HDB BTO vs Resale: Which One Makes More Sense for You?

Buying your first home with your partner? Whether you're planning for the future or just want your own space, the most common question is:Should we go for a BTO or a resale flat?

Both come with pros, cons, and different grant amounts that can drastically affect your budget. Here's a full breakdown for first-time couples buying their first HDB home.

🏗️ Option 1: BTO Flats

Build-to-Order (BTO) flats are new public housing units sold directly by HDB. You apply via a ballot and wait a few years for your unit to be built.

✅ Pros:

• Lowest entry price: Heavily subsidised by the government

• Full 99-year lease: Maximum value for long-term ownership

• Minimal renovation: Comes with new fittings

• Eligible for grants: Up to $120,000 under the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) depending on your income

  
  

⚠️ Cons:

• Wait time: Usually 3 to 5 years

• Balloting luck required: No guarantee of success

• Location: Limited to BTO launch sites

  
  

👫 Best for: Couples who can wait and want the best long-term savings.

🏠 Option 2: Resale HDB Flats

Resale flats are bought from existing homeowners and are available across Singapore — often with larger layouts in mature estates.

✅ Pros:

• Faster move-in: Typical timeline is 3–6 months

• Greater location flexibility: Choose mature estates or near family

• Larger flats: Older layouts tend to be more spacious

• Stackable grants: Qualify for up to $190,000 total with multiple schemes dependent on income and citizenship status

  
  

⚠️ Cons:

• Higher price: Market rate, often more expensive upfront

• Shorter remaining lease: Especially in older estates

• Renovation needed: May require $20K–$70K to update

  
  

👫 Best for: Couples who need to move soon or want to live near parents or in a preferred estate.

💸 HDB Grant Summary (Couples)

Grant	BTO	Resale	Maximum
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant	✅	✅	Up to $120,000 (tiered by income)
Family Grant	❌	✅	Up to $80,000
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)	❌	✅	Up to $30,000

🔍 Note: Grant eligibility depends on household income, flat type, and proximity to parents. The EHG amount is tiered — lower-income households receive more support.

🧠 How Do You Decide?

Ask yourselves:

• Can we afford to wait 3 to 5 years?

• Do we need to live near work or parents now?

• Will our income level qualify us for maximum grants?

• Are we okay with renovation costs if going for resale?

✅ TL;DR

If you want…	Go for…
Lower cost, more savings	BTO
Fast key collection	Resale
Larger unit, better location	Resale
Fresh 99-year lease	BTO

💬 Need Help Figuring It Out?

Let me help you calculate your grants, shortlist properties, and make the smartest move based on your life stage.👋 Reach out for a free consultation — no hard selling, just honest advice.