2-Room BTO Flat: Who Is It For and 8 HDB Resale Flat Alternatives You Can Buy

2-Room BTO Flat: Who Is It For and 8 HDB Resale Flat Alternatives You Can Buy
2-Room BTO Flat: Who Is It For and 8 HDB Resale Flat Alternatives You Can Buy

2-room BTO flats (or 2-room Flexi flats) are available at virtually every BTO launch, but little is known about this flat type. This is due to the fact that most households ballot for 3-room flats and larger and 2-room BTO flats are perceived as a flat type ‘reserved’ for elderly and/or singles.

In addition, the eligibility criteria for 2-room Flexi flats are a bit different from those of larger BTO flats, making them relevant to a different target market.

The recent February 2022 HDB BTO launch saw 2-room BTO flats being made available in Tengah, Yishun and Geylang. Another batch of 2-room BTO flats will be launched in the upcoming May 2022 HDB BTO launch, this time in Jurong West, Toa Payoh and Yishun.

Here’s what you need to know about 2-room BTO flats.

 

Who Are 2-room BTO Flats Made For?

2-room BTO flats are a small flat type meant for single-person households or couples. There are two available sizes measuring 36 sqm and 45 sqm. They are composed of one bedroom and one living/dining room, as well as a bathroom, kitchen and household shelter.

That might sound like the perfect bachelor pad (or bachelorette pad), but these flats under the two-room Flexi Scheme are actually targeted first and foremost at the elderly. That’s where the “flexi” part comes in.

Eligible buyers aged 55 and above can opt for a shorter lease of between 15 and 45 years in 5-year increments in order to lower the purchase price of the flat. Any lease length within that range is acceptable so long as it can cover the buyer and spouse up to the age of at least 95 years. Younger buyers, including singles, will receive fresh 99-year leases.

2-room-bto-flat-hdb-resale

Floor plan of a typical 2-room BTO flat. Source: HDB

Related article: HDB Floor Plans Over the Years: How 3 Homeowners Have Adapted to Changes

So, who is eligible to buy 2-room Flexi flats? Buyers can usually be divided into the following groups:

  • Couples or family nuclei
  • Singles aged 35 and older (only eligible for BTO flats in non-mature estates)
  • Single parents aged 21 and older (only eligible for BTO flats in non-mature estate)
  • Couples with non-citizen spouse (only eligible for BTO flats in non-mature estate)
  • Joint singles (only eligible for BTO flats in non-mature estate)
  • Orphaned siblings

As you can see, regardless of age, only those buying as a family or orphan can access 2-room BTO flats in mature estates.

There are generally more 2-room BTO flats in non-mature estates, in line with there being more non-mature estate launches across all flat types. For instance, in the February and May 2022 launches, 2-room Flexi flats were made available in two mature estates (Geylang, Toa Payoh) and three non-mature estates (Tengah, Yishun, Jurong West).

Related article: Non-mature vs Mature BTO Estates: We Ask 8 Singaporeans Which is Better

 

2-room HDB Resale Flats for Sale Under $300,000

One of the best things about 2-room Flexi flats is that they are cheaper than larger flat types, and can thus be an economical way for singles and couples to purchase a home.

However, some may prefer to get an HDB resale flat instead, due to the long BTO construction waiting times. For many 2-room HDB flats that are priced more affordably, they may be located in non-mature HDB estates, or are already halfway or more into their 99-year lease.

Nevertheless, let’s see what are the 2-room HDB resale flats you can get for under $300,000.

2-room HDB resale flat address

TOP Year

Price

560A Jurong West Street 42

2017

$300,000

424B Yishun Avenue 11

2012

$299,000

91 Commonwealth Drive

1965

$299,000

636A Senja Road

2015

$298,000

61 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh

1966

$295,000

805 King George’s Avenue

1980

$288,000

76 Telok Blangah Drive

1977

$288,000

314 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3

1976

$260,000

66 Circuit Road

1965

$255,000

Do note that all listings were available at the time of writing. However, due to the nature of property listings, these advertisements may be taken down at any time.

Alternatively, browse all 2-room flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 560A Jurong West Street 42: $300,000

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This 99-year leasehold flat just fulfilled its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) and is now on the market. Built in 2017, the apartment is great for those who prefer living in a quieter, non-mature HDB estate in the west of Singapore.

The only downside is that the nearest MRT station, Lakeside, is about a 13-minute walk away. But the upcoming Jurong Region Line (JRL) will connect the potential resident of this HDB flat to more MRT line options.

View this 560A Jurong West Street 42 listing or search for other Jurong West HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 424B Yishun Avenue 11: $299,000

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This flat on a low floor is relatively new, having been built in 2014. It is located a stone’s throw from the sprawling Yishun Park, and is also less than 2km from Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and Yishun Community Hospital, making it ideal for those who work in healthcare or have health issues.

Related article: Would You Live Near a Hospital in the Age of Endemic COVID-19? We Ask 5 Singaporeans

View this 424B Yishun Avenue 11 listing or search for other Yishun HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 91 Commonwealth Drive: $299,000

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This flat, located in Queenstown estate and next door to Holland Village, was built in 1965. In spite of its age, it might appeal to some buyers due to its attractive location 6 minutes’ walk from Commonwealth MRT and 10 minutes’ walk from Holland Village MRT. Residents of the ground floor flat enjoy a plethora of food options at Commonwealth Market and Food Centre and Holland Village

View this 91 Commonwealth Drive listing or search for other Commonwealth Drive HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 636A Senja Road: $298,000

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This wonderfully renovated flat is just seven years old and is one of the newest homes on this list. The flat, which is located on a middle floor, is described as a “bright and breezy” unit that enjoys good airflow and unblocked views of the surrounding areas. Being a North-South facing flat means it does not receive direct afternoon sun.

Related article: High Floor vs Low Floor Unit: Which One Is Better?

It is a nine-minute walk from Senja and Jelang LRT and 17-minute walk from Bukit Panjang MRT. Bus 972, which stops in front of the block, offers a direct ride to Orchard Road. 

View this 636A Senja Road listing or search for other Senja Road HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 61 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh: $295,000

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Though this 61 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh listing is old and received its Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in 1966, the flat is well-maintained and tastefully decorated.

Individuals who prefer to live in the city-fringe area can consider this unit, which is a nine-minute walk from both Toa Payoh and Braddell MRT stations on the North South Line.

View this 61 Lorong 5 Toa Payoh listing or search for other Toa Payoh HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 805 King George’s Avenue: $288,000

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This 1980 flat enjoys an excellent city fringe location less than 10 minutes’ walk from three MRT stations on two lines. The nearest MRT station, Lavender, is just 3 minutes’ walk away, while Bendemeer and Jalan Basar MRT are 9 minutes’ walk away.

Located on a middle floor, the flat enjoys a good view and is bright and airy. The unit is definitely a fixer-upper which will require some TLC, but think of the potential!

Here are some guides on renovation and interior design to get you started.

  • 7 Renovation Tips to Maximise Space in Your Small Apartment
  • 11 Renovated HDB Flats in Singapore That Look like Condos Inside
  • 5 Top Luxury Interior Design Trends to Look Out For in 2021/2022
  • How Much to Budget for A New Home: A Complete Breakdown of Payments
  • Renovation Loan in Singapore: Which is the Best? (2022)
  • 9 HDB Renovation Permits and Guidelines You Need When Renovating Your Home

View this 805 King George’s Avenue listing or search for other HDB flats for sale near Lavender MRT station on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 76 Telok Blangah Drive: $288,000

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This 1977 flat is located in a desirable city fringe location within walking distance of two MRT stations on the Circle Line – Telok Blangah and Labrador Park. Although located on a low floor, it enjoys unblocked views of the surrounding greenery.

Related article: 8 Benefits of Living Near Nature

It is located a stone’s throw from Telok Blangah Market and Food Centre as well as Telok Blangah Community Club. Residents also have easy access to green spaces such as Southern Ridges and Henderson Waves, which are within walking distance.

View this 76 Telok Blangah Drive listing or search for other HDB flats for sale in the Harbourfront/Telok Blangah area on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 314 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3: $260,000

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This Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 flat is built in 1976 and has a well-preserved interior, complete with a ‘rustic’ charm. Ang Mo Kio MRT station is a short six-minute walk away, offering residents easy access to the North South Line.

The catch is that the Chinese quota for the block has been filled, so only those from Malay, Indian, or other minority ethnicities can apply for this flat.

Related article: HDB Ethnic Quota in Singapore: 4 Mixed-race Couples Share How the Policy has Affected Them When Buying Flats

View this 314 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 listing or search for other Ang Mo Kio HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

 

2-room HDB Resale Flat at 66 Circuit Road: $255,000

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2-room-bto-flat-hdb-resale (14)

This 1965 flat located at 66 Circuit Road is on a high floor. Thanks to its city fringe location in the heart of a mature HDB estate, residents will be spoiled for choice when it comes to eateries, with numerous food centres located within easy walking distance.

Getting around will also be a breeze, with MacPherson MRT station just a three-minute walk from the unit, and Mattar MRT station being a six-minute walk away.

View this 66 Circuit Road listing or search for other Circuit Road HDB flats for sale on PropertyGuru.

 

More FAQs about 2-room BTO Flats in Singapore

Can Singles Buy 2-room BTO flats?

Singles can only buy 2-room BTO flats in non-mature estates. However, they can buy resale flats of any size in any estate.

How Many Bedrooms Do 2-room HDB Flats Have?

2-room HDB flats have one bedroom.

Where Can I Find 2-room HDB Flats for Sale?

PropertyGuru.com has one of Singapore’s largest databases of property listings, including those for 2-room resale flats.

 

For more property news, resources and useful content like this article, check out PropertyGuru’s guides section. 

Are you looking to buy a new home? Head to PropertyGuru to browse the top properties for sale in Singapore.  

Already found a new home? Let PropertyGuru Finance’s home finance advisors help you with financing it.

 

This article was written by Joanne Poh. A former real estate lawyer, she writes about property and personal finance and spends her free time compulsively learning languages and roller skating in carparks. 

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