It’s not at all surprising: HDB flats have been shrinking in size in recent decades, and we’re having to make the most of our new but undeniably cosy homes. Yet, some of us need more space. Perhaps we have a larger, multi-generational family or we simply want the luxury of having a spare bedroom.
Because of that, we’ve been toying with the idea of jumbo flats. They’re double the size, but not necessarily double the price━an ideal option if regular HDB floor plans are too cramped for your lifestyle. At these five popular estates in Singapore, you might get lucky in your search for a jumbo flat.
What are jumbo flats & how are they different from HDB flats?
Image adapted from: HDB
Jumbo flats first came about in the late 80s. There wasn’t much demand for 3-room and 4-room flats back then, so HDB decided to create adjoined flats━otherwise known as jumbo flats, with walls knocked down between two adjacent flats. Since it’s roughly the size of 2 HDB flats, jumbo flats have proven popular for multi-generational families over time.
As of now, there are only about 2,900 jumbo flats left in Singapore━most are in Woodlands, with others in a few select other estates.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw consumers shift their attention towards bigger homes. Jumbo flats and larger HDB flat types swiftly changed hands on the resale market as work-from-home arrangements became the norm. In post-pandemic Singapore, this buying preference endured and 5-room and larger flats remain coveted.
Take for instance the 1,894.5sqft Moh Guan Terrace jumbo HDB flat that sold for $1.5M in May 2023. Despite the 99-year leasehold HDB flat being built in 1973, the property was still highly valued due to the large living space.
Creating your own jumbo flat
Considering the limited supply, you may be thinking of creating your own jumbo flat. Under the Conversion of Adjoining Flats Scheme, you can.
1. Ensure eligibility as a family
The first thing is ensure you are buying a jumbo flat as a married couple and/or parents with children.
2. Check EIP and SPR quotas and confirm pairing on HDB website
If you’re buying two adjoining 3-room or smaller HDB flats, you have to meet the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) quotas if applicable. For those who already own a 3-room or smaller flat and are intending to buy an adjoining 3-room or smaller unit, you do not have to check the quotas.
Then, confirm if the flat pairing is possible by submitting the Enquiry on Combination of Flats under the Conversion Scheme form to the HDB e-Feedback form.
3. Engage a contractor to combine the flats
Once you’ve bought your flat(s), engage a licensed contractor to remove the PUB meters for one of the units. Hire a contractor from the Directory of Renovation Contractors to knock down walls to create an opening between the two units. This opening has to be at least 1m x 2m.
Do note that after converting the 2 units into a jumbo flat, you cannot subdivide the flat again for sale or transfer. You will be subject to a 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) once the flat purchase is completed.
Other things to note when combining flats to form a jumbo flat
Financing your jumbo flat
For those buying a flat that is next to your current flat, you will need to discharge the current loan if you’re not done servicing your mortgage. Then, you need to take on a new loan.
If you take on an HDB loan, you’ll only receive the amount needed to buy the adjoining flat. Should you go with a bank loan, it will comprise the outstanding house loan amount and the amount needed for the adjoining flat. Either way, make sure you have enough cash on hand to finance your property purchase.
Taking a CPF Housing Grant
If you took a CPF housing grant to finance the purchase of 2 adjoining flats, you will be considered a second-timer. That means you have to pay a resale levy.
For those who already own a flat and are purchasing the adjoining unit with CPF Housing Grants, different rules apply. If your first home is a subsidised flat, you will be considered a second-timer, and are thus subject to a resale levy when you sell your jumbo flat. If your existing home is the second flat you’ve bought at a subsidised rate, you will no longer be able to buy another home from HDB.
If building your own jumbo flat sounds like too much work for you, you can buy one of these homes available on the market.
1. Ang Mo Kio
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Sale price: $1.3m
Size: 1,442sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 53
As one of Singapore’s mature estates, Ang Mo Kio is certainly a desirable neighbourhood to live in. They’ve got plenty of trendy F&B joints and good schools━all in a central area that’s relatively near to town and the CBD. It’s no wonder why many homes in the area have hit the million-dollar mark.
That’s why it comes as no surprise this jumbo flat has an asking price of more than $1m. The home is a 10-minute walk from Ang Mo Kio MRT Station and has a supermarket, multiple hawker centres, and a McDonald’s close by.
While the current home is sparsely furnished, you can see it is well-maintained. It’s made up of 2 adjoining 3-room flats and has an efficient layout with no rounded corners and wasted space. And the beauty of owning a jumbo flat is that you’ve got ample space to play with━to create your dream home.
Find out more about this jumbo flat at 444 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10.
2. Woodlands
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Sale price: $1.2m
Size: 2,034sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 54
At 2,034 sqft, this jumbo flat in Woodlands is the perfect abode for a large, multi-gen family. The corner unit is situated on a high floor and has five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
As the home was only renovated 6 years ago, it can be considered move-in ready━great for those who want to move in with minimal renovations.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
The entire flat already boasts an open-concept layout, but you could take a look at the floor plan to see if these could be converted for more creative uses━perhaps a home theatre corner or library nook.
Find out more about the jumbo HDB flat at 835 Woodlands Street 83.
3. 849 Woodlands
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Sale price: $1.2m
Size: 1,895sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 70
Here is another spacious Woodlands jumbo flat that is perfect for large families. Looking at the home’s interior design, it’s clear that the home is split into two sections, likely to reflect the tastes of the members of this multi-generational family.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
One half of the home is likely older, with a white-on-wood template, old-school kitchen, and more modest furnishing. The other half of the home sees a strong Peranakan influence in its decor. Heavy wooden furniture, motifs in the tile and door panelling, and emerald green walls are seen throughout the space. Warm lighting ties everything together to create a cosy vibe.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
One of the best things about a jumbo flat is that having 2 adjoined corner units means that you have the HDB common corridor all to yourself. While the current owners of this jumbo flat have left this space relatively clear, you can jazz the area up or build your own greenhouse.
Find out more about the jumbo HDB flat at 849 Woodlands Street 82.
4. Yishun
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Sale price: $790,000
Size: 1,442sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 59
This 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit in Yishun is the very reason why jumbo flats are highly sought after━with large bedrooms, huge living spaces, and enough space to create your dream layout. The 1,442sqft home has been meticulously maintained by the owners, with tastefully done renovations. If desired, you could even pack your bags and move in pronto. Another major plus is how it’s a corner unit, which would grant you more privacy.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Arguably, the best part about the property is that it is in close proximity to amenities and the larger public transport system. The home is a 10-minute walk from Yishun MRT Station, Northpoint City, and Junction Nine. For parents with young school-going children, you can send them to these nearby schools: Yishun Primary School, Xishan Primary School, Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School, Chongfu Primary School, and Jiemin Primary School.
Find out more about 223 Yishun Street 21.
5. Marine Parade
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Sale price: $928,000
Size: 1,339sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 49
This rare Marine Parade jumbo flat is a dream for those who have always wanted to live by the sea. It’s just a short 5-minute walk to East Coast Park so you can walk by the beach any time you want. While the home is on a low floor, it remains bright and breezy.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
If you’re not up for local fare in your neighbourhood kopitiam, the trendy bars and cafes of Joo Chiat are a short bus ride away. Marine Terrace MRT Station is an 8-minute walk from the property, connecting you with Marina Bay MRT Station in 6 stops and Outram Park MRT Station in 9.
Find out more about 8 Marine Terrace.
6. Jurong East
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Sale price: $950,000
Size: 1,463 sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 57
This Jurong East jumbo flat is located on a high floor and enjoys unblocked views of the surrounding neighbourhood. For those looking for a place in move-in condition, you will be glad to know the flat was recently renovated for about $100,000.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
The flat is located near the up-and-coming Jurong Lake District, and is 3 bus stops from Jurong East MRT Station. There, you have access to the shopping malls such as Westgate and JEM. In 2027, Bukit Batok West MRT Station on the Jurong Region Line will be operational by 2028, and is within a 5-minute walk of this property.
Find out more about the jumbo HDB flat at 264 Jurong East Street 24.
Bonus: Bukit Merah and Tampines
While there are currently no available listings for jumbo flats in Tampines and Bukit Merah at the time of writing, they are some of the estates which house approximately 2,900 jumbo flat units.
Where to find jumbo flats in Singapore
Jumbo flats aren’t a common option in Singapore, but it’s one that makes sense for larger or multi-gen families. With more space comes more flexibility, where you can easily design your family’s dream home. While Woodlands has the greatest number of jumbo flats, popular estates like Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Merah do occasionally have some on the resale market too.
Once you’ve purchased your dream flat, check out the following before you start renovation:
- Top carpentry firms in Singapore
- Common kitchen renovation mistakes
- Things to look out for when choosing your ID or contractor
Cover image adapted from: The Alchemists Design
This article was originally published on 11th March 2022 and last updated on 22 October 2024.
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