The Housing Development Board (HDB) has announced the launch of 5,547 flats across eight projects in its July 2025 Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise. This includes 2,601 Prime flats and 2,946 Standard flats. The exercise is part of HDB’s broader strategy to address housing demand, with a total of 10,579 flats launched so far this year and another 9,100 expected in October 2025.
The July 2025 BTO exercise also features more than 4,600 flats under the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise, with 1,733 already completed. This marks the largest supply of SBF flats since 2012, potentially easing demand pressure in the resale market, which has faced tight supply for a decade.
The clawback subsidy for the July 2025 BTO exercise is the highest to date, influenced by additional subsidies rather than proximity to the city centre. Notably, Clementi Emerald, despite being further from the city centre, has a higher clawback subsidy than other Prime BTO projects.
HDB is increasing the allocation for second-timer families by 5 percentage points, a move expected to ease demand for larger flats in non-mature estates. Additionally, singles will receive priority for 2-room flexi flats near their parents, potentially increasing competition for these units.
The deferred income assessment change may see more young couples qualifying for BTO flats, whilst the supply of 2-room flexi flats has decreased by 6.4% since February 2025. The application rate among singles remains high, reflecting ongoing demand.
Overall, the July 2025 BTO exercise is set to impact both the new and resale housing markets, with potential implications for future subsidy levels and housing policies.
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