Discussion About Single & Hdb Flat Ownership + Hdb Loan (Compiled)

[lonelyglobe]

 

That is the reason why buying on the highest floor of the block was 1 of my 3 non-negotiable criteria when I pick up my unit years ago.

Curious,  what is the other 2?

[Guest guest]

 

I am deeply troubled by the persistent toilet seepage issue in my HDB flat on the 7th floor. For the past six months, I have been grappling with the spreading seepage dilemma that has extended to the branch pipes from the stack pipes. This has caused significant inconvenience and disruption in my daily life.

The origin of this ordeal dates back to February 4, 2023, when the first signs of seepage emerged in my master bedroom toilet, characterized by water droplets descending from the ceiling around the stack pipe and the stack pipe. Swiftly, I reached out to HDB, prompting the dispatch of a private contractor from the 8th floor to address the situation. They responded that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the town council. Coordination was initiated with HDB to involve the town council in resolving the matter. A town council plumber subsequently verified the stack pipe's integrity, attributing the seepage to the toilet in the apartment directly above mine on the 8th floor.

HDB promptly engaged private contractors from the 8th floor to rectify the matter upon identifying the misconnections in the level 8 pipes. Despite conducting three separate water ponding tests, seepage persisted. Level 8 private contractors contested the findings.

 

They proposed alternate explanations, such as structural issues or the involvement of a neighbouring unit on a higher level.

 

A dry test was conducted, which revealed no seepage as the neighbour on the 8th floor refrained from using the master bedroom toilet.

On July 29, 2023, a Zonal Engineer from HDB personally observed the latest water ponding test following the dry test. This test conclusively confirmed the seepage's source to be the toilet in the flat on the 8th floor. This was affirmed by the HDB zonal engineer based on the test outcomes.

After enduring this seepage predicament for half a year, I am exasperated, grappling with its implications. Water stains have marred the ceiling of my master bedroom toilet and permeated into the wall fixture, compounding the damage. Moreover, I am deeply concerned about the potential health hazards of a consistently damp environment.

I implore #HDB to take decisive action and compel level 8 private contractors to rectify this ongoing issue. As a responsible and law-abiding citizen, I meet my #HDB Service and Conservancy fee obligations. I am entitled to an environment free from moisture and mould-related concerns.

I am confident that #HDB will promptly address this matter and create a secure and wholesome living space for me. I greatly appreciate your consideration of my appeal.

How long you have been staying in your unit before toilet seepage issue happen? And how old is your flat?

 

Such problem how come town council and HDB cannot resolve? My unit downstairs experience water seepage on their toilet ceiling, then HDB contacted me and found out the problem lies with one of my piping and changed for me and the problem has resolved.

[Guest guest]

 

That is the reason why buying on the highest floor of the block was 1 of my 3 non-negotiable criteria when I pick up my unit years ago.

Buy top floor does not say you want to buy sure have. Have to depend on your luck if anyone selling. But i always hear top floor unit might also have water leaking problem from the roof top. And top floor unit always much hotter than the unit below. And if you buy old HDB top floor unit, your kitchen will have an ugly rubbish chute door on the wall.

[thickhead79]

 

I saw a unit I like on property guru. Is it possible to buy without going through an agent? If yes, how do I get the contact of the seller?

if u know the unit u can try knock the door and ask the owner 

[kidster]

 

if u know the unit u can try knock the door and ask the owner 

 

Thanks. I don't know the owner. I have contact the seller's agent from the website.

 

If I process the paperwork myself, do I get to save my agent fee?

[Guest HDB]

 

 

Thanks. I don't know the owner. I have contact the seller's agent from the website.

 

If I process the paperwork myself, do I get to save my agent fee?

I don't think you need to engage the services of seller's agent. @sayfirst, please enlighten us. Thank you in advance.

[Guest guest]

 

 

Thanks. I don't know the owner. I have contact the seller's agent from the website.

 

If I process the paperwork myself, do I get to save my agent fee?

Yes, you get to save on agent fee. Some seller agents if good, might help you on the paperwork.

[keyboard]

 

 

Thanks. I don't know the owner. I have contact the seller's agent from the website.

 

If I process the paperwork myself, do I get to save my agent fee?

You know the block number and the range of floor numbers (low, middle, high), look for the floor map to the block online - you will know which unit it is. From there, head down to the block and go to those floors and see which interior looks like the ones on the website you found the listing. But what's the point of the question?

Did some research - buyer no need pay commission, paperwork done by seller agent

All the steps are on the HDB website - time consuming and must be accurate to a T and dot all the i.

https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/residential/buying-a-flat/buying-procedure-for-resale-flats

Edited August 16, 2023 by keyboard

[keyboard]

Oh, one thing i learnt from shopping is that agents will only entertain you if you have a valid HLE, AIP. Proof that you can actually afford to buy/loan the house.

[Sweetie Pie]

 

You know the block number and the range of floor numbers (low, middle, high), look for the floor map to the block online - you will know which unit it is. From there, head down to the block and go to those floors and see which interior looks like the ones on the website you found the listing. But what's the point of the question?

 

Not so simple.  On the property website, the seller will indicate if he does not wish to hire an agency.  There is no chance you can persuade the seller to engage in direct transaction if the seller prefers having an agent.  The straightforward explanation is that since the seller might not be familiar with the processes, using an agent increases the selling price and reduces their risk of being taken advantage of by dishonest buyers or facing other legal problems if there were overlooked processes..   Your agent will do everything in his power to market your property, hiring multiple agents could put your property in front of a larger audience, same for buyers.

[kidster]

Talked to the seller's agent today. I asked if I could do the paperwork myself as I do not have an agent. He said he won't charge me. My question is is he allowed to charge me? I'm confused.

 

Do we need to apply for HLE separately or it comes together with HFE?

[Guest HDB]

 

Talked to the seller's agent today. I asked if I could do the paperwork myself as I do not have an agent. He said he won't charge me. My question is is he allowed to charge me? I'm confused.

 

Do we need to apply for HLE separately or it comes together with HFE?

HFE (new) has replaced HLE (old): https://www.hdb.gov.sg/cs/infoweb/about-us/news-and-publications/press-releases/28042023-New-HDB-Flat-Eligibility-Letter

 

 

[Guest guest]

 

Talked to the seller's agent today. I asked if I could do the paperwork myself as I do not have an agent. He said he won't charge me. My question is is he allowed to charge me? I'm confused.

 

Do we need to apply for HLE separately or it comes together with HFE?

Seller agent cannot charge you even he helps you with the paperwork. It is against the rule to charge buyer as he is the seller agent.

 

You need an approved HFE to OTP a flat and applying for a new BTO. It is mandatory to have HFE even you plan to full cash the HDB you are buying.

[sayfirst]

 

I don't think you need to engage the services of seller's agent. @sayfirst, please enlighten us. Thank you in advance.

 

Yeap it’s not necessary to engage an agent for HDB resale transaction. In fact the introduction of HFE has simplified things as it allows the buyer to get info on their eligibility to buy, obtain grant(s), or take a loan before they start viewing houses. This way they have a clearer idea on their budget before window shopping. One thing to note is that the HFE might take a longer time upfront for processing though.

 

Pro tip: Apply for a HFE letter early!

 

 

Talked to the seller's agent today. I asked if I could do the paperwork myself as I do not have an agent. He said he won't charge me. My question is is he allowed to charge me? I'm confused.

 

Do we need to apply for HLE separately or it comes together with HFE?

 

Property agents are not allowed to represent both the buyer and seller because there’s a conflict of interest. Since he’s already representing the seller, he can give you some advice if you need help with the paperwork, though he can’t charge you for that. 

[sayfirst]

 

Talked to the seller's agent today. I asked if I could do the paperwork myself as I do not have an agent. He said he won't charge me. My question is is he allowed to charge me? I'm confused.

 

Do we need to apply for HLE separately or it comes together with HFE?

 

Though you’ve come across a unit that you like, you’d still need a valid HFE letter before the seller can issue an OTP to you. 

 

You can skip the preliminary check and straightaway apply for the letter if time is of the essence to you. 

 

https://www.hdb.gov.sg/residential/buying-a-flat/understanding-your-eligibility-and-housing-loan-options/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter

[Guest Guest]

If my budget to buy a hdb resale is $450k, and given a choice to buy a 40 year old plus flat in clementi and ghim moh area or buy a 5-10 year old flat in Jurong West/bt batok area, which one would you choose?

[Guest LPPL]

 

That is the reason why buying on the highest floor of the block was 1 of my 3 non-negotiable criteria when I pick up my unit years ago.

Highest floor cannot guarantee anything.  If the lift breaks down, you became LPPL and have to climb the stairs. Higher floor also mean subjected to greater sun heat and your walls are most likely to show sign of crack.  So,  Toilet seepage has nothing to do with which level you live, even new BTO also have such issue.  Looking for flat, best is to choose one that has undergone HIP (Home Improvement scheme),  Under HIP, the goverment overhauled your entire toilet from floor to ceilings, including the sewage pipings from the first to the last storey.  

[Guest guest]

 

Highest floor cannot guarantee anything.  If the lift breaks down, you became LPPL and have to climb the stairs. Higher floor also mean subjected to greater sun heat and your walls are most likely to show sign of crack.  So,  Toilet seepage has nothing to do with which level you live, even new BTO also have such issue.  Looking for flat, best is to choose one that has undergone HIP (Home Improvement scheme),  Under HIP, the goverment overhauled your entire toilet from floor to ceilings, including the sewage pipings from the first to the last storey.  

If scare toilet seepage issue, best is to buy those hdb less than 10 year old or just MOP. High chance should not have such problem. If buying old HDB, there will be risk of having such issue even the flat has undergone HIP, esp if the HIP has done decade ago.

[Guest guest]

 

 

Though you’ve come across a unit that you like, you’d still need a valid HFE letter before the seller can issue an OTP to you. 

 

You can skip the preliminary check and straightaway apply for the letter if time is of the essence to you. 

 

https://www.hdb.gov.sg/residential/buying-a-flat/understanding-your-eligibility-and-housing-loan-options/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter

It is common to pay for COV nowadays when buying HDB resale, no matter at which location and what is the age of the flat? 

[kidster]

Some flats built in late 1960s have solar panels installed on the roof top. Does that mean these flats will have lower chance of en bloc even though it's already so old?

[Guest Can't tell]

 

If scare toilet seepage issue, best is to buy those hdb less than 10 year old or just MOP. High chance should not have such problem. If buying old HDB, there will be risk of having such issue even the flat has undergone HIP, esp if the HIP has done decade ago.

HIP has no such issues, it is meant to last decades.  Imagine if you buy new BTO, does that mean 10 years later the toilet seepage not reliable anymore?  It all boils down to how the owner maintain the structure.  Some malay family have more than 10 kids and that could be an issue, whether you want new or old flat.

[single42]

HDB to introduce new Plus flats in rehaul of public housing classification - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

 

New HDB flats will be classified as Standard, Plus or Prime and there will be no more differentiation by mature or non-mature estates. Plus flats will have a 10-year minimum occupation period. On resale, owners have to pay back part of the HDB subsidies. 

SINGAPORE: New Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats in “choicer locations” in each region will be classed in a new Plus category, which will come with tighter resale conditions and more subsidies.

 

With this, the Housing Board will do away with the decades-old labels of mature and non-mature estates, and replace them with a new classification system. 

 

From the second half of 2024, Build-to-Order (BTO) projects will be classed Standard, Plus or Prime, with different resale conditions attached to each housing type. The new categories will not apply to existing flats or flat owners, or to flats already booked.

 

This major change was among a number of housing announcements made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug 20), along with a relaxation in the conditions for singles to buy HDB flats. 

With little undeveloped land left to build new towns and estates, HDB will build more flats within or near to existing estates, Mr Lee said. 

 

These will often be more centrally located, such as the upcoming 5,000-flat development at Mount Pleasant, where the Police Academy used to be. New projects like these – nestled in older, more developed areas with a lot more amenities – will be more popular, and will naturally cost more, he said.

 

A second reason for the reclassification is that the line between mature and non-mature estates is blurring, and some projects in non-mature estates are even more popular than projects in mature estates.

 

“It shows that buyers are discerning – you know when you see a good deal, and what matters to you are the specific attributes of the project, rather than whether we call it mature or non-mature,” Mr Lee said.

 

NEW PLUS FLATS

 

The new Plus flats will be in “choicer locations” within each region, such as near MRT stations and town centres. One example is the upcoming Bayshore project near East Coast Park which is close to two MRT stations, a future shopping mall and Siglap Community Club.

 

They will have a 10-year minimum occupation period and Plus flat owners will have to return to HDB a portion of the resale price that is reflective of extra subsidies they receive, if they choose to sell the flat. 

 

The longer minimum occupation period will favour buyers who are planning to stay there for the longer term, and discourage those who may be thinking of flipping the property and moving out as soon as they can, said Mr Lee.

“This will help mitigate windfall gains and ensure equity with other flat owners who do not enjoy these additional subsidies,” said MND and HDB. 

 

Mr Lee said that developments like Central Weave in Ang Mo Kio posed a dilemma for HDB. The BTO project made headlines for its high prices ranging from S$713,000 to S$877,000 (US$525,000 to US$645,000) for the five-room and 3-Gen flats, before grants.

 

Even then, these flats were heavily discounted off their true market value, said Mr Lee. And despite the high price, they were heavily oversubscribed, with more than 17 applicants for every flat.

 

“If we price them higher, we will shrink the windfall gains and we will reduce the lottery effect. This will moderate demand ... but there will be 'sticker shock' – these flats will become so expensive that they are unaffordable to most families,” said Mr Lee.

 

In addition, the precinct can become a "higher-income enclave" if only those near HDB’s income ceiling of S$14,000 can afford them.

 

“But if HDB prices such flats lower … we exacerbate the lottery effect, because the potential windfall gains will be even richer. Even more families will try for these flats,” said Mr Lee.

 

 

This is why HDB is introducing the Plus category - the stricter sale conditions will help moderate the selling price, he said. If Central Weave had been sold as a Plus project, it would have been priced lower, he added.

 

Plus flats will also have tighter resale conditions, including an income ceiling for resale buyers, but the details have yet to be announced. The clawback for Plus flats is expected to be lower than for Prime flats as the additional subsidies should typically be less. 

 

Standard flats will come with the same subsidies and restrictions currently applied to all BTO flats, which means a five-year minimum occupation period and standard subsidies. MND and HDB said that these flats will continue to form the bulk of the housing supply. 

 

Flats in Prime BTO projects, located in the central region, will have the same conditions as flats under the current Prime Location Housing scheme, which was introduced in November 2021.  

 

These conditions include a 10-year minimum occupation period and a clawback clause so the first owners have to pay back part of the subsidies when they sell the flat. They can also only sell the flat to buyers who meet BTO eligibility conditions, including an income ceiling of S$14,000 for couples or families and S$7,000 for singles. 

 

 

The resale conditions will moderate resale prices and help to maintain a better social mix in the longer term, said Mr Lee.

MND said that the changes reflect feedback from people during Forward Singapore engagements, many of whom have said that they want public housing to be primarily for owner occupation, rather than investment. 

 

Another change is that singles will be able to apply for two-room Flexi BTO flats in all locations, instead of only in non-mature estates, as is the case now. In the resale market, they will be able to buy a Standard or Plus flat of any size, as well as two-room Prime flats. Currently, singles cannot buy a Prime Location Housing resale flat. 

 

The reclassification of BTO projects, a major structural change, should affect the way flats are allocated but the details have yet to be announced. 

 

The ministry will continue to get feedback from Singaporeans in the coming months and said that it welcomes views on these changes. 

 

MND and HDB said that it will take more than 10 years before Plus flats are available in the resale market. It will monitor the impact of these measures on the resale market and review them, if necessary.  

 

Mr Lee also promised to keep HDB flat prices affordable and said that the government will gradually provide more housing grants, especially grants that are means-tested, like the Enhanced Housing Grant.

 

“This way, lower- and middle-income households will get the most support to own their homes, there will always be an HDB flat to meet every budget and we can maintain a good social mix in every town and region,” he said.

[single42]

Singles can apply for new HDB flats in all locations, buy 2-room Prime resale flats - CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

 

Singles can apply for new HDB flats in all locations, buy 2-room Prime resale flats.

As HDB does away with the classification of estates as mature or non-mature, singles will soon be able to buy new two-room flats in any location.

 

- Currently, singles who want to buy a new flat are limited to non-mature estates.

- From the second half of next year, they can apply for two-room flats in any location.

- In the resale market, they can buy Standard or Plus flats of any size and two-room Prime flats.

 

SINGAPORE: Singles who are at least 35 years old will soon be able to apply for new two-room Housing Board flats in any location, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said at the National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug 20).

Currently, they can only apply for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats in non-mature estates, which are usually further from the city center. 

 

From the second half of 2024, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will no longer be categorizing housing estates as mature or non-mature. Instead, flats launched from then will be classified Standard, Plus or Prime depending on their location and other attributes. 

 

The reclassification is not retrospective and will not apply to existing flats or those already launched.

The bulk of HDB’s flats will be Standard flats with the current subsidies and restrictions, including a minimum occupation period of five years. 

 

Plus flats, which will be in "choicer locations" such as near an MRT station, will have more subsidies from HDB but also more restrictions. The minimum occupation period for these flats will be 10 years, and there are tighter resale conditions.

Prime flats will have the same restrictions as Prime Location Housing projects, which were introduced in November 2021. These include the 10-year minimum occupation period and a claw back of subsidies on resale. In addition, Prime flat owners can only sell their flats in the future to owners who meet BTO eligibility criteria such as the prevailing income ceiling. 

 

When the new classification is launched, singles will be able to apply for BTO flats in any category – Standard, Plus or Prime.

 

These changes to public housing were announced by Mr. Lee, who said that more and more Singaporeans are choosing to be single and want their own homes.

 

CHANGES FOR SINGLES BUYING RESALE

Singles currently cannot buy Prime Location Housing flats, even in the resale market. But with the changes, they will be able to buy two-room Prime Flexi resale flats, or Standard or Plus resale flats of any size.

 

“I am sure singles will welcome this move to have more choices to find your own home and write your own part in Singapore’s housing story,” Mr. Lee said.

 

 

This is the latest in a series of changes over the years to widen public housing options for singles. 

 

From 1991, singles aged 35 years old and above were able to buy HDB flats on the resale market. Initially, they were limited to three-room or smaller flats in selected locations but this was later extended to resale flats of any size in any location.

 

But they could not buy new flats from HDB until 2013, when singles were allowed to apply for new two-room flats from HDB in non-mature estates. The coming changes will address the grouses of singles, who have said they prefer flats in mature estates to be nearer their elderly parents.

 

[single42]

 

[Guest What you think?]

Good news, now  Single can buy 2-room BTO for all locations. Reason being, nobody wanted to get married and there will be large pool of singles, girls and boys, in Singapore.   The downside, costly and most likely over subscribed and certain PLUS estate you must stay at least 10 years and return subsidies if you sell your BTO.

 

HDB kept changing policies, you know right?   I hope they talk about decaying lease in the forseeable future and see if they can tweak the policies to benefit those staying in older flats.  

 

Happy?  

[Guest guest]

At least some changes to singles buying new 2 rm BTO. Next year can apply for any location, no need only can apply yishun, woodlands, jurong or bt batok this type of ''ulu'' locations. But they still never allow singles to apply for a 3 rm new BTO.

[Guest guest]

 

Good news, now  Single can buy 2-room BTO for all locations. Reason being, nobody wanted to get married and there will be large pool of singles, girls and boys, in Singapore.   The downside, costly and most likely over subscribed and certain PLUS estate you must stay at least 10 years and return subsidies if you sell your BTO.

 

HDB kept changing policies, you know right?   I hope they talk about decaying lease in the forseeable future and see if they can tweak the policies to benefit those staying in older flats.  

 

Happy?  

Sadly, how come never address the lease decay in those old HDB? There are tons of old HDB out there.

[sayfirst]

 

If my budget to buy a hdb resale is $450k, and given a choice to buy a 40 year old plus flat in clementi and ghim moh area or buy a 5-10 year old flat in Jurong West/bt batok area, which one would you choose?

 

People buy a house for various reasons. It helps to ask yourself:

• What attracts you to the Clementi/Ghim Moh estate?
• What attracts you to the Jurong West/Bukit Batok estate?
• What are your long-term plans and how might housing play a part in those plans?

When considering a big purchase decision, having clarity would help you get to where you want to be.

 

Side note: If you’re not already living in Clementi, feel free to ask this long-time Clementi resident here any questions to get a resident’s point of view.

[sayfirst]

Honestly the Standard, Plus or Prime classification sounds like various tiers of a streaming service to me ..

[Guest guest]

 

Honestly the Standard, Plus or Prime classification sounds like various tiers of a streaming service to me ..

Honestly why they always like to make things complicated and confusing for commoners? Instead of making things better and simplify. 🙄

[thickhead79]

Singles can buy 2-room flexi BTO flats in all locations from second half of 2024

They can apply for such flats across all types of BTO projects under a new classification framework.

 

cap at 7k for single no change 

 

and resale income ceiling cap at 7k apply to Plus and Prime housing 

Edited August 20, 2023 by thickhead79

[Guest Guest]

 

 

People buy a house for various reasons. It helps to ask yourself:

• What attracts you to the Clementi/Ghim Moh estate?
• What attracts you to the Jurong West/Bukit Batok estate?
• What are your long-term plans and how might housing play a part in those plans?

When considering a big purchase decision, having clarity would help you get to where you want to be.

 

Side note: If you’re not already living in Clementi, feel free to ask this long-time Clementi resident here any questions to get a resident’s point of view.

The only thing that attracts me to consider Jurong West/Bt Batok estate is the age of the flat. The flats there are newer. Nothing else attracted me.

 

For Clementi/Ghim Moh estate, many things attracted me, the location, the surrounding, more convenience. The only thing is the age of the flat is too old. Many people advise not to buy old HDB, you would regret it due to lease decay. That's why it somehow deters me of buying even though i don't mind buying.

 

Long-term plans, either stay until i die, or plan to apply the 2 rm flexi when reached age 55, or make use of the lease buy back scheme if need money when old.

 

Who is the long-time Clementi resident here?

[sayfirst]

 

It is common to pay for COV nowadays when buying HDB resale, no matter at which location and what is the age of the flat? 

It depends. Though resale HDB prices are stabilising, there is still a moderate increase over time. The valuation of a flat may match the purchase price as a result of increasing prices.

[Guest Guest]

All the talk about HDB PLUS only means owner with flats close to transport nodes aka Integrated Transport Hub, town centres can aim for higher selling price with immediate effect no matter how old the flat is.

[sayfirst]

 

The only thing that attracts me to consider Jurong West/Bt Batok estate is the age of the flat. The flats there are newer. Nothing else attracted me.

 

For Clementi/Ghim Moh estate, many things attracted me, the location, the surrounding, more convenience. The only thing is the age of the flat is too old. Many people advise not to buy old HDB, you would regret it due to lease decay. That's why it somehow deters me of buying even though i don't mind buying.

 

Long-term plans, either stay until i die, or plan to apply the 2 rm flexi when reached age 55, or make use of the lease buy back scheme if need money when old.

 

Who is the long-time Clementi resident here?

 

🙋‍♂️ Haha I meant to say I’ve been living in Clementi for more than 30 years lol.

 

The lease decay is relevant as you consider how it fits into your plans. Does the lease cover you till age 95?

 

As you’re the one actually forking out money and living in the flat, your needs count. I can advise you on short-term and long-term planning for you to consider before you decide to move on to the next step.

 

Drop me a DM if you’re interested.

[Guest Yup!]

 

All the talk about HDB PLUS only means owner with flats close to transport nodes aka Integrated Transport Hub, town centres can aim for higher selling price with immediate effect no matter how old the flat is.

From now until the actual policies take effect in Q2 2024, everyone will be grabbing those BTO near the MRT so that they will not be affected by the 10 years MOP policy.

[keyboard]

It still boils down to HDB is not for the masses.

As an individual at age 35, earning 7k, you need at minimum,

Cash 25k + CPF 96k + Fees = Downpayment 112k

Max property price 497k

Most singles won't be able to afford the Plus/Prime locations also unless with savings.

 

Monthly $2463 for next 25 years.

[sayfirst]

 

Some flats built in late 1960s have solar panels installed on the roof top. Does that mean these flats will have lower chance of en bloc even though it's already so old?

I doubt there’s a definitive answer on this. However, looking at things from a bigger picture: What do you think is more important, the value of rooftop solar panels compared to housing redevelopment potential in land-scarce SG?

 

Looking at the govt’s standpoint for clues, DPM Lawrence Wong had pointed out that not all old resale HDB flats are eligible for SERS as it is “only offered to HDB blocks located in sites with high redevelopment potential”. This is to discourage people buying older flats in hopes of SERS, only to be disappointed when the lease runs out.

 

It is better to buy a flat because you like its attributes and location, less so for SERS redevelopment.

 

Let me know if you would like help in selecting a suitable flat based on your needs.

[Guest guest]

 

All the talk about HDB PLUS only means owner with flats close to transport nodes aka Integrated Transport Hub, town centres can aim for higher selling price with immediate effect no matter how old the flat is.

Even before this PLUS thing introduce. Those flats which are close to transport hub and town centers already selling high price no matter how old the flat is. Clementi is a very good example. You look at those 40 year old plus old HDB near the MRT area, the selling price is very ex for such an old age flat.

[Guest Guest]

 

 

🙋‍♂️ Haha I meant to say I’ve been living in Clementi for more than 30 years lol.

 

The lease decay is relevant as you consider how it fits into your plans. Does the lease cover you till age 95?

 

As you’re the one actually forking out money and living in the flat, your needs count. I can advise you on short-term and long-term planning for you to consider before you decide to move on to the next step.

 

Drop me a DM if you’re interested.

You have been living in Clementi for so long, how is this place? Really so good to buy?

 

If the lease decay can cover me till 95, still advisable to buy old HDB?

[Guest guest]

 

From now until the actual policies take effect in Q2 2024, everyone will be grabbing those BTO near the MRT so that they will not be affected by the 10 years MOP policy.

Means the resale price will go up even more crazy?

[Guest guest]

 

It still boils down to HDB is not for the masses.

As an individual at age 35, earning 7k, you need at minimum,

Cash 25k + CPF 96k + Fees = Downpayment 112k

Max property price 497k

Most singles won't be able to afford the Plus/Prime locations also unless with savings.

 

Monthly $2463 for next 25 years.

Monthly $2463 for an HDB is too ex and not worth. 

[thickhead79]

Resale rules for HDB Plus flats include S$14,000 income ceiling, 30-month wait for private home owners
Owners of Plus flats, which have a 10-year minimum occupation period, will not be allowed to rent out their entire flat at any time.

An income ceiling of S$14,000 will apply to resale buyers of Plus flats for both couples and singles  
Private property owners who want to buy Plus flats will be subject to a 30-month wait-out period 
Only Singaporeans will be able to buy Plus flats on the resale market

PLUS RESALE

[Guest Guest]

 

Resale rules for HDB Plus flats include S$14,000 income ceiling, 30-month wait for private home owners
Owners of Plus flats, which have a 10-year minimum occupation period, will not be allowed to rent out their entire flat at any time.

An income ceiling of S$14,000 will apply to resale buyers of Plus flats for both couples and singles  
Private property owners who want to buy Plus flats will be subject to a 30-month wait-out period 
Only Singaporeans will be able to buy Plus flats on the resale market

PLUS RESALE

This Plus flat after buying from resale market, the owner cannot rent out the whole unit at all, no matter stay there for how long? If it is true then cannot buy Plus flat as resale. Most people would want to rent out whole unit to generate income after fulfilled the MOP period.

[keyboard]

Is it for PLUS flats, the infographic only says for Prime cannot rent out whole unit (still can rent out rooms).

If they can't rent out whole flat after 10 years MOP, where are the "people" going to stay? You expect them to live in jurong west extension?

 

Part of de-risking is also for the government NOT to hold onto bad debts - property. Should the day when the shit hits the fan.

 

[keyboard]

 

Monthly $2463 for an HDB is too ex and not worth. 

the next shoebox condo is $3000, who got loose change to spare if you lose your job.

 

 

Edited August 22, 2023 by keyboard

[Guest Trying to Figure]

 

Resale rules for HDB Plus flats include S$14,000 income ceiling, 30-month wait for private home owners
Owners of Plus flats, which have a 10-year minimum occupation period, will not be allowed to rent out their entire flat at any time.

An income ceiling of S$14,000 will apply to resale buyers of Plus flats for both couples and singles  
Private property owners who want to buy Plus flats will be subject to a 30-month wait-out period 
Only Singaporeans will be able to buy Plus flats on the resale market

PLUS RESALE

1)    Resale PLUS flat will not be subjected to 10 years MOP and cannot rent?  Nothing was mentioned here unless such conditions only applied to NEW BTO FLAT

 

2)  In future all Singaporeans will be congregated in the PLUS flat vicinity, and most PR will be congregated in to STANDARD ZONE. 

 

The above may drive up resale flat price in PLUS location  if Item (1) do not have to worry about 10 years MOP nor unable to rent out your flat.  It may also bring down resale flat price since PR are not allowed to buy PLUS location. 

 

The new policy is going to freak up flipping investors.   

 

But....what I don't understand is why allow private property owner to buy HDB flat?  This boggles our intelligence.

 

 

 

 

[Guest Guest]

 

I am deeply troubled by the persistent toilet seepage issue in my HDB flat on the 7th floor. For the past six months, I have been grappling with the spreading seepage dilemma that has extended to the branch pipes from the stack pipes. This has caused significant inconvenience and disruption in my daily life.

The origin of this ordeal dates back to February 4, 2023, when the first signs of seepage emerged in my master bedroom toilet, characterized by water droplets descending from the ceiling around the stack pipe and the stack pipe. Swiftly, I reached out to HDB, prompting the dispatch of a private contractor from the 8th floor to address the situation. They responded that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the town council. Coordination was initiated with HDB to involve the town council in resolving the matter. A town council plumber subsequently verified the stack pipe's integrity, attributing the seepage to the toilet in the apartment directly above mine on the 8th floor.

HDB promptly engaged private contractors from the 8th floor to rectify the matter upon identifying the misconnections in the level 8 pipes. Despite conducting three separate water ponding tests, seepage persisted. Level 8 private contractors contested the findings.

 

They proposed alternate explanations, such as structural issues or the involvement of a neighbouring unit on a higher level.

 

A dry test was conducted, which revealed no seepage as the neighbour on the 8th floor refrained from using the master bedroom toilet.

On July 29, 2023, a Zonal Engineer from HDB personally observed the latest water ponding test following the dry test. This test conclusively confirmed the seepage's source to be the toilet in the flat on the 8th floor. This was affirmed by the HDB zonal engineer based on the test outcomes.

After enduring this seepage predicament for half a year, I am exasperated, grappling with its implications. Water stains have marred the ceiling of my master bedroom toilet and permeated into the wall fixture, compounding the damage. Moreover, I am deeply concerned about the potential health hazards of a consistently damp environment.

I implore #HDB to take decisive action and compel level 8 private contractors to rectify this ongoing issue. As a responsible and law-abiding citizen, I meet my #HDB Service and Conservancy fee obligations. I am entitled to an environment free from moisture and mould-related concerns.

I am confident that #HDB will promptly address this matter and create a secure and wholesome living space for me. I greatly appreciate your consideration of my appeal.

 

You know you can sue your neighbours upstairs, right? 

[Guest Guest]

This 10-year MOP period for Plus and Prime HDB flats is going to discourage married couples from having more children in the future. So people who buy HDB in Plus or Prime areas will most likely be singles, or people with no intentions of having many children, if even any at all. They will most likely be living there for investment purposes, even though they may need to wait 10 years for their investment to bear fruit.   

[Guest Guest]

 

 

But....what I don't understand is why allow private property owner to buy HDB flat?  This boggles our intelligence.

 

 

Private property owners will also need to downgrade one day when their children leave the nest. So they also need to look for a smaller place, right? And cashing out their private property to have some spare cash to spend during retirement shouldn't be that intelligence-boggling at all.