Singaporeans seeking public housing have been assured that balance flats from previous Build-To-Order (BTO) exercises are available to all applicants, not solely those who initially applied for the BTO launch. The Housing & Development Board (HDB) stated this is intended to provide “an opportunity to apply through a fair and transparent process.”
Clarification Following Public Inquiry
The HDB’s clarification came in response to a TikTok video posted on March 3 by a user named Chua, who questioned the availability of a significant number of flats in the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises. Chua specifically raised concerns about not being informed of available units in a Bukit Merah project she had previously applied for in May 2022.
According to the HDB, SBF flats – which include unsold, unselected, or returned units from prior BTO launches – are offered only after all eligible BTO applicants have had a chance to select a flat, and are subject to ethnic quotas.
Applicant’s Experience
Chua had applied for a four-room flat in the Bukit Merah Ridge project and, in an email from HDB, was informed her queue number exceeded the number of units available. She reported having made 11 applications for a four-room flat between November 2020 and May 2023. HDB noted that her applications were for popular locations, where demand exceeded supply.
Chua ultimately purchased a resale flat with Central Provident Fund housing grants, according to the HDB. The board encourages those with urgent housing needs to consider applying for projects with lower application rates.
Trends in Application Rates
HDB data indicates a decline in median application rates for first-timer families seeking three-room or larger BTO flats. Rates have fallen from almost seven times in 2020 to between 1.1 and 1.9 times in 2025, with a rate of 0.9 times in the latest February exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sale of Balance Flats?
Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) include unsold, unselected, or returned flats from previous Build-To-Order (BTO) launches.
When are SBF flats offered?
SBF flats are offered only after all eligible BTO applicants have selected flats, and are subject to ethnic quotas.
What did HDB say about Chua’s applications?
HDB stated that Chua’s applications were for popular locations where demand exceeded supply, and that she was invited to select a flat in a May 2023 SBF exercise but declined.
As Singaporeans navigate the public housing market, understanding the process for both BTO and SBF exercises remains crucial. What factors might influence an applicant’s decision to pursue a resale flat versus continuing to apply for BTO or SBF options?
