When I first became eligible to apply for a flat from the Housing and Development Board (HDB), I was excited. Finally, a real step toward owning my own home in Singapore. Like many first timers, I knew about Build to Order (BTO) flats, but the waiting time of four to five years felt too long. I wanted something sooner. That is when I discovered the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise and jumped in without fully understanding how it worked.
Spoiler: it did not go as planned. But I learned a lot along the way, and I am sharing my experience in case you are in the same boat.
Why I Chose SBF Over BTO
For those unfamiliar, SBF flats are unsold or returned units from previous BTO launches or other HDB programmes. They are already built or near completion, so you can move in much faster, sometimes within a year. That sounded perfect for me: no years long wait, no construction delays, just a ready to go home.
What I did not realise was that SBF is not a free for all. HDB allocates these flats based on strict priority groups and not everyone gets an equal shot. It is not first come first serve basis.
The Hidden Hierarchy: Who Gets Priority in SBF?
Here is the part that caught me off guard: seniors get first dibs, followed by first timer families, and then, way down the list, first timer singles like me.
Even more crucial: if a town offers fewer than 34 units, HDB reserves 100 percent of those flats for seniors and first timer families only. Singles? We are simply not considered in that round, no matter how strong our application is. Unless you were extremely lucky so much so that most applications from the higher-priority groups were rejected, it’s hard not to wonder just how much luck is actually needed.
I made the mistake of applying in a town with only 31 units available. Looking back, I had zero chance from the start. It was not about my income, my timing, or even my luck. It was baked into the system.
The Numbers Do Not Lie: Competition Is Fierce
After the July 2025 SBF results were released, I dug into the data and it was eye opening.
Take Tampines, for example:
30 units offered
629 applicants
Application rate for first timer families: 29.7 times
That means for every flat, nearly 30 eligible families were competing. And for singles? In towns like Punggol or Woodlands, where singles are included (because there are more than 34 units), the competition is still intense. Over 280 single applicants for just 64 units in Punggol.
In short: yes, it is partly luck, but you can tilt the odds slightly in your favour with smart choices.
What I Wish I Had Known Before Applying
- Check the number of units first
If it is under 34, and you are a single applicant, save your 10 dollar application fee. You will hardly be shortlisted. - Look beyond popular towns
Everyone wants Punggol or Tampines, but that also means sky high competition. Consider less sought after areas like Bukit Merah or Serangoon, where application rates are lower (though still competitive). - Understand the new Standard, Plus and Prime framework
Starting October 2024, new BTO (and by extension, future SBF) flats are classified as Standard, Plus or Prime based on location and amenities. While this does not affect current SBF exercises directly, it is shaping future supply. Plus and Prime flats come with 10 year Minimum Occupation Periods and no whole flat rentals, so factor that into your long term plans. - Singles now have more options but not in every town
Good news: from October 2024, eligible singles can apply for 2 room Flexi flats in any estate (mature or non mature) under the new classification. But for SBF, the old rules still apply, so location and unit count matter more than ever.
Final Thoughts: It Is Tough, But Not Hopeless
Applying for an SBF flat as a single first-timer feels a lot like trying to win the lottery—except that doing your homework can slightly improve your odds. I didn’t get a queue number this time, but I’m not giving up. Next round, I’ll choose a town with more than 34 units, study past application rates, and even consider a less popular location. Or, I might just take a closer look at BTO as an alternative.
Home ownership in Singapore is not easy, but it is worth the effort. And the more we understand the system, the better our chances become.
Have you applied for BTO or SBF before?
Did you get a flat on your first try, or are you still in the queue like me? Share your story or questions in the comments below. I would love to hear from you and maybe we can help each other navigate this journey together.
In my next article about HDB, I’ll dive deeper into the new Standard, Plus, and Prime framework and highlight what you need to watch out for when applying for a BTO flat under this classification.
Information about HDB statistics, reports, and official announcements can be found on the HDB website or via this link. Please note that the numbers, statistics, and other details mentioned in this article have not been independently verified. Always conduct your own research to ensure accuracy before making any decisions.