The Business Times
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THE LEVEL GROUND

Expand HDB choices for seniors: Offer new dual-key homes and short-lease 3-room flats

Let seniors who own a private home buy an HDB resale flat without selling the private unit 

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Leslie Yee

Leslie Yee

Published Mon, Nov 17, 2025 · 10:55 AM
    • Some seniors will prefer to stay in their existing private or HDB home for the rest of their lives, while others may seek to monetise their existing home and move to a more affordably priced one to free up funds for retirement needs.
    • Some seniors will prefer to stay in their existing private or HDB home for the rest of their lives, while others may seek to monetise their existing home and move to a more affordably priced one to free up funds for retirement needs. PHOTO: TAY CHU YI, BT

    [SINGAPORE] In Singapore, a sure sign that a dating couple is serious about tying the knot is when the partners discuss whether to apply for a new Housing & Development Board (HDB) flat together. 

    Many young local couples start their homeownership journey by purchasing a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat from HDB. BTO flats, which typically come with 99-year leases, are sold at subsidised prices. Grants are available to eligible buyers who meet certain conditions. 

    Over time, HDB has become synonymous with providing young families high-quality and affordable housing. In the recent BTO exercise, applicants could apply for flats in various locations islandwide, including prime areas such as Mount Pleasant and Berlayar estate in the Greater Southern Waterfront.

    The Level GroundHDBSeniorsageingBTOResidentialSingapore residential property

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