In a significant boost to public housing, the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Housing Development Board (HDB) have announced the launch of about 19,600 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in 2025. Among these, 3,800 will feature shorter waiting times of under three years, catering to the needs of home buyers more quickly than before.
Details of the Upcoming BTO Launch
The new flats, which make up nearly 20 percent of the total offerings, are part of a broader plan to meet the rising demand for public housing. Applications for these flats will open in February 2025, with key locations including:
- Kallang/Whampoa
- Queenstown
- Woodlands
- Yishun
- Bukit Merah
- Sembawang
- Mount Pleasant
As part of this initiative, the government is aiming to launch approximately 102,300 BTO flats from 2021 to 2025, surpassing its initial commitment of 100,000 units.
Addressing Housing Demand and Supply
National Development Minister Desmond Lee highlighted a significant reduction in the average application rate for first-time buyers, which dropped to 2.1 in 2024 from 3.7 in 2019. The increase of flats with shorter waiting times—up from 2,876 in the previous year to 3,800 in 2025—is seen as a major step in accommodating the needs of potential homeowners.
Changes to Application Process
Starting from the February 2025 sales exercise, HDB will shortlist applicants up to 200 percent of the total flat supply, a reduction from 300 percent. This change aims to improve efficiency in the application process, enabling HDB to serve interested buyers faster. Moreover, first-time applicants who do not select a flat will only be classified as second-timers for a year, which has already proven effective in lowering the non-selection rate from 40 percent to about 19 percent.
Future Developments and Considerations
Looking ahead, the MND is committed to further initiatives to accommodate singles with the new Family Care Scheme. Starting mid-2025, this scheme will allow singles to apply for flats to live with or near family members. Mr Lee also mentioned that one in four flats in the upcoming launch will cater specifically to singles.
The government plans to announce the 2025 Draft Masterplan soon, with an emphasis on sustainability and climate resilience, signalling a forward-thinking approach to urban development in Singapore. As Minister Lee assures home buyers, the government is keeping a close eye on housing demand and the economic environment, ready to implement additional measures if necessary.