HDB to Increase BTO Supply by 10% to 55,000 Flats from 2025 to 2027
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) will launch approximately 55,000 Build-to-Order (BTO) flats between 2025 and 2027, marking a 10% increase from the earlier commitment of 50,000 units. These will be spread across areas such as Mount Pleasant, Woodlands North Coast, Sembawang North, and the former Keppel Club site.
Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said the move aims to better meet the housing aspirations of Singaporeans, ease resale market demand, and moderate price growth.
Why Demand Remains High
Despite a ramp-up in BTO supply in 2022 and 2023, demand continued to stay strong in 2024. Contributing factors include:
- Singles allowed to apply for 2-room Flexi flats islandwide from October 2024
- The echo boomer generation entering homebuying age
- Preference for smaller household sizes
Possible Policy Changes
The government is reviewing key eligibility policies:
- Potential increase in income ceiling from the current S$14,000
- Lowering the age for singles to apply for BTO flats
Minister Chee said any adjustments would depend on how much supply can be injected in the coming years.
Private Housing Supply to Increase
In addition to the public housing increase, more than 25,000 private residential units will be launched through the Government Land Sales (GLS) programme between 2025 and 2027. Coupled with 45,000 units already in the pipeline, Singapore will see over 70,000 new private homes completed by 2030.
Boost in Resale Flat Supply
The number of BTO flats reaching Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) will rise:
- 2025: 8,000 units
- 2026: 13,500 units
- 2027: 15,000 units
- 2028: 19,500 units
This will further increase the available supply in the resale market, helping to stabilise prices.
Signs of Cooling in Resale Prices
Resale Price Index growth slowed in Q2 2025 to 0.9%, down from 1.6% in Q1, the slowest pace since 2020. Minister Chee said the government would consider removing the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners buying resale flats once the market shows further signs of stabilisation.
Addressing Million-Dollar Flat Concerns
While the number of million-dollar flats is still a small fraction of total transactions, median prices have exceeded S$1 million in mature areas like Queenstown, Toa Payoh, and the Central Area.
However, buyers can still find affordable options:
- 4-room flats in Tampines and Punggol: ~S$650,000 to S$700,000
- In Sembawang and Yishun: below S$600,000
- In Jurong West and Woodlands: below S$550,000
Shorter Waiting Time (SWT) Flats
The government will also deliver more SWT flats:
- 2025 target: 4,500 flats (20% above initial target of 3,800)
- 2026–2027: 4,000 SWT flats per year
SWT flats are pre-constructed partially before sales launch, allowing for a waiting time of under three years. These projects begin design, tendering, and groundwork ahead of time to expedite delivery.
Conclusion
Singapore’s housing strategy in the next few years focuses on expanding supply, moderating prices, and increasing accessibility. With new flats rolling out across the island and policies being reviewed to meet changing needs, the government’s aim is to keep public housing affordable, sustainable, and fair for all Singaporeans.
