If you’ve spent any time scrolling through resale property listings, you’ve probably come across the term “rate dumbbell layout HDB”. Contrary to what the name suggests, these aren’t flats optimised for the average gymbro; they’re actually one of the more sought-after layouts on the market.
Whether you’re an aspiring homeowner hunting for your ideal layout, a seller wondering how best to list your unit, or just curious about unique flat configurations, here’s everything you need to know about the dumbbell layout and where to find it in Singapore.
HDB flats with dumbbell layouts: when were they first introduced?
Standard 4-room unit (left) vs 4-room dumbbell unit (right)
Image adapted from: PropertyGuru
To put it simply, in dumbbell flats, bedrooms sit on opposite sides of the unit, typically separated by a kitchen or living space. The name comes from this configuration, where the bedrooms act like weighted anchors on either side of a dumbbell.
Dumbbell layouts have become more popular in newer developments as they offer more privacy between occupants, something homeowners really love. They also tend to allow for larger bedrooms, since there is no need for the usual corridor running between the bedrooms and living space. Floorplans can vary between developments, with arrangements to suit any lifestyle.
Two types of dumbbell layouts
Image adapted from: HDB
For 4-room units or larger, there are two main types of dumbbell layouts. The first puts the master bedroom on one side of the unit, with 2 common bedrooms on the other, perfect for homeowners who want their bedroom space to feel like a private retreat, away from any kids or visiting guests.
The second places the master bedroom and one common bedroom together, with the final common bedroom on its own. It still offers privacy, just in a different configuration, making it a good fit for homeowners with a young child they want to keep close, or those who want to give aging parents their own space while still living under the same roof.
Pros of dumbbell-shaped HDB flats
The first thing that stands out with dumbbell layouts is the increased level of privacy, its configuration creating two separate, semi-private zones. It’s a huge plus for the sandwich generation, making it well-suited to multi-generation households. It also opens up the possibility of renting out a room, potentially providing homeowners with another income stream.
This design also means no wasted corridor space. Without the usual long corridor, more floor space can go towards bedrooms or living rooms, making the most of your square footage.
No shared bedroom walls is another perk, since less noise travels between rooms and it’s that much easier to get a full night’s sleep. .
Cons of dumbbell-shaped HDB flats
Many floor plans show a front door that immediately opens out into the living room. Lemon8 user @so.house.life found it difficult to carve out a foyer space, and ended up placing her dining area right by the front door, a compromise she isn’t entirely satisfied with.
Image credit: so.house.life via Lemon8
Separated bedrooms also means the costs of air con trunking may be higher, as the pipes now have further to travel between spaces. Lemon8 user @so.house.life says a false ceiling is a must to cover up these ducts, so factor that into your renovation budget.
Noise from the living room can also more easily travel to the bedroom, which could be a potential disruption for occupants who run on different sleep schedules.
Where to find dumbbell-shaped HDB flats in Singapore
Bidadari: Alkaff CourtView & Alkaff LakeView
104A Bidadari Park Drive
Image adapted from: HDB
If you’re hunting for a dumbbell layout, Bidadari is a good place to start. Most units at Alkaff CourtView and Alkaff LakeView have this separated configuration, with only a few sticking to the standard layout.
These newly MOP-ed developments were completed in 2020 and 2019 respectively, so plenty of resale units are popping up on the market. At the time of writing, 93sqm 4-room dumbbell units at Alkaff CourtView are going for between $980,000 and $1,188,888.
Both are about a 5-minute walk to Woodleigh Mall and Woodleigh MRT Station, with Potong Pasir MRT Station reachable in 13-minutes on foot, great for connectivity. For nature buffs, Bidadari Park and Alkaff Lake are also within walking distance.
However, this convenience comes at a price. Last year, a newly MOP-ed flat at Alkaff Crescent sold for a whopping $1,258,888. While not a dumbbell layout, it was a record-breaking sale for the Toa Payoh area, beating the previous record by over $20,000 and underlining just how desirable the estate has become.
Record-breaking 118A Alkaff Crescent
Image adapted from: HDB
Hougang: Hougang Crimson
Image adapted from: HDB
For a more affordable option, Hougang Crimson has a few select dumbbell listings. This 93sqft 4-room unit at 933A Hougang Avenue 9 is going for $720,000. With its close proximity to Hougang Secondary School, Xinmin Primary School and more, this layout is good for families who want to keep younger kids close while giving older teens their space.
Hougang 1 Mall and Ci Yuan Hawker Centre are just a short walk away, and there’s a direct bus to Hougang Community Club. The tradeoff is the 1.25km distance from Hougang MRT Station, but with well-connected bus routes, the price and overall convenience more than makes up for it.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Hougang: Hougang Meadow
Image adapted from: HDB
Also in Hougang, there are 2 available 4-room dumbbell units in Hougang Meadow, at around $818,000 for 92sqm. With 10 primary schools within a 2km radius, it’s a strong pick for new parents or multi-generation households with young kids.
Connectivity is a big plus here. Hougang MRT Station and Hougang Bus Interchange are only a 10-minute walk away, and drivers will appreciate the close proximity to the KPE and CTE. Hougang Mall is also within walking distance for all your shopping needs.
Punggol: Waterfront I & II @ Northshore & Northshore Residences I & II
Image adapted from: HDB
In the ever-developing Punggol waterfront district is Waterfront I & II @ Northshore, where 4-room and 5-room dumbbell layouts are spacious and highly flexible, with an extra nook off the living room which could be converted into a study area.
Nearby, Northshore Residences have similar layouts for their 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room units, with several on the market. A 94sqm 4-room flat at Northshore Residences II is currently going for $729,999. With spacious units, high floors and sea views at that price point, these properties are a real steal.
Image credit: HDB
Kallang: Kallang Breeze
Image adapted from: HDB
For a future resale option, Kallang Breeze will hit its MOP in 2028. With 411 flats across 2 blocks, many of its 93sqft 4-room units have the desirable dumbbell layout. Kallang MRT Station and Geylang Bahru MRT Station are within walking distance, and there are also quick connections to major expressways like the PIE and KPE.
Homeowner @jereseanworship on Lemon8 shared a first look at her 4-room BTO, loving the space and privacy the dumbbell layout provides. She felt that minimal renovation was needed as HDB offered some stylish tiles and convenient power sockets with built-in USB ports. Worth keeping on your radar when you’re thinking about future resale options.
Image credit: jereseanworship via Lemon8
Bonus: Canberra’s condo alternatives
Image adapted from: canberracrescent-residences.sg
If you’re open to private property, Canberra has a few condominium options worth considering.
In Canberra Crescent, all 2-bedroom and select 3-bedroom units come with this dumbbell layout. Its 62sqm 2-bedroom Premium units have bedrooms and their ensuite bathrooms sitting on either side of the living and dining space. Slated for completion in 2029, prices for their standard 2-room units begin at $1,110,000.
Nearby, The Watergardens at Canberra is similarly slated for 2029 completion, with all their 2-room units being dumbbell layouts. At the time of writing, a 70sqm 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit is listed at $1,250,000. Both developments are near Canberra MRT Station, with easy access to the CBD and Orchard.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
All there is to know about Dumbbell HDB flat layouts
Image credit: ourdailyhues via Lemon8
A dumbbell layout isn’t automatically better than the standard layout HDB has used for so long, but it does have its perks, especially for multi-generational families or buyers who simply want a bit more privacy between their sleeping spaces.
If this layout interests you, keep an eye out for newer developments like Alkaff CourtView and Kallang Breeze which are more likely to adopt these layouts. For resale flats, check HDB’s original floor plans against the current one, as previous renovations could have removed the layout.
Alternatively, standard flats can be renovated to create a dumbbell layout. Lemon8 user @ourdailyhues hacked the two common bedrooms to become a living/dining area, and converted an old section of the living room into a new common bedroom. She loves it for the seamless flow it’s created in her home.
Whichever you choose, always double check the floor plans to ensure you’re getting the layout you want. With these flats commanding a premium in estates like Bidadari, knowing exactly what you’re paying for can make all the difference.
For more interesting HDB layouts:
- 6 ultra-rare and unique HDB resale floor plans
- 7 best HDB open-concept floor plans
- 12 unique HDB designs
Cover image adapted from HDB brochure
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