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 two 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.
1. Ang Mo Kio
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Sale price: $1,200,000
Size: 1,894sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 54
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. Take this jumbo flat, that’s known for having reached a sale price of more than $1M during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But once we take a look, we can understand why. Besides being spacious – it’s made up of two adjoining 3-room flats – this jumbo flat has also gone through a thorough reno job. While its price is on the high side, the apartment does come complete with oak wood floors, marble and granite countertops, and luxe Hansgrohe and Duravit fixtures in the bathrooms.
Get more details on 418 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10.
2. Woodlands
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Listed price: $1,100,000
Size: 1,905sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 71
At 1,905 sqft, this jumbo flat in Woodlands is the perfect abode for a large, multi-gen family – plenty of space here to WFH without getting on each other’s nerves. This unit enjoys a prime location that avoids direct exposure to the evening sun, ensuring a consistently cool temperature and minimising the harsh glare of sunlight on your floors.
The flat is kept in a well-maintained condition so if desired, you can pack your bags and move in pronto. But the beauty of owning a jumbo flat is that you’ve got ample space to play with – to create your dream home.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
There might be just the 3 bedrooms, but you’ve also got two spare rooms that are currently used as family and study rooms. The entire flat already boasts an open-concept layout, but you could take a look at your floor plan to see if these could be converted into an open area – perhaps a home theatre corner or library nook.
See which walls you can hack by learning how to read your floor plan properly.
Get more details on 420 Woodlands Street 41.
3. Yishun
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Listed price: $1,300,000
Size: 1,949sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 68
This 5-bedroom unit in Yishun is the very reason why jumbo flats are highly sought after – you finally have enough space to create your own cosy reading corners and walk-in wardrobes. It’s also a major plus that it’s a corner unit, so besides being more private, you’re also bound to get plenty of breezes.
For Feng Shui enthusiasts, the North-West facing main door is sure to pique your interest – this auspicious orientation is said to bring in abundance and prosperity. On top of that the house features 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, making it ideal for those multi-generational households and larger families.
Get more details on 664 Yishun Avenue 4.
4. Clementi
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Listed price: $1,200,000
Size: 1,743sqft
Number of years left on the lease: 54
One of the best things about a jumbo flat is that having two adjoined corner units means that you have the HDB common corridor all to yourself, and you can jazz it up or build your own greenhouse just as the homeowners of this Clementi jumbo flat did.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
Take advantage of the multiple living areas, knock down some walls and create your ultimate dream entertainment zones – it’s not every day you come across an HDB with enough space for a pool table. Whether you’re inspired by the minimalistic charm of Scandi homes or appreciate the existing blank canvas approach that allows your furniture to take centre stage, the opportunities are limitless.
Image credit: PropertyGuru
With Firefly Park right in front and 3 primary schools within a 1km radius, it proves that this unit is an ideal location for families with young children. It’s also less than a 10-minute walk away from Clementi MRT and Clementi Mall, ensuring connectivity and access to amenities.
Get more details on 304 Clementi Avenue 4.
BONUS: Bukit Merah
While there are currently no available listings for jumbo flats in the Bukit Merah area at the time of writing, it remains 1 of the 5 estates where approximately 2,900 jumbo flat units are distributed.
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 – that way, you can easily design your family’s dream home. While Woodlands has the highest number of jumbo flats, popular estates like Ang Mo Kio and Bukit Merah do occasionally have some in the resale market too.
Once you’ve purchased your dream flat, check out the following before you start renovation:
- Top Carpentry Firms
- Common Kitchen Renovation Mistakes
- Things To Know When Choosing IDs Or Contractors
Cover image adapted from: The Alchemists Design
This article was originally published on 11th March 2022, but updated on 23rd June 2023.
