The HDB BTO flat as a generous wedding gift

BUY a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) for a pleasant home to stay in as well as a chance to make money. While many buyers focus on getting an affordable flat to stay in, some buyers may prioritise making a profit from owning a BTO flat over staying in it. 

However, would-be BTO flat owners who do not intend to live in their units should think twice. In a Facebook post in late 2022, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said BTO flats must be owner-occupied for the full Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). If the owners cannot fulfil the MOP, the flat needs to be returned to HDB.

Minister Lee said a family cannot buy a BTO flat, not live in it or move into it for five years, and then sell it as “almost brand new” on the resale market. The MOP is the time period that flat owners must physically occupy their units before they can sell them on the open market. The MOP is five years for flats bought from the HDB. A MOP of 10 years applies to flats bought from HDB under the Prime Location Public Housing model.