Homeownership: Buying a BTO flat is the optimal choice

SECURING a build-to-order (BTO) HDB flat is not easy. For 4-room units in non-mature estates, the application rate can exceed 3 times, and the rate is much higher in mature estates.

Some people may choose to buy an HDB resale flat, an executive condominium unit or a private home instead. Buying a resale HDB or private home allows one to move in fairly quickly, versus waiting several years to secure and move into a BTO flat.

Should a first time home buyer, who cannot get housing grants, buy a private home?  If one aspires to private homeownership and home prices rise over time, perhaps it does not pay to be tardy in buying a private home.