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.
More from Stacked
How a 57% Rent Spike Drove Flor Patisserie Out — And What It Says About Singapore’s Retail Scene
In 2001, Singapore abolished the Control of Rent Act—a move that changed the landscape for commercial tenants.
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.

Property TrendsWe Analysed 22 Recent HDB MOP Estates To Find Out Which Has Made The Most Money
by ReubenSo 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.
Location | Development Name |
---|---|
Bukit Merah | Telok Blangah Towers |
Sengkang | Coral Spring |
Punggol | Treelodge |
Punggol | Punggol Vista |
Sengkang | Fernvale Vista 2 |
Punggol | Punggol Lodge |
Bukit Panjang | Segar Meadows |
Sengkang | Compassvale Beacon |
Punggol | Damai Grove |
Yishun | Jade Spring 1 |
Yishun | Jade Spring 2 |
Punggol | Punggol Spring |
Punggol | Punggol Sapphire |
Sengkang | Compassvale Pearl |
Punggol | Punggol Breeze |
Sengkang | Fernvale Residence |
Woodlands | Straits Vista |
Bukit Panjang | Senja Green |
Punggol | Punggol Arcadia |
Punggol | Punggol Regalia |
Choa Chua Kang | Sunshine Court |
Yishun | Dew Spring |
Woodlands | Champion Court |
Punggol | The Nautilus |
Sengkang | Fernvale Crest |
Punggol | Punggol Residences |
Punggol | Punggol Spectra |
Sengkang | Fernvale Palms |
Punggol | Punggol Ripples |
Jurong West | Boon Lay Meadow |
Punggol | Punggol Sails |
Bukit Panjang | Segar Grove |
Sembawang | Montreal Dale |
Sean
Sean has a writing experience of 3 years and is currently with Stacked Homes focused on general property research, helping to pen articles focused on condos. In his free time, he enjoys photography and coffee tasting.Read next from Property Market Commentary

Property Market Commentary The Best Condo Rental Yields Near International Schools In Singapore Isn’t Where You’d Expect

Property Market Commentary Are Singapore’s Oldest HDB Flats Finally Losing Value? A 2025 Price Update

Property Market Commentary 5 Ways Singapore’s Condo Layouts Have Changed Over The Years (And What We No Longer Value)

Property Market Commentary Why These “Ulu” Estates May Be The Next Property Investment Hotspots In Singapore (By 2035)
Latest Posts

On The Market 5 Cheapest 5-Room HDB Flats You Can Buy Right Now From $535k

Singapore Property News The Real Reason Homes Keep Getting Snapped Up in Singapore

Landed Home Tours We Toured One Of Singapore’s Most Expensive Landed Estates — Is It Really Worth The Price?

On The Market The Cheapest 3-Bedroom Condos in Singapore You Can Buy Right Now Under $1.2M

Singapore Property News Record $1.27M Sale Makes This 30-Year-Old HDB The Town’s Priciest Yet

New Launch Condo Analysis Skye At Holland Pricing Review: How It Compares To Nearby Resale And New Launches

On The Market Three Rare Bungalows With Unique Design Hit The Market For $13.98m – Each With Over 9,300 Sq Ft Of Space

Editor's Pick Why I Sold My 40-Year-Old Jurong Flat For A Newer Bukit Panjang One: A Buyer’s Case Study

Editor's Pick 5 Ways To Get A Better Price For Your Property When The Market Is Changing

Pro Are Older One- and Two-Bedders in District 10 Holding Up Against the New Launches? We Break It Down

Singapore Property News The World’s Real Estate Is Now Worth US$393 Trillion In 2025. Here’s Where Singapore Fits In

Property Trends The Room That Changed the Most in Singapore Homes: What Happened to Our Kitchens?

Editor's Pick We Toured A Unique Landed Street Where No One Has Sold a Property for 14 Years

Singapore Property News Why Old ECs Now Make More Sense Than Million-Dollar Flats

Editor's Pick Skye At Holland Condo Review: Attractive Entry Price To Holland Village From $2,598 PSF
