Resale HDB: Are 5 year old HDB flats the best option for first time buyers?

Are 5 year old HDB flats the best option?

Many young couples in Singapore have started their lives together by applying for BTO flats, with the Government pushing out how affordable BTOs can be in certain locations. No doubt BTO prices are genuinely more affordable, but this can come at the expense of other factors, such as time to wait and location. Understandably, everyone has certain budget constraints. The argument against buying a resale flat will always come down to the price and perhaps profitability if you are thinking of selling again after a few years. Thus if your budget has some room for expansion, perhaps a 5 year old HDB flat might be your best option.

Higher CPF resale housing subsidies

Earlier this year, the Government announced that young couples can enjoy a higher resale grant of up to $50,000 if they are buying a resale HDB flat for the first time. So this means that if you are looking at a 4-room flat, you are looking at up to $50,000, a $20,000 increase from before. If it is a 5-room flat that you have set your sights on, it is a $10,000 increase from before, so up to $50,000.

This will give young couples an added incentive to look at resale flats as this potentially can reduce the amount of loan that you will have to take. You can also look at the added bonus as money that can be used for other expenses, like the wedding or to your home renovation budget. As an added bonus, because you can look for a resale flat near your parents (within 2km), you will be eligible to extra grant money. If you like to find out exactly how much grants you could be receiving, you can find that out very quickly with our CPF housing grant quiz.

Waiting Time

In Singapore there is a running joke that the question “Do you want to apply for a BTO together?” has replaced many a proposal. But this is a genuine situation faced by many young Singaporean couples, who are forced to look at this housing issue pragmatically, perhaps even before many are ready for it.

Singapore is unique in the sense that the Government has tried to provide affordable public housing for its citizens. But because it has to be affordable, the Built to Order Scheme was set up so as to balance the supply and demand adequately. However, this means that young couples have to face a wait of up to 3 years. You can always still stay with your parents or in-laws but that can be a big inconvenience plus a total lack of privacy. There is also the option of renting, but that will be an expensive option.

So by looking at a 5 year old resale HDB flat, you are able to get the house you want that fits your timeline.

Location

One of the great things about getting a resale flat is the freedom of choice in deciding where you want to live. Even though Singapore is small, and getting around is generally very fast and easy, the location of your home is a very important factor to consider. By having a wider range of options you are then able to decide on criteria’s like proximity to transport links or even your workplace or schools for your children.

Also, as new launched BTOs are generally in less mature estates, it does take time for the area to be correspondingly built up with amenities and you will reap the rewards in years to come with a low buy in. So with a resale flat, chances are because it has been built for awhile, the neighbourhood amenities are already established and you will get to enjoy the perks immediately.

Saving on Renovation

Another plus point of buying a 5 year old resale HDB is that you could potentially save a hefty sum on renovations. This is particularly true if the previous owners have done a lot of work to the house. So if the renovations are to your tastes then it is a bonus, save for some minor tweaks to your fancy. Also, if you are looking out for a 5 year old resale HDB, chances are the previous owners will have done it up nicely. Young savvy homeowners nowadays are very home proud, aided with the help of sites like this.

Of course on the flip side, you could find a place in a good location but with an interior design completely not to your tastes that would probably require more effort to revamp. Getting a new BTO flat can also provide a completely blank slate for you to work your creative juices. However, it is well worth spending some time looking for these homes, you never know what you can find.

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So with all that said, here at Stacked Homes we have compiled a list of HDB flats that would have or will be fulfilling their MOP in the near future for you to take a look at. Also if you want to know more about resale HDB prices from 2016/2017 you can see it all here.