DBSS, BTO or EC: Which should you go for?

 Acquiring a home is a long-term commitment especially for Singapore first-time homeowners. Hence, a sound knowledge of terminologies, as well as the rules and regulations pertaining to housing matters is vital.

With the crop of apartments on the rise to accommodate to Singapore’s growing populace, we’re here to help you get to the heart of what really sets the three most common types of high-rise residential units (BTO, DBSS and EC) apart from one another. This way, we hope to paint a clearer picture to accompany your great housing debate, and make decision-making easier.

Sole Developers

Build-to-Order (BTO)

Public housing flats sold by the Housing Development Board (HDB). The BTO is a responsive system that offers flexibility in location and timing for flat buyers.

Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS)

Public housing flats built by private developers, but offered for sale under similar eligibility rules, terms and restrictions applicable to new HDB flats. 

Executive Condominium (EC)

Built and sold by private developers, these residences are fully privatised after 10 years. This means, all restrictions that were applicable would be lifted. 

However, please take note that all three residences need a minimum occupation period of 5 yrs before the unit can be sold.

Eligibility

FOR ECs

- You must be a Singapore Citizen
- Your family nucleus must comprise at least another Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident

- You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application

- If you are buying an Executive Condominium (EC) under the Joint Singles Scheme, you must be at least 35 years old

- Your average gross monthly household income must not exceed $12,000

FOR DBSS

- You must be a Singapore Citizen
- Your family nucleus must comprise at least another Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident

- You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application

- Your average gross monthly household income must not exceed $10,000 if you are applying for a DBSS flat from Yishun PH1 and Tampines PH2 onwards
- Your average gross monthly household income must not exceed $8,000 if you are applying for a DBSS flat in projects launched before Yishun PH1 and Tampines PH2
- Your average gross monthly household income must not exceed $12,000 if you are buying a DBSS flat with your extended family

*Do check with HDB for additional guidelines

FOR BTOs

- You must be a Singapore Citizen

- Your family nucleus must comprise at least another Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent 
- However there are also other schemes availale for example the Public Scheme, Fiance/Fiancee Scheme, Orphans Scheme as well as Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme

- You must be at least 21 years old at the time of application

- You must be at least 35 years old at the time of application to buy a 2-room flat in non-mature estates under the Build-To-Order System (BTO) exercise under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme and Joint Singles Scheme

*Do check with HDB for additional guidelines

The Price is Right

BTOs are the most affordable of the lot, followed by the DBSS, which is a class of housing type that lies between HDB flats and ECs. ECs lead the pack as these residences enjoy additional amenities such as a clubhouse, a gym, a swimming pool and additional security - almost similar to those found in private condominiums.

Both the BTO and DBSS have the option of a HDB concessionary loan, but you need a bank loan if you’re purchasing an EC. 

Indulge in the luxury of a swimming pool and a gym right at your doorstep when you opt for the Executive Condominium in Singapore.

Key Location

Location is one of the key considering factors when it comes to purchasing a house. A BTO with good location tends to be over-subscribed with many buyers bidding for a single unit, so it's pretty difficult to secure the flat that you really want. Built by private developers, most ECs are located in less mature estates – something to consider if you’re worried about resale value.

Style Factor

If a completely furnished home that enjoys the luxury of additional amenities matter to you, and price is not an issue, the EC is a clear choice. If you have the budget and want a more premium design, sans amenities, the DBSS fits the bill. The BTO, on the other hand, is devoid of any furnishings except for floorings and doors if you opt for them, but it's an open canvas for space design. 

Beautifully furnished and ready for you to move in immediately, condominiums remove the need for major renovations. 

Photo credits Northwest Interior Design

Some condominiums sport high ceilings for an airy and spacious ambient. You can also take advantage of the height to incorporate raised platforms to differentiate the different zones within the space. 

*Please check with the authorities of your condominium before proceeding. 

Photo credits NID Design Studio 

Even HDB BTOs can look incredible when you plan and design your space smartly and creatively. 

Photo credits The 80's Studio

Parkland Residences, a new DBSS at Upper Serangoon, sports an elegantly landscaped interior. Like ECs, they are already fitted with furnishings. 

To acquire renovation quotes at the click of a button, head here. You could also browse through our listings of interior design companies to find the right professionals to turn your ideas into a reality.