7,055 new HDB flats up for sale

But check first whether these flats are in your ideal location.

The Housing & Development Board (HDB) announced that it has just launched 7,055 flats for sale under the joint Build-to-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) Exercises in both non-mature and mature towns. 

In the seven BTO projects launched today, HDB will offer 3,727 new flats in two non-mature towns/estates (Choa Chu Kang and Woodlands) and three mature towns/estates (Ang Mo Kio, Kallang Whampoa and Tampines).

Meanwhile, HDB will offer another 3,328 balance flats in 11 non-mature and 13 mature towns/estates under the SBF Exercise. They comprise 818 Studio Apartments, 697 2-room flats, 302 3-room flats, 1,016 4-room flats, 471 5-room flats and 24 Executive flats. At least 95% of the flat supply (excluding Studio Apartments) will be set aside for first-timers.

Including the 6,400 flats to be launched in November, HDB estimates that the total BTO flat supply in 2012 would be 27,000 units, or 2,000 units more than the 25,000 units originally planned for the year. 

"The ramp up of HDB flat supply will further help to meet the housing demand, especially those from first-time home buyers. As demand for flats in mature estates is expected to be high, applicants are advised to apply for a BTO flat in the non-mature towns/estates for a higher chance in securing a unit," HDB said.

"To provide greater flexibility to home buyers and to minimize wastage in renovations, HDB will introduce a new opt-in scheme for the sanitary fittings in bathrooms. HDB will also pilot an 'open kitchen' concept for flats at Teck Ghee Parkview. Buyers will be given a choice to opt for a partition wall between the living/dining area and the kitchen to better suit their lifestyle needs," it added.