Overcooked beef patties are tough, but you know what’s even tougher? Figuring out housing, especially in this economy. When I applied for my BTO, I thought it’d be a straightforward process. Spoiler alert, it definitely isn’t a walk in the park. And, just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, there’s always something new to learn.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the best “why-didn’t-I-think-of-that” tips from seasoned homeowners who’ve been through it all. Here are some “lesser-known BTO tips”━and you’re welcome.
1. Go to HDB Main Branch to see the 3D models & mockups
Today, it’s possible to go through most of the BTO application process from the comfort of your desk. But just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.
One thing I wish I knew before my first BTO application: there are 3D models and estate mockups you can view in-person if you make a trip down to HDB Hub in Toa Payoh. Yes, the artist impressions you see online aren’t the only thing you have for reference.
Image credit: Lulu Mi via Google Maps
These models show the layout of upcoming estates━roads, schools, carparks, and all. It helps you visualise the entire neighbourhood, and can really aid your decision when choosing your preferred block.
Image credit: My Nice Home
There’s also a set of fully-furnished showflats on the third floor of the HDB Hub. It’s called My Nice Home Gallery and showcases various unit sizes and layout. Currently, the gallery is closed for renovations, but will be reopened sometime in May 2025.
2. Do site visits beforehand, at various times of the day
Site 👏 visits 👏 are 👏 important 👏. Especially if you are not familiar with your future neighbourhood.
Omella Foo’s tip is to visit the neighbourhood at various times of the day to get a good feel of the surroundings. “We visited in the morning, afternoon and evening to check the level of traffic noise from the highway,” the 34-year-old added.
Here’s her site visit checklist:
- Nearest supermarket or wet market
- Nearest convenience store
- Coffeeshops and eateries
- Nearest bus stop, and where the buses go
- Nearest ATM withdrawal machine
Tip: For those living near a highway, the higher the floor, the louder the noise. You can purchase a Decibel Meter online from $28 to measure sound levels, if that’s a concern for you.
3. Pick a flat above level 7 to avoid having views blocked by trees
Everyone talks about MSCPs blocking your view but here’s something else to consider: trees. Yes, those green leafy things we all love for shade and aesthetics grow. And, if you go to older HDB estates, you may realize that some of them grow really tall.
It’s not possible to predict what kinds of trees will be planted in the area, but to be safe, pick a unit that’s at least on level 7 or higher if that’s an option. That usually gets you above the canopy line and gives you a better shot at unblocked views by nature’s very own photobombers over time.
4. Wait till the last few days of the exercise to apply
Image credit: HDB
In the competitive sport of BTO balloting, your biggest enemy is oversubscription rates.
One hack is to wait till the last day of the exercise to submit your application. In case you haven’t heard, updated application rates are available on HDB’s website, and applying late lets you see which projects are less subscribed, increasing your chances of getting a unit.
It’s great for those torn between 2 estates and aren’t sure of which to go for. But, try not to use this hack if you don’t need to━since it wouldn’t work if everyone does it.
Tip: Even if you’re planning to submit last-minute, prepare your application ahead of time to avoid stressing out at the 11th hour.
5. Comb through the URA master plan
Image credit: URA Master Plan
It’s no secret that Singapore takes its urban planning very seriously. Plans for future public transport infrastructure, potential green spaces, and government land sales are all reflected in the URA master plan. To have a better idea of what your wider future neighbourhood would look like, it’s worth exploring the free online site.
Look out for parking lots, land sales, and carparks.
Image credit: URA Master Plan
You can view developmental plans around your future neighbourhood━from the nearest bus interchange to upcoming nearby condominiums. It has literally everything, including the location of the NParks Heritage Trees just in case any treehugger needs to know.
View the URA Master Plan.
6. Look at the area outside your unit, not just the internal square footage
Everyone gets caught up in the internal square footage━but don’t forget to also carefully consider the area right outside your door. Some units have extra external space that isn’t officially counted, but is often unofficially yours.
That’s the spot where you’ll likely be putting your shoe rack, umbrella stand, maybe even a slim storage cabinet.
While you obviously can’t place huge installations like a giant onsen-themed entrance outside your flat, small and tidy items are legally allowed as long as they don’t take up too much space, or become an eyesore for your neighbours. According to the books, corridors have to maintain at least 1.2m of clearance for emergency exits, in case of situations like a fire.
Tip: Corner units tend to have a little more “spillover” space, though it really depends on the block layout.
7. Go for a HDB loan first, but consider refinancing to bank loans later
Once upon a time, banks offered lower interest rates than HDB loans━but not anymore. At the time of writing, HDB offers a better fixed interest rate of 2.6%, while banks have rates upwards of 2.8%. Some go up into the 4% range.
Both offer the same Loan-To-Value (LTV) ratio of 75%, but only one has flexibility mixed in. ICYMI, HDB loans can be refinanced to bank loans, but not the other way around. So, it’ll be a solid move to lock in your HDB loan now, and then switch over to bank loans when the market tips in your favour.
8. Look into MGPS & MCPS to optimise your chances
If oversubscription rates are your biggest enemy, priority schemes are your secret weapon. All right, this isn’t really unofficial but many often miss out on it.
Lots of first-timers overlook schemes like the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS), which give you an extra ballot chance if you apply for a flat within 4km of your parents.
Even lesser-known is the Multi-Generational Priority Scheme (MGPS). Bella, 28, shared that she got her unit thanks to this scheme, after many failed attempts previously. Her fiance’s parents applied for another unit in the same project, activating the MGPS and giving both parties priority.
There are a total of 9 priority schemes on the HDB website, and many of them are not widely known. Putting in the work to read through the fine print will give you a leg up as compared to everyone else.
9. Join Telegram groups for community support & insider info
Image credit: Kezia Tan
When it comes to applying for BTO, you get some of the niftiest tips and insider news from word-of-mouth sources. BTO Telegram groups are a godsend for those who still feel a little bit blur when it comes to all matters HDB-related. And let’s face it, who isn’t?
These are community-formed group chats with future neighbours to gather and chat about everything: from queue numbers to construction updates. Expect crowdsourced spreadsheets to track which units are already taken up during the selection phase, and organised group buys that would make a project manager blush.
Tip: Most BTO projects have corresponding Telegram groups━you can find them by searching [Name of the project] + “BTO” in the app’s search bar.
Something to keep in mind though, is that you should avoid jumping on bandwagons “just because”. Cherie Goh, 32, cautions that it’s also important to remember your own needs and preferences at the end of the day. “I feel like joining groups sometimes will sway you from your initial decisions and cause you to stress out from overthinking,” she adds.
10. Search up past BTO defects within your development
Image credit: HDB
Once you collect your keys, you have a 7-day window to inspect your home and check for defects. Take this seriously, as you’ll essentially be the final layer of QC for your home, and it’s not uncommon for the flat to come with some imperfections.
It’s a good idea to look up your project’s construction company and do a quick check to see what kind of defects they’ve had in the past━if any. This can help you narrow down a range of issues to keep an eye out for. Common issues include hollow tiles, misaligned doors, and uneven installations of things like window frames.
You can thereafter request for repairs and replacements from HDB. While you can do the checks yourself, those who wish to save time can hire a professional inspection company. Some interior designers also help you with defect checks.
Common construction companies for Singapore BTOs include:
- J. Roger Preston Limited
- Chip Eng Seng Corporation
- Qingjian International (South Pacific) Group Development Co. Pte Ltd
- Straits Construction Singapore Pte Ltd
- China Construction (South Pacific) Development Co Pte Ltd
Tips for applying for a BTO flat in Singapore
Whether you are a BTO first-timer or are back in the game after a few failed attempts, you’re not alone. Housing is certainly a wild ride in Singapore, but with these insider tips and a bit of planning, you’ll be able to reduce hair pulling and up your chances of getting that dream home. And hey, if all else fails, there’s resale. Kidding━kind of.
More BTO guides for you:
- Step-by-step guide to applying for BTO
- How to choose a BTO flat according to Fengshui
- Guide to applying for BTO as a single
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