Discussion About Single & Hdb Flat Ownership + Hdb Loan (Compiled)

[MobyDick]

2 rooms meaning 1 bedroom + 1 living? This is only for those >35 with monthly income of <$5,000

[joshboy]

How to sublet when you got one bedroom? Those that buy and try to sublet are obviously contravening either the building act or just buying for investment

[Guest Guest]

Bros,

pls take note setback of 2 rooms flat. They are not allow to be sublet (becos of the size) if you need extra income. Moreover, if it is going to far away from the city only, this made it less rentable even the rule is amend.

 

ofcos, if you have no such intention and is willing to stay in non mature estate.. it is petty fine then.

Not true u know. Jurong west and woodlands quite easy to rent out. It depends whether there are industrial estates nearby. Of course la, the "renter" profile of jurong west and woodlands is different from the "renter" profile of city area. 

 

From what i know, JW is quite 'rentable'. Workers at tuas and some ntu students will like the area. 

 

Aiya, these few years, no matter how shitty the location is, can still find tenant. But when recession comes, then maybe different la. 

[luke84]

same here, would not mind the location..

 

but the income cap and room type is going to be a problem..

 

i mean, if i'm single, having a house to rent out will be a reliable source of income when i retired or unable to commit (hence earn) as much as the younger days.

[bluesea78]

with one room and one living room.. how to sublet sia?

[bluesea78]

I think he meant 40sqm.... cos 4sqm...where to freaking small!!!!

 

avg size is about 4sqm. about the size of a mickey mouse condo as well but much cheaper.

 

i think very cheap leh. dont mind the distance.

[Guest guest]

Possible 4 sqm. thot Lim Chu Kang there alot! Any taker?

[abang]

I would advise against buying this 2 room flats.

 

The considerations:

a.   Space factor - Too small as it is only 400 square feet.

b.   Transportation factor -probably too far away from city centre

c.   Emotional factor - would you not be depressed to return to a confined/small space?

d.   Repayment and returns factor - is it really affordable and can you get a ready buyer thereafter...

 

For those who are living with parents in 3-room flats,

would you not consider to apply for a new and bigger flat with them?

 

A suitable size should be 4-room and not 5-room.

Why?

 

Whenever it comes to those garmen GST rebates, you will lose out.

And really, there are still only 3 bedrooms in both types of flats.

[keyboard]

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1258721/1/.html

 

National Development Minister Khaw announces several new housing measures
By Hetty Musfirah | Posted: 08 March 2013 1908 hrs

 

SINGAPORE: A scheme that gives priority allocation for new HDB flats to first-timer married couples with a citizen child below the age of 16, will be extended to pregnant mothers from May this year.

The Parenthood Priority Scheme will also be extended to couples who are married but without children, sometime next year.

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who announced the new housing measures in Parliament on Friday, said supply will also be ramped up with 25,000 new flats to be launched this year - 2,000 more than previously announced.

Separately, the scheme to provide temporary housing for first-timer married couples with children below 16 years old, while they wait for the completion of their new HDB flats, will be extended to include married HDB first-timers without children.

Mr Khaw said the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme has so far attracted some 200 applications.

Another change is to allow singles to buy new HDB flats.

Those aged 35 and above who are buying flats for the first time will be able to buy 2-room BTO flats.

Mr Khaw said these will be for singles earning up to $5,000 as they face more financial difficulty owning a home.

He said the Ministry is still finalising details but aims to let the first batch of eligible singles apply in the July Build-to-Order launch.

Mr Khaw said: "These new flats will be built in non-mature estates in order to keep the prices down. They will come in two sizes - 35 square metres and 45 square metres. And we leave it to them to choose according to their needs and budget.

"A couple of other important details are still being finalised. For example, how much should we subsidise the flats, as compared to married couples? What should the relative priority be between singles and married couples applying for these flats?

"We will settle these outstanding issues as quickly as we can, so that the first batch of eligible singles can apply in the July BTO launch."

Currently, singles aged 35 and above, can only buy HDB flats from the resale market.

Mr Khaw said about 4,000 do so each year.

He said rising resale prices have made it more difficult for singles to buy a flat.

The needs of those who are buying a flat for a second time will also be addressed.

The second-timer quota for 2- and 3-room flats in non-mature estates will be doubled to 30 per cent.

Mr Khaw said the move will help second-timers who need to downgrade.

Out of the 30 percent quota, five per cent will be reserved for divorcees or widowers with children below the age of 16.

Mr Khaw said this will almost guarantee their ability to select a 2-room flat, and significantly increase the chances of those who apply for a 3-room flat.

The changes will be implemented from the May BTO launch.

The debarment period for divorcees to apply for a subsidised flat will also be shortened from five to three years.

Mr Khaw said this will help divorcees move on with their lives, especially those with children.

A new Studio Apartment Priority Scheme will be introduced for seniors from the May BTO exercise.

50 percent of the supply of studio apartments will be reserved for seniors who apply for one, near their current home or near where their married children live.

The new scheme will replace the current Ageing-in-Place Priority and the Married Child Priority Scheme which award priority through giving the seniors more ballot chances.

Mr Khaw said: "Many multi-generational families prefer to live together or close to one another. Last year, we introduced the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme to allow them to apply for the same BTO project with a view to live close by. More than 60 pairs of families have benefited from it, not that many.

"Dr Lee Bee Wah (MP for Nee Soon GRC) suggested that we go further to build some multi-generational flats, say with four bedrooms, to help such families live in the same flat. She advanced strong arguments on how such families could better support, especially the newlyweds, both financially as well as transmitting important cultural values.

"I believe there is some demand but we do not know how big it is. Anyway, I have asked HDB to consider doing so in some BTO developments, to test out their demand."

Mr Khaw also agreed with MP for West Coast GRC Foo Mee Har that many senior citizens have significant assets in their houses.

He said: "This is a good thing, as it opens up opportunities for them to get some retirement income, for example, by subletting their flats or rooms. This year, we have increased their options by implementing the new Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) scheme to facilitate right-sizing, and the Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) to support ageing-in-place.

"But many may still not be aware of the schemes or they may not have accurate information. We will step up public outreach and financial counselling to those who may benefit from these options."

Separately, the Ministry is also planning to introduce a cap on the number of foreigner tenants in HDB blocks.

MP for West Coast GRC Foo Mee Har had suggested a 10 per cent cap for each block, to prevent the growth of foreigner enclaves.

Mr Khaw agreed that there should be a cap, but said some analysis will need to be done to see if 10 per cent is appropriate.

And while implementation details are being sorted out, the HDB will reduce the maximum approved period for subletting of HDB flats and room to non-Malaysian and non-citizen subtenants, from three to 1.5 years.

Mr Khaw said the changes will not apply to Malaysian tenants as they face fewer integration challenges.

He said the public housing system needs to evolve with the times and a relook is necessary in the light of significant demographic and economic changes.

He said more will be done to reduce BTO flat prices relative to incomes, and to reduce the financial burden of housing on the young.

Mr Khaw said: "We have stopped BTO prices from rising by delinking them from resale prices. We can now pause and see what else we can do to bring BTO prices in non-mature estates to, say, around four years of salary as it was before the current property cycle started.

"We will do so partly through cooling measures to nudge the property market down; partly by seeing if an alternative housing option can be designed.

"One thing is clear. We are committed to restoring and maintaining the affordability of new HDB flats to the vast majority of first-timer Singaporean households. Their Singapore Dream of owning their own flats, like their parents', is safe. We will make sure of that."

There also has to be more options to help elderly Singaporeans unlock and monetise their HDB flats.

In the months ahead, the Ministry will initiate public discussions on housing policies to take in diverse views and to shape future housing policies.

- CNA/de

[keyboard]

Can't seem to get a listing of which are non-mature estates, but here's a list of all estates.

 

"AMK">Ang Mo Kio
"BB">Bukit Batok
"BD">Bedok
"BH">Bishan
"BM">Bukit Merah
"BP">Bukit Panjang
"BT">Bukit Timah
"CCK">Choa Chu Kang
"CL">Clementi
"CT">Central Area
"GL">Geylang
"HG">Hougang
"JE">Jurong East
"JW">Jurong West
"KWN">Kallang/Whampoa
"MP">Marine Parade
"PG">Punggol
"PRC">Pasir Ris
"QT">Queenstown
"SB">Sembawang
"SGN">Serangoon
"SK">Sengkang
"TAP">Tampines
"TP">Toa Payoh
"WL">Woodlands
"YS">Yishun

 

https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BF08CESS/Index.jsp

 

HDB eAlert Service

 

Welcome to HDB's eAlert Service - A convenient one-stop service that provides you with the latest HDB news!


Subscribe to our eAlert Service and look forward to receiving alerts about HDB's sales launches, updates on policies and procedures pertaining to the sale and resale of HDB flats, SERS announcements, corporate infotisements, as well as the latest news on industrial and commercial properties, land sales, upgrading billing schedules etc.


Best of all, this service is FREE.
Join us and get e-Connected today!

[mydontay]

Let's see what are the T & C first that will be announced at a later stage...

[Guest guest]

btw which  area in singapore is consider non mature estates?have to see if my work my fitted into any of those  category.is pulau ubin and lim chu kang consider one ?

[Guest Guest]

punggol lor, sengkang, sembawang, those far far away ones la

[SPMHSGSG]

i am more interested to know whether those who are in their early 30s now can start applying these bto in july. cos it will take a couple of years for it to be built and by then i would be at 35 or slightly above. but if i can only be eligible to buy at 35 by the time i move in i will be close to 40

[lausanne]

i am more interested to know whether those who are in their early 30s now can start applying these bto in july. cos it will take a couple of years for it to be built and by then i would be at 35 or slightly above. but if i can only be eligible to buy at 35 by the time i move in i will be close to 40

Prolly by the time you really want to buy a flat, there may be excess HDB flats, given the building spree now. 

 

So you may not need to wait too long. 

 

On the other hand, I would prefer to buy a larger flat, not a 2 room flat. Given the rules now, if the cost of a resale 3 room is several times costlier than the BTO 2 room, then that would still be a problem wouldn't it?

[SPMHSGSG]

actually i dun mind owning a small 2 room flat as in the long term there will only be me n my bf staying and no intention to rent out so i guess it will be rather affordable for me since my bf is not local hehe.

but then again it depends on individual needs and intention

Prolly by the time you really want to buy a flat, there may be excess HDB flats, given the building spree now.

So you may not need to wait too long.

On the other hand, I would prefer to buy a larger flat, not a 2 room flat. Given the rules now, if the cost of a resale 3 room is several times costlier than the BTO 2 room, then that would still be a problem wouldn't it?

[abang]

actually i dun mind owning a small 2 room flat as in the long term there will only be me n my bf staying and no intention to rent out so i guess it will be rather affordable for me since my bf is not local hehe.

but then again it depends on individual needs and intention

 

 

I think as we get older and we stock up more personal belongings, a 2 room flat is inadequate.

Yes you may share the same bed as your bf but don't you want some personal space, e.g. a space where you two can do things individually..... like reading...

[alien]

They have announced that the first batch BTO 2 room flats for singles is build in sengkang. Thinking where will be the other locations for others BTO 2 room flats?

 

Actually the current 3 room resale flat is priced at least $300K plus, if the 2 room flat is below $200K, it is consider quite an alternative for singles who want to buy a flat of his/her own. Also even how small the 2 room flat is, i guess it shld be bigger than those shoe box condo, also it is a brand new flat as compared to those very old 3 room resale flat.

Edited March 9, 2013 by alien

[Guest Guest]

We have been asking them to listen for YEARS. Now they finally go n respond to our voices. I only hope they done it earlier n not now when the tables are overturn faces are scratch apart.. Well anyway all hail the power of social media.

[curious_boi]

If you do not sub let your HDB flat, you are missing out on an income opportunity

[Guest Guest]

If you do not sub let your HDB flat, you are missing out on an income opportunity

a house is a basic social need. If you think like that you are farking up the future generation.Dont think like the old Sg uncles and aunties anymore let the rot end in our times. So that our children can live to see a better tomorrow.

[Guest Hammered]

I think as we get older and we stock up more personal belongings, a 2 room flat is inadequate.

 

We have a hoarder in our midst lol.

[monochrome]

I have no qualms staying a little further from the city centre and I would definitely buy a flat as a single person when I turn 35. And with one bedroom and one living room, I don't think there's any space to sublet it out.

[Guest Guest]

They have announced that the first batch BTO 2 room flats for singles is build in sengkang. Thinking where will be the other locations for others BTO 2 room flats?

 

Actually the current 3 room resale flat is priced at least $300K plus, if the 2 room flat is below $200K, it is consider quite an alternative for singles who want to buy a flat of his/her own. Also even how small the 2 room flat is, i guess it shld be bigger than those shoe box condo, also it is a brand new flat as compared to those very old 3 room resale flat.

 

it will be between 30+sqm to 45 sqm. its shoebox.

[Guest Guest]

Must be mindful that sublet is not just "rentee" (owner) receiving that few hundred dollars every month. Sometimes the 'renter' (tenant) can give a lot of problems. If they take ecstacy and got caught, the rentee will be implicated. 

 

Not all renters are bad, depends whether u heng or sway. Just don't assume it is sure easy money. Some renters can get along well with rentees, so that will be the most ideal. 

 

If it is me, i will take into account rental income consideration when buying house, but i won't give heavy weightage. Most important is u must like the house and u ok with the price. If there is recession, u cannot rent out, u maybe "sit poon" if u have to pay extra in the instalments for that extra room. 

[Guest Justin]

Must be mindful that sublet is not just "rentee" (owner) receiving that few hundred dollars every month. Sometimes the 'renter' (tenant) can give a lot of problems. If they take ecstacy and got caught, the rentee will be implicated. 

 

Not all renters are bad, depends whether u heng or sway. Just don't assume it is sure easy money. Some renters can get along well with rentees, so that will be the most ideal. 

 

If it is me, i will take into account rental income consideration when buying house, but i won't give heavy weightage. Most important is u must like the house and u ok with the price. If there is recession, u cannot rent out, u maybe "sit poon" if u have to pay extra in the instalments for that extra room. 

 

As a landlord, I can tell you renting rooms out is not as easy as it sounds. Sure the extra income is good, but some tenants can be total assholes. Even with good tenants, you'll find your privacy and general comfort of being in your own home go down a few notches.

I've had a few good tenants of course but some nightmarish ones - scratches on my wooden panel flooring and once, I rented to a malaysian hairdresser who secretly cut his customer's hair in the room. When he moved out, there was hair hidden everywhere - under the carpet, the desk, the bed.

 

All in all, you have to balance out your needs: Security, privacy and your own sanctuary, versus extra money. For those who need the cash, it's a much easier choice to make, but for me who did it just to splurge it all (my job pays well) there's just no point.

[Guest Kiam]

At least better than none.

 

First, it is $100,000 so no need to loan so much until you got no money for retirement.

 

Serve as private "hotel" for  gay, no need to book hotel outside. Got privacy instead of staying with your family members.

 

Location wise, if your parents are already staying in those non-matured area, there is nothing to lose staying near them too. Who knows, might have grant in this case.

 

BTO flat, chose one with good view or better high floor unblocked paranomic view of the city.  I rather have unblocked view than to buy bigger rooms with so many neighbours watching you in the living room.

 

When you get older, try to keep your house more zen and less cluttered.  Plan your furnishing carefully and avoid buying bulky items. Who say small rooms cannot have grand & conducive interior design?

 

Small apartment like this is better than shoe box condo that cost a bomb.

 

One more thing, I believe new HDB flat is more trendy than old ones regardless of the size? As in, the window could stretch from floor to ceiling and you might have a patio in the bedroom for reading?

 

The above is to give a lift up for those with tight financial means but still want to own a flat.

 

You are lucky the govt did  not shorten the lease from 99 to 50 years. Otherwise not worth buying.

 

 

 

 

[Guest Guest]

Non mature estate will have high concentration of gay and lesbian

[Guest Guest]

Non mature estate will have high concentration of gay and lesbian

You think too much lah. Haha. People stay single for a myriad of reasons not just purely because of sexual orientation.

[Run78]

45 Sqm is ok as studio apartment s that size bu the constraint is that renting is allowed... Cos it s 2 bedroom

[lean n mean]

On 9 March 2013 at 7:55 AM, Guest said:

You think too much lah. Haha. People stay single for a myriad of reasons not just purely because of sexual orientation.

.

Edited February 24, 2016 by lean n mean

[alien]

The studio flat for elderly comes with 2 bedrm, rite? If yes, seems like 2 rm indeed a bit too small. Even later needs to employ someone to take care also no place to stay?

[Guest Guest]

But the concentration of gays and lesbians will be higher in these flats for singles, no? They will be a hot bed (no pun intended) of sexual tension and opportunities

[Guest Guest]

But the concentration of gays and lesbians will be higher in these flats for singles, no? They will be a hot bed (no pun intended) of sexual tension and opportunities

Think Too Much Lah. Haha.Real life is not like porn lah lol.

[keyboard]

The studio flat for elderly comes with 2 bedrm, rite? If yes, seems like 2 rm indeed a bit too small. Even later needs to employ someone to take care also no place to stay?

 

HDB definition of 2 bedroom flat is 1 BEDROOM + LIVING ROOM cum KITCHEN + 1 TOILET (also known as studio apartment/mickey mouse/rental flat kind/SOHO) 35/45 sqm (condo 1 bedroom is less than 50 sqm, usually 5 sqm used for balcony, or place aircon)

 

Condo definition of 2 bedroom is 2 BEDROOM + LIVING ROOM + KITCHEN + 2 TOILET + LIKELY A BALCONY/SERVICE AREA (hang clothes).

 

But the recent 1 bedroom condo i seen launched/launching soon has like 12-15 1 bedroom condo on each floor, and each block is about 15 floors. I'm wondering how noisy it would be.

 

 

But the concentration of gays and lesbians will be higher in these flats for singles, no? They will be a hot bed (no pun intended) of sexual tension and opportunities

 

Don't think too much, now every year about 20,000 babies born, 15,000 get married, left 5,000 all gays and lesbians ah...

[keyboard]

I dont get it why so many people raise the issue of renting... the BTO is so small already, still want to rent what? The flat is for singles ownership, not for rental investment.

 

I do hope the BTO will have a few blocks of just 2 room flats, not near school, no playgrounds etc for the peace and quiet. But then, i wont get one because it's so small... have to agree with ah bang, i rather have a spare room or a decent living room if i need to crash outside the master bedroom.

[gstc82]

I Am glad that cost will be brought down. If its below 100k, many of us who had worked for a number of years may not even take up a loan! There are several factors I am concerned, 1st is transportation, I dislike staying in places that's too far away from town. But cons are 1st its brand new! 2nd its affordable. I may consider selling my 3rm n get a new bto in future. N be LOAN FREE! 45 sq m for myself is enough.

[Guest Guest]

I Am glad that cost will be brought down. If its below 100k, many of us who had worked for a number of years may not even take up a loan! There are several factors I am concerned, 1st is transportation, I dislike staying in places that's too far away from town. But cons are 1st its brand new! 2nd its affordable. I may consider selling my 3rm n get a new bto in future. N be LOAN FREE! 45 sq m for myself is enough.

Your PAP so kind to sell to us below 100k? In our dreams. If they sell to us below 200k is already 手下留情。

 

Since u are so paranoid that your life will be threatened, u better stick to 3 room. One more room behind for u to hide. Studio is too small, no where to hide. 

[Anderson]

The current 2rm flat consist of living rm, 1 bedroom, kitchen & 1 bath/wc and of cos also including that stupid bomb shelter all squeezed into a 450 sq ft area..

The selling price now for Tampines is about $150 -160K and those in Jurong West about $120 - 140K, depending on floor hts and orientation etc.

No chance that those meant for singles will be priced differently.

Its only now singles can apply for it directly from HDB under BTO or sales of balance flats later.

Since its for single, so 450 sq ft is actually just nice, even enough for a couple. A 3 rm flat is only about 650 sq ft with 1 more bedroom thats all.

If one prefer a bigger place or in the urban, then you can go for resale flats for the 3rm, 4 rm or even bigger ones provided you can afford the COV and the higher selling price.

Please note that the current price for 3 rm BTO in non mature estate is already way over $200K

[LFM]

well explained, anderson http://www101.hdb.gov.sg/hdbvsf/eampu09p.nsf/0/11SEPBTOSK2_page/$file/11SEPBTOSK2_fur.htm

 

generally some familiar important factors presenting singles when exploring place to live:

 

1) distance to work place

2) income/bread-butter source if no work and studio flat cw no additional room(s) to rent

3) proximity to parents if without siblings/with siblings unable to adequately care for former in silver years  

 

bit er .... when certain non-mature estates get deemed "singles town", mr khaw!

[Guest Guest]

1st to launch is Sengkang right? Sengkang got reliable NEL Mrt.

[MobyDick]

Your PAP so kind to sell to us below 100k? In our dreams. If they sell to us below 200k is already 手下留情。

 

Since u are so paranoid that your life will be threatened, u better stick to 3 room. One more room behind for u to hide. Studio is too small, no where to hide. 

 

100K might be possible. Since the flats are not intended for investment purpose, you may need to sell the unit back to HDB instead of the open market. Let's see how.

[Guest Guest]

A lot of things are going to happen now til 2016. Keep our eyes n ears sharp and alert.

[azimuth]

Would be nice to have your own house. Let's hope the minister stick to his words of looking into ways to drive down the prices of flats. Acknowledging that the current market prices are way too steep is a good start.

[abang]

The above diagram is taken from HDB website.

It shows the layout of a typical 2 room flat.

To me, the bedroom is relatively small... what do you guys think?

45 square metres is sufficient?

Based on HDB Rivervale Arc notice:

The price range for a 2 room flat is between SGD 68K to SGD 96K...

Edited March 11, 2013 by abang

[Guest Guest]

You can go Ikea Tampines to feel how cosy is a 35 sq m.

[Guest Guest]

I have a feeling as if the ruling party is trying to further stratify our own people. What with this $5000/month cap and only 2-room units? If singles are earning $6000 to $10,000, singles are not allowed to even buy BTO? If singles have the cash to buy a 5-room unit or even a masionette without taking any loans, they must still cramp themself into that type of space? WTH... This has got to be the dumbest government in the enitre world! Even if we are a young nation, we seemed to be run by inexperienced politicians!

 

(note: the dog brigade is going to come out barking for their masters soon)

[Guest Guest]

The policy is designed so that single feel obligated to vote them into power again come 2016

[Guest guest]

This is good news for singles. What is not surprising is some people are never satisfied.finding faults for nothing will do singapore harm. Thank you abang for the link that clarified that a 2rm flat cost below 98k instead of 200k someone mentioned.

[abang]

This Khaw is really quite wishy-washy.

His ministry and himself should conduct some form of public conversation before opening their mouths.

This 2 room BTO details should be released simultaneously... location and price.

 

See this on CNA...talking about income ceiliing

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1259045/1/.html

 

 

In my limited understanding, those who need the flats are in the lower income bracket - so, SGD 5K seems to be a reasonable ceiling ... the priority is for the lesser wage earners to get their flats.. they must be taken care of first...  the initial up-front payment is 20% or about SGD 20K. if the flats are priced at SGD 100K..  

 

Furthermore if the flats are priced at SGD100K, can we pay off in a lump sum?

I am sure that at  the age of 35, we would have worked for 8 to 10 years.

And thus, accumulated sufficient funds in our CPF to pay for the flat...

 

Also if we look into the timeline, BTO applications in Jully 2013.

Can HDB deliver the flats by 2016? 

Are geninue applicants willing to wait that long?

 

Of course it is still premature to do anything at this moment as we still need to know the location/length of lease...