HDB BTO as a first timer later on.
Resale First Then BTO (RFTB) timeline
However, there is a catch – you cannot use any housing subsidies. Only by doing so, you will still be considered as a first timer and receive all subsidies/ priorities when you are applying for a HDB BTO later on.
Of course, there are many other ways to get your matrimonial home earlier, the above is one of it.
Drop me an email or a text if you want to find out or you have another way to help fellow Singaporeans get their home earlier.
If you are getting frustrated over the multiple attempts at HDB BTO, try RFTB. #singapore If you have tried to apply for HDB during the Build-to-Order (BTO) launches and failed many times, don't worry.
