Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on differences in HDB flat prices

Oct 10, 2016


Mr Gan Thiam Poh: To ask the Minister for National Development 

(a) in the past one year, what is the average price difference between BTO flats (with and without subsidy) and resale flats for each flat type in the same district/zone; and 

(b) what is the average price difference between BTO flats in new towns and mature towns next to the new towns. 

Answer: 

Price Difference between BTO and Resale Flats 

In pricing new flats, HDB takes reference from the prices of comparable resale flats, makes adjustments for differences in location and attributes, and then gives a discount to ensure that new flat prices remain affordable, especially for first-timer families. 

The difference between the average prices of BTO flats and resale flats in non-mature estates in the past one year ranged from $108,000 for 3-room flats to $71,000 for 5-room flats. There were too few 2-room resale flat transactions for a meaningful comparison. However, direct comparisons between BTO and resale flat prices may not be appropriate or meaningful, as these flats would differ in terms of age, design features, and proximity to infrastructure and amenities within the town. 

In addition, first-timer families who are eligible for housing grants will enjoy up to $80,000 in grants, comprising the Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG) of up to $40,000 and the Special CPF Housing Grant of up to $40,000. On the other hand, these eligible first-timer families buying resale flats also enjoy up to $90,000 in grants, comprising the CPF Housing Grant of $30,000, the AHG of up to $40,000, and the Proximity Housing Grant of $20,000. 

Price Difference between BTO Flats in Non-Mature and Mature Estates 

Flat prices are generally higher in the mature estates as they are nearer to the city centre and have higher demand. For example, the difference between the average prices of 4-room BTO flats offered in the past one year in Sengkang, a non-mature estate, and Ang Mo Kio, a nearby mature estate, is $162,000.