Month: March 2021

Investment, Property News

Do You want to Buy an HDB flat as a single parent in 2021?

Being a single parent is hard, finding a home as a single parent (especially for an unwed parent) is even harder. In the years past, regulations by the HDB have made it hard for divorced, widowed, or unwed parents to get a home for themselves and their children.

For instance, it was only in March 2018 that divorced persons could buy or own a subsidized flat each upon divorce.

The situation improved further in 2020 after Members of Parliament (MPs) repeatedly pushed for change. On 4 March 2020, then Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong stated in Parliament that the HDB will lower the minimum age for single parents looking to buy Build-to-Order (BTO) flats to 21, and make the 3-room flat type available to them.

This article is updated with the latest rules (as of 22 March 2021), so single parents can see which HDB flat they are eligible for at a glance.

Divorced or widowed parents

Divorced or widowed Singapore citizens who are at least 21 years old and have children under their legal custody, care, and control can form a family nucleus with their children in order to purchase an HDB flat under the Public Scheme.

As a family nucleus, divorced or widowed parents can qualify for housing grants/subsidies and have greater access to new flats (i.e. BTO flats) if they are first-timers.

They may also be eligible for the Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG) if their household income is $9,000 or under. This is for both BTO or resale flat purchases.

BTO flats

Specifically for BTO flats, HDB now sets aside up to 5% of two-room Flexi and three-room flats in non-mature estates for divorced and widowed parents under the ASSIST scheme. To be eligible, the parent must have at least one child aged below 18 years old. The child can either be the natural offspring from the lawful marriage or legally adopted.

To qualify for the ASSIST scheme, the parent must not have acquired any interest in an HDB flat or private residential property after the date of divorce/separation or demise of the spouse (except for the matrimonial flat/property).

If the divorced or widowed parent successfully ballots for a BTO flat, they may be eligible for the EHG amounting up to $80,000.

While waiting for their BTO flats to be built, divorced or widowed parents without a place to stay may also apply for interim housing options such as the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS).

For resale flats

For resale flats, divorced or widowed buyers with children may be eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) if they are living with or near their parents regardless of whether they are first or second timers. If applicants are first-timers, meaning that they are currently not owners of, or have not previously sold subsidized flats, they may also apply for the Family Grant.

So divorced or widowed parents can tap on a total of three grants for resale flats⁠—EHG, PHG, and Family Grant⁠—amounting up to $160,000.

If the widowed or divorced parent is unable to afford a flat with grants provided, they may wish to rent a one-room or two-room HDB flat under the Public Rental Scheme. It is applicable for citizens aged 21 years old and above, and have a monthly household income of at most $1,500, and if you are looking for a cheap condo, then Parc Central Residences is the best option for you, so here is the Parc Central Residences Floor Plan and Parc Central Residences Price for you.

Suggested Read: Jurong East BTO Review: Live Close to Singapore’s Second CBD

Investment, Property News, Real Estate

Jurong East BTO Review: Live Close to Singapore’s Second CBD

Come August 2021, the Jurong East BTO launch is set to be one of the most anticipated HDB tasks. Besides, it’s been ten years considering that the last BTO launch in the non-mature estate. The previous launch was right back in September 2011.

Situated close to the Jurong Lake District which’s set to be Singapore’s second CBD, residents can expect amazing advancements in the years in advance.

The launch will see only 560 systems of 2-room Flexi, 3-room, as well as 4-room flats being offered in Jurong East, so you can count yourself really lucky if you handle safeguarding a unit right here!

Jurong East BTO Area (Aug 2021 HDB BTO Launch).

The Jurong East BTO job will certainly lie near the heart of Jurong East estate also near Sengkang grand residences, giving residents practical accessibility to public transportation, malls, and healthcare centers.

The approaching Toh Guan MRT will certainly be within strolling distance from the apartments. Alternatively, locals can take a bus to Jurong East MRT or the bus interchange to travel to other parts of Singapore.

With JEM, Westgate, JCube, as well as IMM all within a bus ride away, locals will not need to take a trip additional to satisfy their retail needs and also dining food cravings.

Furthermore, the apartments will certainly be located just a couple of streets far from Ng Teng Fong General Healthcare Facility.

As the federal government prepares to have a 2nd CBD in the form of Jurong Lake Area, homeowners can anticipate even more task opportunities closer to home.

Jurong East BTO Rate (Aug 2021 HDB BTO Introduce).

Prices for the August 2021 Jurong East BTO will just be released during the launch itself but they have similar balance units like Sengkang grand residences balance units.

Nonetheless, possible balloters can take a look at the prices for September 2011 as well as a factor in some rising cost of living for a harsh scale.

In September 2011, BTO apartments in Jurong East started at $158,000 as well as $271,000 for 3-room as well as 4-room apartments respectively. 2-room apartments have not cost that time but Sengkang grand residences showflat is open now.

Despite being situated in a non-mature estate, flats near the upcoming BTO job have actually regulated a good resale value. 3-room and also 4-room apartments were cost as high as $339,000 and also $540,000 over the past year.

This indicates some existing owners of the September 2011 BTO apartments might stand to profit by at least double the acquisition cost of their BTO unit!

Final thought: Is This Jurong East BTO Well Worth Balloting for?

The August 2021 Jurong East BTO task will certainly be suitable for those who desire to live within the strolling range of the MRT, yet incline living better far from the city center.

Pros of the August 2021 Jurong East BTO.

  • Easy access to public transportation.
  • Near healthcare centers.
  • Accessible to nature parks.
  • 2nd CBD in the vicinity.

Disadvantages of the August 2021 Jurong East BTO.

  • Much from the city center.
  • A limited number of schools.
  • Located in western Singapore, the Jurong East BTO flats will certainly be optimal for those that will not mind a much longer traveling time to various other parts of Singapore.
  • While there are two colleges within 10 minutes walking range from the flats, very couple of colleges are readily available in the area.

Nonetheless, the job will be surrounded by numerous services such as shopping centers, parks, and also healthcare facilities. Office spaces such as JTC Top as well as International Service Park are also in the vicinity. Combined with the advancement of a 2nd CBD in the form of Jurong Lake Area, locals may not require to take a trip out of the estate as a lot.

The Jurong East BTO task might also be amongst the cheaper advancements in the August 2021 launch due to its location in a non-mature estate.

At the same time, considered that it’s been years given that the last BTO launch in the district, it’s set to be among one of the most contested jobs. So anticipate a difficult fight if you’re balloting for the job!

Also Read: The owners of Jansen Mansions made their second attempt at collective sale

Investment, Property News, Real Estate

Ulu Pandan BTO flats in 2021: Prices + What’s Next

It was previously under wraps, however, we now know that Ulu Pandan BTO apartments will certainly be introduced in 2021 (in either the August or November sales launch). Our National Growth Priest Desmond Lee exposed this on 21 December as part of a Facebook message on HDB’s plans the following year.

Not just will the Ulu Pandan BTO be situated within a fully grown estate, it’s likewise within District 10, which along with Area 9 and 11 is one of the three conventional prime residential areas in Singapore.

There are several elements of the Ulu Pandan BTO that will certainly make this set of the most sought-after BTO tasks in 2021. Below’s our full run-through.

Where precisely will the Ulu Pandan BTO in 2021 be found?

Geographically part of the mature estate of Queenstown, the upcoming Ulu Pandan BTO apartments will be situated on presently undeveloped land along the Ulu Pandan Canal and also Park Adapter.

This exact place of the Ulu Pandan BTO will likely be next to Ghim Moh Side, a BTO project introduced in 2012 as well as completed in 2017. Flats right here will be within the strolling range of the Dover MRT terminal.

HDB hints that the Ulu Pandan BTO apartments will rise up to concerning 30 floors in height, and also some devices will certainly have porches forgetting the canal and also its lavish designed banks.

Actually, next year’s Ulu Pandan BTO is simply the initial piece of the problem for the location’s advancement. According to the 2019 URA Plan Of Attack, the entire forested location will eventually make way for real estate. It’s anticipated that the real estate will certainly include a mix of public and private homes.

The URA Plan of attack also indicates a website earmarked for a school on the junction of Ghim Moh Link as well as Commonwealth Method West. Judging by the size, this will possibly be a new primary school.

What’s so exciting about the upcoming Ulu Pandan BTO flats?

# 1: Place
To be reasonable, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the place of the 2021 Ulu Pandan BTO apartments. Let’s discuss the pros initially.

Locals will certainly be within a seven to ten-minute walk from Dover MRT terminal on the East-West Line (EWL). From there, they can get to the Raffles Area in 25 minutes as well as Jurong East in 10 minutes. The local service and technology centers of Buona Panorama and also one-North are three to five bus quits away.

Essentially, residents will be between the two growing business centers of Buona Panorama and also Jurong, which will supply some advantage in residential or commercial property costs within a 10 to 20-year period.

For recreation, leisure as well as eating, there’s The Star shopping center and also the upcoming Rochester Commons incorporated growth at Buona Vista (two bus stops or a 13- to 17-minute walk away), as well as Holland Town (four bus stops away). There’s likewise a hawker center at Ghim Moh estate, regarding a seven-minute leave, as well as two food courts and supermarkets each at the adjoining HDB developments of Ghim Moh Edge and also Ghim Moh Valley.

Those wanting to embark on a cross-country hike, run, or cycling trip can access the Rail Corridor that goes through Buona Panorama through the Ulu Pandan Park Adapter. The Rail Hallway leads northwards to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve as well as southeast towards the city. The Park Connector also extends westwards to Jurong East.

This BTO area will certainly be excellent with a couple of extra services. A child care center within the development will certainly be very welcome for young parents/parents-to-be. Additionally, till the brand-new primary school pops up beside the BTO, there’s only one primary school within one kilometer (although it’s the extremely well-regarded Henry Park Primary School).

URA should also think about developing an area business center at Dover MRT station, as there will certainly be a need for it when Ulu Pandan obtains accumulated.

On the other hand, do not expect a bustling community center vibe right here. The living atmosphere below will certainly divert towards the silent and also relaxing and, past the most vital day-to-day requirements, you’ll find yourself having to embark on a short trip to either Buona View, Holland Village, Parc Clematis, or Clementi community center, so must check out parc clematis balance units.

Also Read: The owners of Jansen Mansions made their second attempt at collective sale