According to response from applicants for the latest HDB sales launch of BTO (build-to-order) and SBF (sale of balance) flats, bigger units in mature estates seemed to be most hotly contested.
3,770 BTO flats were rolled out in last week’s launch, with units available in Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bukit Panjang and Sembawang. In addition, 5,170 SBF flats were also available for selection across 29 HDB estates. The units in Bedok and Ang Mo Kio were most in demand as these mature estates have well-developed infrastructure and some buyers who have lived there most of their lives prefer to move within the estate.
Photo credit: HDB
Will this mean a corresponding demand for resale flats of similar size in the same estates? It is debatable as prices of larger resale flats have already been falling as demand waned. As the availability of new units direct from HDB, and options of going into the private property market beckons, HDB upgraders will have quite a few pros and cons to weigh. While private homes within the same price range may be quite a lot smaller, rental and future value appreciation of selected private properties may entice buyers. On the other hand, upgrading within the resale HDB flat market may get you a larger unit though not necessarily with future sale benefits. Rental demand however could still be high should the unit be near a MRT station, school or other amenities.
