The government is actively reviewing two key eligibility criteria for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, aiming to make home ownership more accessible for Singaporeans. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat revealed that the income ceiling for couples and the minimum age requirement for singles could be adjusted in the near future.
Currently, couples earning a combined monthly income above S$14,000 and singles below 35 years old are ineligible to apply for BTO flats. The review seeks to raise the income ceiling to accommodate rising salaries and possibly reduce the age limit for singles, enabling them to buy flats earlier. Chee emphasised that these changes will help “support more people to be eligible to try for new BTO flats,” recognising evolving financial conditions among Singaporean families.
Boosting BTO Flat Supply to Meet Demand
Anticipating increased demand from these policy revisions, the government is accelerating the launch of new flats. From 2025 to 2027, about 55,000 BTO flats will be introduced — a 10% increase over the previous target of 50,000 units. These flats will be distributed across various locations including new estates such as Mount Pleasant, Woodlands North Coast, Sembawang North, and the former Keppel Club golf course site.
Notably, many new BTO flats will have shorter waiting times of less than three years. This year alone, approximately 4,500 flats with faster completion timelines are expected to be launched, up from 2,800 in 2024. These efforts aim to stabilise the resale market by easing supply constraints and moderating resale flat prices.
Private Housing Developments and Resale Market Outlook
Besides public housing, the government plans to increase private residential supply significantly. Through the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme, over 25,000 private housing units are set to be launched between 2025 and 2027. Combined with existing pipeline projects, Singapore is on track to see more than 70,000 private homes completed by 2030.
Minister Chee also addressed concerns about resale flat prices, noting a wide range of affordable options. Four-room resale flats with leases of 70 years or more can be found below S$600,000 in areas like Sembawang and Yishun, and under S$550,000 in Jurong West and Woodlands. Recent data shows a moderation in resale price growth, with a 0.9% increase in the second quarter of 2025 — the lowest since 2020.
As more BTO flats reach their minimum occupation period starting 2026, the resale supply is expected to grow, potentially stabilising prices further. The government may then consider removing the 15-month waiting period for private property owners before buying non-subsidised HDB flats, easing market access for more buyers.
This policy review and supply boost aim to balance housing affordability with the evolving needs of Singaporeans, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable property market in the coming years.