From the July 2025 Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise onwards, a series of changes by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) will give first-time singles more priority and second-timer families a higher quota of new flats. These moves aim to support both inter-generational living and families who are upgrading or right-sizing their homes. 

Key Changes at a Glance

The Family Care Scheme (FCS – Proximity) is being rolled out from the July BTO exercise. It is designed to help parents and their children (including singles) live with or near one another. 

How It Works for Singles

• Applies to first-time singles applying for two-room Flexi BTO flats near or with their parents.
• Within the existing quota for singles, a portion of units is set aside for those applying under FCS (Proximity): 
  • For Standard & Plus flats: 30% of two-room Flexi BTO flats for first-time singles under FCS (Proximity).
  • For Prime flats: 20% of two-room Flexi BTO flats for such singles.
• The remaining quotas continue to be available to other first-time singles.

Previously, priority proximity schemes largely focused on married couples and seniors. With FCS (Proximity), singles providing or receiving care can now tap similar support to secure a flat near family. 

Higher Quotas for Second-Timer Families

The July exercise also improves access for second-timer families — those applying for a BTO flat after already owning an HDB flat before. To better support their upgrading or right-sizing plans, HDB is raising their allocation quota by 5 percentage points for three-room and larger flats. 

Revised Quotas

• Up to 20% of three-room Standard flats can now go to second-timer families.
• Up to 10% of three-room Plus and Prime flats, as well as four-room and larger Standard / Plus / Prime flats, can be allocated to second-timer families. 

Crucially, first-timer families still receive the lion’s share of supply: at least 80% to 90% of three-room and larger flats will continue to be reserved for them. 

Other Changes Kicking In from July

1. Enhanced Deferred Income Assessment (DIA)

The Deferred Income Assessment scheme allows eligible couples to apply for a flat earlier and have their income assessed closer to key collection, when their earnings are likely more stable and higher. 

• Previously: Both parties had to be current or recent full-time students or national servicemen.
• From July: Only one party needs to meet this condition, making the scheme easier to access. 

2. Higher Fresh Start Housing Grant

The Fresh Start Housing Grant for eligible second-timer public rental households with children is being raised from $50,000 to $75,000. 

• Helps families move from rental into ownership again.
• Can be used to buy a new two-room Flexi or three-room Standard BTO or Balance flat on a shorter lease. 

What This Means If You’re Applying in July

If You’re a Single

• If you are applying for a two-room Flexi flat near or with your parents, you now have clearer priority under FCS (Proximity).
• This is especially relevant if you are a caregiver or want to live close-by for support.

If You’re a Second-Timer Family

• Your odds have improved slightly — particularly for three-room and larger flats, where the quota for second-timers has gone up.
• However, demand remains strong and competition, especially in popular estates and Prime projects, will still be stiff. 

If You’re a First-Timer Family

• You still enjoy the bulk of supply, with 80–90% of three-room and larger flats reserved for first-timer families.
• But you may see more second-timer families in the mix, especially in attractive locations.

How to Strategise Your BTO Application

Given these changes, households can consider:

• Singles: If caregiving or proximity to parents is important, focus on projects where two-room Flexi units qualify under FCS (Proximity).
• Second-timer families: Look beyond the most oversubscribed Prime locations; Standard and Plus projects in non-mature towns may offer better odds.
• All applicants: Balance “dream location” with realistic application rates and long-term plans (school needs, work commute, ageing parents).