What HDB Flats Can Singles Buy in Singapore (and Where to Find Them)

Gone are the days when singles could only buy flats in non-mature estates. From Oct 2024, the new Standard, Plus, and Prime framework gives eligible singles more options than ever—including 2-room Flexi flats in central locations.

Once you’ve confirmed that you qualify to buy an HDB flat, the next step is understanding what you can actually apply for. Depending on your budget, timeline, and lifestyle, you can choose between a new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat or a resale unit on the open market. This guide breaks down what flats are available to singles under each classification, the pros and cons of BTO versus resale, and how to decide which fits your goals. 

[ms-toc title=”What HDB flats can singles buy in Singapore”]

Flat types: What you can buy as a single

As of Oct 2024, following the kickoff of the new Standard-Plus-Prime housing model, singles can apply for both new and resale flats across the 3 different HDB classifications. The main difference lies in whether you’re buying a new Build-To-Order (BTO) flat or a resale unit on the open market.

In short:

• If you are looking at a new BTO flat, all 2-room flats are open to you.
• If you’re eyeing a resale: no restrictions for Standard and Plus, but a Prime project restricts you to 2-room units.

New flats (BTO)

Singles can buy a 2-room Flexi flat under the Standard, Plus, or Prime classifications.

A 2-room Flexi flat typically ranges from 36 to 45 sqm, with a bedroom, living area, kitchen, and bathroom—compact but functional. You can also choose different lease lengths (typically 99 years for younger buyers, shorter for seniors).

Here’s what sets each classification apart:

• Standard flats – Found in most towns; 5-year MOP and standard resale rules.
• Plus flats – Closer to MRTs or town centres; extra subsidies but tighter resale conditions and a 10-year MOP.
• Prime flats – Central, highly connected areas, but with the most restrictions including a 10-year MOP and the highest subsidy recoveries upon resale.

Do note that your chosen flat must have a remaining lease that covers you to at least age 95 to qualify for full CPF grants.

Grant(s) available: Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) (Singles)

Best for: Singles who want a brand-new home and can afford to wait 3–5 years for completion.

Resale flats

Singles can also buy resale flats on the open market—and here, your options expand considerably. You can buy:

• A 2-room flat in a Prime area, or
• Any flat type (2–5 room and larger) in estates classified as Standard, Plus, or older flats that predate the new classification, excluding 3Gen units.

You’ll notice that when you opt for a resale flat (as opposed to BTO) as a single, you can buy in any location, including mature estates. Unlike BTO flat, you can also move in immediately and don’t run any risks of construction delays.

Grants available:

• Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) (Singles)
• CPF Housing Grant for Resale Flats (Singles), also known as the Singles Grant
• Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) (Singles)

Best for: Singles who value location and flexibility, and are ready for higher upfront costs.

Comparison at a glance

Here’s a summary of the differences between new and resale flats for singles. Take note and weigh up the pros and cons before you make your choice.

If you prefer something new and are in no rush, a 2-room Flexi BTO offers affordability and modern fittings. But if you value space, convenience, or specific locations, a resale flat offers more freedom, but at a price.

To help you decide what fits you, your lifestyle and circumstances, consider these:

• Early in your career? A 2-room Flexi BTO helps you start small while maximising grants.
• Want to stay near family or mature estates? Resale may offer better choices and proximity.
• Buying with friends under the Joint Singles Scheme? A larger resale flat could be more practical.

Key takeaway

Singles now have genuine options across all HDB classifications, whether you prefer the affordability of a 2-room Flexi BTO or the flexibility of a resale flat. The key is understanding how each choice fits your long-term plans—from space and location to timing and resale conditions.

In the next guide, we’ll look at the HDB grants singles can use to afford these flats, and how much support you can actually get.

This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.

Found this article useful? Share it with your family and friends!