Chances are, you already know a fair bit about HDB’s Build-To-Order (BTO) and resale flats. But there’s a third option available in the public housing market: Sale of Balance Flats (SBFs). In this article, we explain what these flats are and what to take note of.
Latest Update (July 23rd 2025):
HDB has launched its second Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise for 2025, offering 4,662 balance flats in various locations. This is a significant increase from the previously expected 3,000 units. With this latest release, the total number of balance flats made available in 2025 now exceeds 10,200 units – the highest annual SBF supply since 2016.
Those who applied for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter by May 15, should now wait for the balloting exercise. If their application is successful, they will be invited to select a flat.
Meanwhile they can keep track of their application on the HDB portal.
This latest exercise complements the July 2025 BTO launch, which features about 5,400 flats across multiple towns, including Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Sembawang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands.
Table of contents
- Latest Update
- What is a Sale of Balance Flat (SBF)?
- How many available flats are there in each Sale of Balance flat launch?
- Flat supply for the February 2025 SBF launch
- What are the eligibility criteria to buy a Sale of Balance flat?
- How long do you need to wait if you purchase a Sale of Balance flat?
- How much does a Sale of Balance flat cost? Is it more expensive than a BTO?
- How does HDB allocate SBF flat supply?
- How do you know if a Sale of Balance flat is suitable for you?
- When is the next Sale of Balance flat launch?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sale of Balance Flat (SBF)?
Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) is leftover flats from previous BTO launches, surplus Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) replacement, and repurchased flats. These include flats that previous owners chose to give up. Possible reasons for this include couples splitting up or inability to finance their flats.
This means that the SBF exercise may include older developments. We once found a Toa Payoh flat nearly 47 years old when it was put up for SBF in November 2020.
What this also means is that not all flats under SBF come with a fresh lease of 99 years. So just like buying a resale flat, you’ll need to take note of the lease decay if you purchase an SBF built several years ago.
A key advantage of SBFs is their significantly shorter waiting times compared to traditional BTO flats, which can take anywhere from a few months to three or four years for completion. SBFs are subsidized flats, generally making them more affordable than flats available on the open resale market.
Additionally, applicants may be eligible for housing grants, such as the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) of up to S$120,000, similar to BTO applicants. The availability of a unit is also subject to the ethnic quota, depending on the existing racial profile of resident households in the block.
Read more: Quick guide (with infographic) to BTO, SBF and resale HDB grants for singles
How many available flats are there in each Sale of Balance flat launch?
It depends. For instance, in the sales launch of February 2024, 1,588 SBF units were offered.
The first SBF exercise of 2025 was held in February, offering a record-high number of 5,590 flats across various towns and estates. Approximately 4 out of 10 units offered in this exercise were already completed, with the remaining units in various stages of construction and expected completion dates ranging from 2025 to 2028.
When is information about the Sale of Balance flats released?
HDB only releases information about SBF during the launch itself. This is unlike BTO flats, in which we usually have the info on the exact locations, estimated number of units and flat types three months in advance.
This leaves you with only one week to look through the flats available through SBF and submit the application.
But the plus side is that you get more information about the flats available, right down to the block number and unit number. So you’ll be able to know which flats to avoid (such as those west-facing flats).
Another good thing about the Sale of Balance Flats scheme is that it doesn’t just comprise four to five locations like in a typical BTO launch. You can find flats of various types spread across the different estates in Singapore, as well as the race quota, put up for SBF.
Flat supply for the July 2025 SBF launch
|
Town/ Estate |
Flat Application Category |
Flat Supply |
Ethnic Quota (Malay) |
Ethnic Quota (Chinese) |
Ethnic Quota (Indian/ Other Races) |
Selling Price (Excluding Grants) |
Selling Price (Including Grants) |
|
Ang Mo Kio |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
30 (8*) |
8 |
5 |
8 |
From $111,000 |
From $6,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
22 |
13 |
22 |
From $151,000 |
From $31,000 |
||
|
3-room |
16 |
16 |
9 |
16 |
From $208,000 |
From $103,000 |
|
|
4-room |
44 |
44 |
24 |
42 |
From $309,000 |
From $229,000 |
|
|
5-room |
14 |
14 |
10 |
14 |
From $621,000 |
From $566,000 |
|
|
Bukit Batok |
Community Care Apartment |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
From $81,000 |
From $5,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
31 (3*) |
3 |
3 |
2 |
From $73,000 |
From $4,000 ^ |
|
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
26 |
28 |
28 |
From $126,000 |
From $7,000 ^ |
||
|
4-room |
24 |
18 |
24 |
24 |
From $239,000 |
From $159,000 |
|
|
5-room |
9 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
From $421,000 |
From $366,000 |
|
|
Bedok |
Community Care Apartment |
8 |
8 |
8 |
8 |
From $98,000 |
From $5,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
33 (5*) |
5 |
5 |
4 |
From $96,000 |
From $5,000 ^ |
|
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
28 |
28 |
27 |
From $161,000 |
From $41,000 |
||
|
3-room |
47 |
19 |
47 |
22 |
From $208,000 |
From $103,000 |
|
|
4-room |
214 |
76 |
214 |
101 |
From $269,000 |
From $189,000 |
|
|
5-room |
76 |
61 |
76 |
43 |
From $636,000 |
From $581,000 |
|
|
Bishan |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
21 (14*) |
14 |
14 |
6 |
From $110,000 |
From $6,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
7 |
7 |
5 |
From $224,000 |
From $104,000 |
||
|
3-room |
11 |
11 |
10 |
9 |
From $433,000 |
From $328,000 |
|
|
4-room |
48 |
48 |
46 |
33 |
From $529,000 |
From $449,000 |
|
|
Bukit Merah |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
22 (15*) |
15 |
8 |
15 |
From $141,000 |
From $21,000 |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
7 |
1 |
7 |
From $134,000 |
From $14,000 |
||
|
3-room |
9 |
9 |
6 |
9 |
From $178,000 |
From $73,000 |
|
|
4-room |
6 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
From $304,000 |
From $224,000 |
|
|
Bukit Panjang |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
10 (4*) |
4 |
4 |
3 |
From $83,000 |
From $5,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
6 |
6 |
6 |
From $143,000 |
From $23,000 |
||
|
4-room |
45 |
34 |
45 |
26 |
From $259,000 |
From $179,000 |
|
|
Choa Chu Kang |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
25 (7*) |
7 |
7 |
7 |
From $69,000 |
From $4,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
18 |
18 |
13 |
From $143,000 |
From $23,000 |
||
|
3-room |
53 |
26 |
53 |
40 |
From $244,000 |
From $139,000 |
|
|
4-room |
133 |
95 |
133 |
107 |
From $323,000 |
From $243,000 |
|
|
5-room/ 3Gen/ Executive |
32 |
31 |
32 |
32 |
From $431,000 |
From $376,000 |
|
|
Clementi |
3-room |
8 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
From $208,000 |
From $103,000 |
|
4-room |
11 |
11 |
6 |
11 |
From $384,000 |
From $304,000 |
|
|
5-room/ 3Gen |
8 |
8 |
4 |
8 |
From $481,000 |
From $426,000 |
|
|
Central |
3-room |
7 |
7 |
5 |
6 |
From $268,000 |
From $163,000 |
|
Geylang |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
82 (5*) |
5 |
4 |
5 |
From $145,000 |
From $25,000 |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
55 |
65 |
32 |
From $287,000 |
From $167,000 |
||
|
3-room |
89 |
64 |
72 |
47 |
From $163,000 |
From $58,000 |
|
|
4-room |
378 |
185 |
305 |
137 |
From $349,000 |
From $269,000 |
|
|
5-room |
9 |
8 |
9 |
3 |
From $932,000 |
From $877,000 |
|
|
Hougang |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
34 (15*) |
15 |
14 |
8 |
From $75,000 |
From $4,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
19 |
19 |
18 |
From $164,000 |
From $44,000 |
||
|
3-room |
13 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
From $238,000 |
From $133,000 |
|
|
4-room |
20 |
20 |
20 |
19 |
From $334,000 |
From $254,000 |
|
|
5-room/ Executive |
8 |
8 |
8 |
5 |
From $574,000 |
From $519,000 |
|
|
Jurong East/ West |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
50 (13*) |
11 |
13 |
11 |
From $64,000 |
From $4,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
35 |
37 |
37 |
From $134,000 |
From $14,000 |
||
|
3-room |
63 |
21 |
63 |
21 |
From $178,000 |
From $73,000 |
|
|
4-room |
178 |
70 |
178 |
69 |
From $289,000 |
From $209,000 |
|
|
5-room/ Executive |
52 |
28 |
52 |
24 |
From $421,000 |
From $366,000 |
|
|
Kallang/Whampoa |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
55 (20*) |
20 |
12 |
18 |
From $121,000 |
From $7,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
35 |
18 |
32 |
From $161,000 |
From $41,000 |
||
|
3-room |
97 |
55 |
89 |
40 |
From $223,000 |
From $118,000 |
|
|
4-room |
601 |
391 |
434 |
271 |
From $359,000 |
From $279,000 |
|
|
5-room/ Executive |
5 |
5 |
3 |
3 |
From $666,000 |
From $611,000 |
|
|
Punggol |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
64 (6*) |
6 |
6 |
6 |
From $89,000 |
From $5,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
55 |
58 |
57 |
From $155,000 |
From $35,000 |
||
|
3-room |
30 |
23 |
30 |
22 |
From $296,000 |
From $191,000 |
|
|
4-room |
31 |
31 |
30 |
30 |
From $357,000 |
From $277,000 |
|
|
5-room |
11 |
11 |
11 |
10 |
From $481,000 |
From $426,000 |
|
|
Pasir Ris |
4-room |
24 |
22 |
24 |
23 |
From $424,000 |
From $344,000 |
|
Queenstown |
Community Care Apartment |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
From $138,000 |
From $18,000 |
|
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
28 (23*) |
23 |
13 |
16 |
From $149,000 |
From $29,000 |
|
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
5 |
3 |
5 |
From $111,000 |
From $6,000 ^ |
||
|
3-room |
17 |
17 |
6 |
16 |
From $178,000 |
From $73,000 |
|
|
4-room |
83 |
83 |
58 |
73 |
From $319,000 |
From $239,000 |
|
|
Sembawang |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
26 |
23 |
26 |
26 |
From $110,000 |
From $6,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
From $191,000 |
From $71,000 |
|||||
|
4-room |
13 |
12 |
13 |
13 |
From $384,000 |
From $304,000 |
|
|
Serangoon |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
7 (6*) |
6 |
6 |
6 |
From $96,000 |
From $5,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
From $136,000 |
From $16,000 |
||
|
3-room |
7 |
7 |
5 |
7 |
From $223,000 |
From $118,000 |
|
|
Sengkang |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
19 (5*) |
5 |
5 |
5 |
From $99,000 |
From $5,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
14 |
14 |
14 |
From $171,000 |
From $51,000 |
||
|
4-room |
21 |
20 |
21 |
21 |
From $294,000 |
From $214,000 |
|
|
Tampines |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
30 (19*) |
16 |
19 |
11 |
From $94,000 |
From $5,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
11 |
11 |
11 |
From $198,000 |
From $78,000 |
||
|
3-room |
22 |
15 |
21 |
22 |
From $248,000 |
From $143,000 |
|
|
4-room |
85 |
69 |
85 |
82 |
From $468,000 |
From $388,000 |
|
|
5-room |
42 |
40 |
41 |
39 |
From $618,000 |
From $563,000 |
|
|
Tengah |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
183 |
139 |
182 |
153 |
From $77,000 |
From $4,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
From $132,000 |
From $12,000 |
|||||
|
3-room |
63 |
47 |
62 |
53 |
From $277,000 |
From $172,000 |
|
|
4-room |
289 |
154 |
287 |
178 |
From $334,000 |
From $254,000 |
|
|
5-room/ 3Gen |
161 |
114 |
161 |
113 |
From $444,000 |
From $389,000 |
|
|
Toa Payoh |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
37 (26*) |
26 |
19 |
24 |
From $119,000 |
From $6,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
11 |
7 |
11 |
From $151,000 |
From $31,000 |
||
|
3-room |
34 |
34 |
25 |
34 |
From $213,000 |
From $108,000 |
|
|
4-room |
68 |
68 |
54 |
63 |
From $636,000 |
From $556,000 |
|
|
5-room |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
$931,000 |
$876,000 |
|
|
Woodlands |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
58 (8*) |
4 |
8 |
5 |
From $74,000 |
From $4,000 ^ |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
36 |
50 |
47 |
From $155,000 |
From $35,000 |
||
|
3-room |
133 |
26 |
133 |
71 |
From $178,000 |
From $73,000 |
|
|
4-room |
126 |
45 |
126 |
79 |
From $224,000 |
From $144,000 |
|
|
5-room |
52 |
28 |
52 |
31 |
From $351,000 |
From $296,000 |
|
|
Yishun |
2-room Flexi (short lease) |
51 (15*) |
15 |
15 |
5 |
From $73,000 |
From $4,000 |
|
2-room Flexi (99-year/ balance lease) |
32 |
36 |
35 |
From $126,000 |
From $7,000 |
||
|
3-room |
23 |
19 |
23 |
22 |
From $228,000 |
From $123,000 |
|
|
4-room |
49 |
29 |
49 |
38 |
From $289,000 |
From $209,000 |
|
|
5-room/ Executive |
37 |
23 |
37 |
27 |
From $428,000 |
From $373,000 |
|
|
Total |
4,662 |
3,165 |
4,186 |
3,052 |
|||
Source: HDB
Notes:
- * for offer to elderly (aged 55 and above) only, and will be sold on a short lease of between 15 to 45 years.
- ^ Buyers must pay 5% of the published price using their CPF and/or cash savings when their EHG exceeds 95% of the published price.
- Applicants with multi-generation households (e.g. married child applying together with parents) may book a 5-room, 3Gen, or Executive flat.
Check your affordability with 99.co’s affordability calculator!
What are the eligibility criteria to buy a Sale of Balance flat?
The eligibility criteria for SBF flats are similar to those for BTO flats. If you are buying a flat with your fiancé/fiancee or spouse, you’ll need to be at least 21 years of age. Alternatively, if you’re buying a flat as a single, you’ll need to be at least 35 years old.
(You can find out more about HDB’s eligibility criteria on HDB’s website.)
How long do you need to wait if you purchase a Sale of Balance flat?
It depends! If you’re purchasing a unit that has already been built, you’ll be invited to sign the Agreement for Lease and collect your keys six months after booking the flat from HDB. If not, you’ll need to wait for the flat to be completed. This can take anywhere from a few months to three or four years.
However, the key advantage SBFs have over BTOs is that they have a much shorter waiting time.
You will need the HFE letter when you go for the appointment. You’ll then be invited to sign the Agreement for Lease within nine months of booking the flat. Head over to this page for more info.
How much does a Sale of Balance flat cost? Is it more expensive than a BTO?
It depends on factors such as the location of the flat and other attributes such as floor level and remaining lease. So some SBF flats may be cheaper than BTO flats.
For instance, during the May 2023 BTO and SBF launch, 4-room SBF flats at Tengah were priced from S$330,000 onwards, cheaper than those launched through BTO (priced from S$350,000).
But if you’re getting a unit that is currently being constructed, expect to pay slightly more than what you would have paid if you’re getting the same unit via BTO. And it may be more expensive if you’re getting a completed unit. This is because prices for SBF have been adjusted to market conditions.
During the same launch, 5-room SBF flats at Tengah had a starting price of S$461,000, slightly higher than the starting price of 5-room BTO flats in the same estate at S$454,000.
Nevertheless, SBF are subsidised flats. So they’re still cheaper than the ones available on the resale market.
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How does HDB allocate SBF flat supply?
When an application for a Sale of Balance Flat (SBF) is submitted, it goes to a ballot to determine a queue number. But, depending on whether you’re a first-timer or a second-timer, it might be more difficult for you to get a flat because of HDB’s predefined allocation percentages.
Other factors and criteria, such as whether the flat is located in a non-mature estate, also come into play.
Here’s the rundown on the allocation of SBF flats in every sales exercise to help you understand your chances of getting a flat and plan.
SBF: For 2-room Flexi flats
Non-mature estates:
- At least 40% of the flat supply for senior applicants aged 55 and above
- 90% of the remaining non-senior flat supply for first-timer family applicants (100% of flat supply if fewer than 20 units)
- 5% of the remaining non-senior flat supply for second-timer applicants (deprioritised* if the flat supply is fewer than 20 units)
- 5% of the remaining non-senior flat supply for first-timer singles
*Meaning that seniors and first-timer families will be shortlisted within 100% of the flat supply and thereafter, depending on the supply, there may be second-timer families invited to book a flat.
Mature estates:
- At least 40% of the flat supply for senior applicants aged 55 and above
- 95% of the remaining non-senior flat supply for first-timer family applicants
- 5% of the remaining non-senior flat supply for second-timer applicants
SBF: For 3-room and larger flats
Both non-mature and mature estates:
- 95% of the remaining non-senior flat supply for first-timer applicants (100% of flat supply if fewer than 20 units)
- 5% of the remaining non-senior flat supply for second-timer applicants (deprioritised if flat supply is fewer than 20 units)
According to HDB, the above allocation percentages for BTO and SBF flats are indicative and some flats may additionally be set aside for quota-based priority schemes. All said and done, it’s generally more difficult for second-timer applicants to secure a flat through BTO or SBF in a mature estate than in a non-mature estate.
More priority for some first-timers
MND and HDB have also introduced a new priority category called First-Timer (Parents & Married Couples) for upcoming BTO and SBF sales exercises, starting with the August 2023 BTO. So with regards to SBF, this will take effect from the November 2023 SBF onwards.
New category: First-Timer (Parents & Married Couples), or FT (PMC)
Here are the eligibility criteria:
- Families with at least one SC child aged 18 and below, or married couples aged 40 and below
- Never owned or sold a residential property before
- Did not get to book a BTO/SBF flat in the last five years before flat application
If you’re eligible to apply under this category, you get to enjoy an additional ballot chance (meaning you get a total of three ballot chances).
Expanded priority scheme: Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme (FPPS)
The Parenthood Priority Scheme (PPS) will be expanded and renamed to the Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme (FPPS) as it will include those under the FT (PMC).
Up to 60% of the SBF supply will be set aside for those applying under this new priority scheme.
Key policy updates and additional information
Several recent policy updates and schemes are crucial for SBF applicants to be aware of.
1. Changes to HDB’s non-selection rules: From the February 2025 sales exercise onwards, HDB has revised its non-selection rules to enhance system efficiency and encourage more serious applicants. HDB now shortlists applicants up to 200% of the total flat supply, a reduction from the previous 300%. First-timers, including those under the FT(PMC) category, who accumulate one non-selection count (lowered from two previously) will now be considered second-timers for a period of one year in the computer ballot. Second-timers who accumulate one non-selection count (also lowered from two previously) will face a mandatory waiting period of one year before they can apply for a flat again. Crucially, HDB will waive the non-selection count for applicants who are presented with 10 or fewer BTO flats or 5 or fewer SBF flats to choose from.
2. Impact of the new flat classification framework (Standard, Plus, Prime) on SBFs: The new flat classification framework (Standard, Plus, Prime) was introduced for BTO flats from October 2024. It is important for SBF applicants to note that this new framework will not apply to existing HDB flats and non-Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) flats that were launched before the October 2024 BTO exercise, when these units are re-offered for sale in SBF exercises. This means that such SBF units will generally retain their original terms and conditions, avoiding the stricter resale conditions, longer Minimum Occupation Periods (MOPs), or tighter subsidy recovery rules typically associated with Plus or Prime BTO flats under the new framework.
Is it easy to get a Sale of Balance flat?
The Sale of Balance Flats scheme isn’t as widely known as the BTO. After all, the typical Singaporean proposal is along the lines of “BTO ai mai?” and not “SBF ai mai?“
However, despite the “leftover” connotation SBFs have, application rates for flats under the scheme have been very high over the years.
For instance, in the SBF exercise in November 2022, 188 applicants had balloted for 4-room flats in Choa Chu Kang. With only four units available, this translated to an application rate of 33 for first-timers! Given that the available supply has exceeded demand from the first-timers, the second-timers didn’t even get shortlisted.
4-room HDB flats for sale
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On top of that, there’s the priority scheme to deal with. Even if you’re applying under the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS), your chances are slimmer if you’re a second-timer applicant. Regardless of the location of the flat you’re balloting (mature or non-mature estate), only 3% of the flats will be set aside for second-timers applying through SBF.
What’s more, there’s the race quota due to the EIP. Some estates may have more flats set aside for your race. Depending on your race and the estate chosen, you may have a higher chance of securing a flat.
The good news about the SBF is that the race quota info is available during the launch (unlike BTO). So you can better strategise on where to ballot to increase your chances of securing a queue number.
It’s also best not to rush the application submission since you have one week. Once the application starts, look out for the application rate online, which HDB updates four times a day (8 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM and 5 PM).
How do you know if a Sale of Balance flat is suitable for you?
The good thing about the Sale of Balance Flats launches is that you get more information about the actual locations of the units available. This includes the block number and unit number, which are not available during a BTO launch.
On the other hand, from our observation, Sale of Balance Flats tends to be those situated on the lower floors. If you’re not selective over the specifics of your flat (orientation of the unit, the level the flat is on, etc), then by all means, go ahead!
However, if you’re particular about choosing a unit by yourself, you might be better off taking the usual route of applying for one via regular BTO balloting, or buying a resale flat.
The shorter waiting time also translates to a reduced time to save up for the downpayment and other costs. On the other hand, with BTO flats, you’ll have a buffer of three to five years to save up before your flat is ready.
Plus, if you apply for a Sale of Balance flat and manage to get a unit which is already built, you’ll need to register your marriage within just three months of key collection. Talk about a quick turnaround!
So, should you go for BTO, SBF or resale?
We have a simple thought process for this.
If you can wait, apply for BTO while checking out resale flats in the area you’re applying for (on a property portal such as 99.co). You can gain insights by doing so, for example how much your flat could be worth when it’s built, and also if your area is a high buyer demand or high seller supply area.
If you have a specific area you want to live in that’s not in the BTO sales exercise, apply for SBF. SBF sales launches offer a wider range of mature and non-mature estate options as compared to the four to five estates in a typical BTO launch. Before submitting your application, you may want to compare resale flat options and prices in the area you want to live. This comparison is very important so that you don’t lose out.
If you need a flat ASAP, apply for SBF or Open Booking while actively seeking resale flats through a property portal such as 99.co. If you’re particular about location and other attributes, drop SBF altogether and focus all your energy on looking for a resale flat.
To smoothen your resale flat hunting, here are some resale HDB top picks from 99.co:
- Rivervale Shores (D19)
- Boon Lay Glade (D22)
- Fernvale Dew (D28)
- Fernvale Vines (D28)
- Hougang Olive (D19)
- Keat Hong Verge (D23)
Here’s a handy pros and cons comparison to guide you in making a well-informed decision:
BTO vs SBF vs Resale flats
|
Criteria |
Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) |
Build-To-Order (BTO) |
Resale flats |
|
Pros |
Shorter waiting times: SBF flats offer shorter waiting periods. |
Variety of choices: BTO projects offer a wide range of units in various locations. |
Immediate availability: Resale flats are ready for occupancy. |
|
Potentially lower prices: SBF units might come at a more attractive price. |
Newer units: BTO flats are brand new and designed for contemporary living. |
Diverse locations: Resale flats are scattered across various estates. |
|
|
Specific location choices: SBF allows the selection of desired locations. |
Possibility of grants: First-time buyers may be eligible for housing grants. |
Customisation potential: Resale flats can be renovated to taste. |
|
|
Cons |
Limited unit options: Options might be limited, especially in popular areas. |
Longer waiting times: BTO flats generally come with longer waiting periods. |
Higher prices: Resale flats might come at a higher price point. |
|
Stricter eligibility criteria: Meeting criteria can be challenging. |
Fixed locations: Locations are predetermined; choice might be limited. |
Limited grants: Grants for resale flats could be more limited. |
When is the next Sale of Balance flat launch?
HDB announced that starting from 2024, Sale of Balance Flats exercises would generally be held once a year, instead of the previous twice-yearly schedule.
However, an exception was made in 2025, with two SBF launches – one in February, which offered 5,590 flats, and another scheduled for July 2025.
As for 2026, it has yet to be confirmed whether there will be one or two SBF exercises. This will likely depend on the application demand – if application rates remain high, a second exercise could be considered, but if demand tapers off, HDB may stick to a single launch.
Happy house-hunting!
[Additional reporting by Ananda Bayu and Sophiyanah]
Do you prefer to apply for a BTO or SBF? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends An in-depth guide to HDB’s priority schemes to increase your BTO or SBF ballot chances and 5 scenarios that can disqualify you from getting HDB BTO first-timer applicant benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Sale of Balance Flats (SBF)?
Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) are leftover flats from previous BTO launches, surplus Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) replacement and repurchased flats.
When are the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) released?
The last SBF was in February 2024. The flats were typically available for sale in two major exercises this year:
-
February Exercise: This is the first SBF exercise of the year, where a significant number of flats are released. For example, in February 2025, HDB launched approximately 5,590 SBF units across various towns and estates.
-
July Exercise: The second SBF exercise occurred mid-year, offering 4,662 balance flats in various locations.
These exercises provide prospective homeowners with opportunities to secure flats with shorter waiting times compared to traditional BTO flats, as many SBF units are already completed or nearing completion.
To participate in an SBF exercise, applicants must have a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. It’s advisable to apply for the HFE letter well in advance, as processing times can vary. For the July 2025 exercise, interested applicants should aim to submit their HFE applications by May 15, 2025.
How can I be eligible to buy a Sale of Balance flat (SBF)?
The eligibility criteria are similar to getting a BTO flat. If you are buying a flat with your fiancé/fiancee or spouse, you’ll need to be at least 21 years of age.
What is the waiting time to purchase a Sale of Balance flat (SBF)?
It depends! If you’re purchasing a unit that has already been built, you’ll sign the Agreement for Lease and collect your keys six months after booking the flat.
Can I apply for both a Sale of Balance flat (SBF) and a Build-To-Order (BTO) at the same time?
No, you can’t. In the same exercise, you can apply for a Sale of Balance flat OR a BTO flat, not both.
Will there be SBF in 2025?
Yes, there will be multiple Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises in 2025. HDB has announced that approximately 5,590 SBF units were released in the February 2025 exercise, marking the largest SBF launch to date. An additional 4,662 balance flats were also offered in the July 2025 exercise, providing more opportunities for prospective homeowners.
What is the application rate for SBF 2025?
As of February 17, 2025, the application rate for the SBF exercise varied across different towns and flat types. For instance, in Bedok, the application rate was 0.4, indicating a relatively low demand compared to the number of available units. In contrast, Bukit Batok had an application rate of 3.4, reflecting higher demand. The median application rate across all towns was 0.4, suggesting that many applicants had a good chance of securing a flat.
What is the income ceiling for SBF?
The income ceiling for Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) is the same as that for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats. For families applying for a 4-room or larger flat, the household income ceiling is $14,000 per month. If applying with extended or multi-generation family members, the ceiling increases to $21,000 per month. For 3-room flats, the ceiling is $7,000 or $14,000, depending on the specific project. For 2-room Flexi flats, the ceiling is $7,000 for 99-year leases and $14,000 for short leases (15 to 45 years).
Can I apply for multiple SBF?
No, you cannot apply for multiple Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises simultaneously. In the same exercise, you can apply for either a Sale of Balance flat or a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat, but not both. This policy ensures that more applicants have a fair chance of securing a flat and prevents any individual from monopolizing the available units.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and news related to July 2025 BTO launch. [Last Updated on 23rd July 2025]
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