The next HDB Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) is set to take place in Feb 2026. The last exercise in July 2025, featured over 10,209 units, making it the most significant sales of balance flat 2025 launch to date. Since 2024, SBF Singapore exercises have been streamlined to one SBF and three BTO launches annually, in line with stabilised application rates.
This change aims to provide buyers with better predictability and improved access to available flats. In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the key details of the SBF 2025 exercise, explain how it differs from BTO and OBF launches, and outline the eligibility and application process.
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What Is the Sale of Balance Flats Exercise?
The Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise is an initiative by HDB that offers a selection of unsold flats from previous BTO launches, surplus units from Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) projects, and flats that HDB has repurchased.
The HDB Sale of Balance Flats 2025 provides an excellent opportunity for homebuyers who prefer not to wait several years for a new BTO flat or pay higher prices for a resale unit. For those planning ahead, the upcoming sales of the balance flat 2026 exercise in SBF Singapore is also expected to feature a diverse mix of units across various estates.
HDB BTO Flats vs SBF Flats: What’s the Difference?
While HDB offers both BTO and SBF flats, they differ in terms of availability, waiting time, and application competition.
1. Shorter Waiting Time for SBF Flats
Unlike BTO projects that begin construction only after reaching a 70% booking rate, SBF HDB flats are either already completed or under construction. This allows successful applicants to move in much sooner.
In the HDB Sale of Balance Flats 2025, nearly 40% of the units are completed, while the rest are still under construction and are expected to be ready between 2025 and 2028, depending on the specific flat and location.
2. Wider Range of Locations
SBF exercises pull together unsold flats from various projects across mature and non-mature estates. Although the number of available units is smaller, buyers enjoy a more diverse range of locations.
The HDB balance flat selection often includes popular areas such as Bukit Panjang, Sembawang, and Tampines, offering flexibility that typical BTO launches may not.
3. Limited Choice of Units
BTO flats are new flats where buyers ballot for their preferred stacks and facing, with construction starting only after enough bookings are received. Waiting times are typically around three to four years.
SBF flats are leftover units from previous launches or repurchased flats, often already completed or under construction for quicker move-in. Because they are leftovers, SBF units may offer limited choices for stack or facing, and some may have less desirable features, such as being near rubbish chutes or facing the west. Occasionally, attractive SBF units reappear due to previous buyers withdrawing.
4. More Information Available
HDB provides more detailed information for each Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) unit, including the exact block number, unit number, and ethnic quota balance. This level of transparency allows applicants to make more informed choices.
In contrast, BTO buyers often have limited information upfront, as they apply before construction begins, with only general location and site plans available. This makes SBF flats more transparent during the selection process compared to BTO flats.
5. Pricing Differences
SBF flats are subsidised but can cost slightly more than BTO flats. However, they remain significantly more affordable than resale flats, making them a practical middle ground.
Prices also vary based on the flat’s location, floor level, and remaining lease period. Buyers may find that prime-area SBF flats, while costlier, offer better accessibility and shorter waiting times.
6. Ethnic Quota and Eligibility Rules Apply
Just like BTO flats, the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) is subject to the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and other eligibility rules. Some units may not be available to all ethnic groups, depending on quota limits within each estate or block.
The EIP ensures a balanced ethnic mix in HDB neighbourhoods to foster social integration. As quotas fill up, fewer flats may open to specific ethnic groups, particularly in popular locations. Therefore, applicants should check the availability of ethnic quotas before applying to ensure eligibility for their preferred units.
7. Higher Competition for SBF Units
With fewer flats available and shorter waiting times, the SBF application rate tends to be higher than BTO exercises. In recent years, demand has remained strong, especially among first-time families and married couples who receive priority under HDB’s allocation rules.
SBF HDB flats are an excellent option for those who want to move in faster and explore more location choices, but are willing to face tighter competition and limited unit selection.
HDB Sale of Balance Flats 2025 Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Eligible Applicant / Family Nucleus | Must qualify under one of HDB’s schemes: 1. Public Scheme 2. Fiance/Fiancee Scheme 3. Orphans Scheme Applies to families, couples, or first-time applicants. |
| Citizenship | At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen. Other applicants must be either Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. |
| Age | Family applicants must be at least 21 years old. First-time single applicants must be 35 years or older, if unmarried/divorced, or 21 years or older if widowed/orphaned. |
| Income Ceiling | Families: ≤ $14,000/month Extended families: ≤ $21,000/month First-timer singles: ≤ $7,000/month. |
| Property Ownership | Applicants must not own or have any property locally or overseas.
Proceeds from any previously owned property will count toward your housing budget. |
| Ethnic Integration & SPR Quota | First-timer singles and families must meet HDB’s Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and SPR quota for the chosen SBF HDB flat. |
How Do I Buy an HDB SBF 2025 Unit?
If you are wondering how to apply for the sales of balance flat, here is a clear step-by-step guide for 2025:
1. Secure Your HFE Letter
Before applying, you must have a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter, which is valid for a period of nine months.
Since it takes around 21 working days to process, and longer during peak periods, we recommend applying early to avoid delays. Your HFE letter determines your eligibility, loan amount, and available grants.
2. Apply for the SBF Exercise
Once the SBF 2025 launch is announced, submit your application online within the application period. Use the HFE letter to identify flats you can afford and meet all eligibility criteria. The application window usually lasts about a week, giving you time to select your preferred flat.
3. Await the Results
Applications are shortlisted via a computer ballot. Results are typically announced about six weeks after the application closes.
A lower queue number increases your chances of securing your desired flat. Refer to the SBF flat distribution on the HDB website to gauge your odds for flats in mature and non-mature estates.
4. Book Your Flat With HDB and Arrange Finances
If successful, you’ll be invited to book your flat according to your queue number. Option fees are:
- $500 for two-room Flexi
- $1,000 for three-room
- $2,000 for four-room or larger flats.
During this appointment, ensure your finances are in order. Secure pre-approval for bank or HDB loans and grants to streamline your payment process.
5. Sign the Agreement for Lease and Collect Keys / Make Downpayment
After booking, sign the Agreement for Lease and make your down payment. Depending on your financing choice, you may pay in full or via the Staggered Downpayment Scheme.
For completed flats, you can sign, pay, and collect keys immediately. For under-construction units, keys are handed over upon completion. This step-by-step process ensures a smooth journey for first-timers and families aiming to secure an SBF HDB flat in 2025.
What Documents Are Needed for Your SBF Application?
Preparing the right documents is an essential step before applying for the HDB Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) 2025 exercise. Having these documents ready ensures a smooth application process and prevents any delay in verifying your eligibility.
Below is a summary of the key documents you’ll need, depending on your applicant type:
| Category | Documents Required | Purpose / Notes |
| All Applicants | • NRIC (Singapore Citizen or PR) • HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter |
Required to verify citizenship and eligibility for purchasing an HDB flat and assessing your financing options. |
| Employment / Income Proof | • Latest three months’ payslips (employed applicants) • Latest six months’ CPF contribution history • Latest Notice of Assessment (for self-employed individuals) • Employer’s letter (if newly employed) |
Used to determine income ceiling eligibility and grant qualification. |
| Marriage / Relationship Proof | • Marriage Certificate (for married or engaged couples) • Birth Certificates (for children or orphans scheme applicants) • Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable) |
Supports eligibility under the Public, Fiancé/Fiancée, or Orphans Scheme. |
| Financial Documents | • CPF statements showing available savings • Bank statements (if taking bank loan) • Loan approval letter or In-Principle Approval (IPA) |
Helps determine downpayment capacity and financing source. |
| Supporting Documents (if applicable) | • Medical certificates for special housing needs • Power of Attorney (if someone is applying on your behalf) • Documents for ethnic verification (for EIP quota) |
Required only in special circumstances or if requested by HDB. |
Note: All documents must be submitted in soft copy via the HDB portal during your application. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions may delay your eligibility verification.
For joint applications, each listed occupier or co-applicant must also provide identification and proof of income. Always ensure that your HFE letter is valid (within nine months of issue) before applying for the SBF 2025 exercise or the upcoming sale of the balance flat for 2026 launch.
What Happens to the Unselected HDB Sale of Balance Flats 2025 Units?
If some units remain unselected after the SBF 2025 exercise, they will be offered under the Open Booking of Flats (OBF) exercise.
OBF flats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so once all units are booked, the exercise ends. This allows buyers who missed the SBF exercise another chance to secure a flat.
SBF vs OBF Flats
| Feature | SBF Flats | OBF Flats |
| What they are | Balance flats from previous BTO launches, surplus flats from SERS projects, and flats repurchased by HDB | Balance flats from past SBF launches |
| When available | Once a year | Subject to HDB’s announcement |
| Number of flats offered | Varies depending on supply | Typically fewer than 300 |
| Application period | About one week | Open throughout the year until all units are booked |
| Unit types | Most unit types are available | Limited choices for unit size |
| Ethnic quota | Relatively spread out among different races | Usually fewer units for Chinese buyers |
This system ensures that leftover SBF HDB units from the sales of the balance flat 2025 exercise still have a chance to be allocated efficiently while giving buyers additional opportunities to secure a flat.
HDB typically holds Sale of Balance Flats exercises once a year. After the two SBF launches in 2025, the next Sale of Balance Flats exercise is expected in 2026. If you’re wondering “when is the next sales of balance flat 2026”, the exact timing will depend on demand and will be officially announced by HDB.
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