Why I like the Sales of balance flat or Re-Offer of Balance Flats schemes!

Whenever there is a Sales of balance flat (SBF), there is always strong interest on them.

On the occasions that they were still not taken up, they would be transferred to the Re-offer of balance flats (ROF).

The ROF sales pools all unsold flats are from the previous SBF and ROF exercises.

Similar to other sales launches, at least 95% will be given to first timers owning a home.

They have been very popular, check the summary below. 

Hence, if you are a young couple looking to buy a first home quickly, this is your shot.

The last ROF was in Aug2018. Click here to view more on the ROF scheme

You can apply online ANYTIME on a first-come, first-served basis, and book a flat BY THE NEXT WORKING DAY!

Yes ANYTIME!

And because it is first come first-served, there could be some impulse buying, which may not be a good ideal considering house is an important decision.

As of today, the system is not ready yet.

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The key difference between the ROF and the SBF is the

- balloting + waiting period for the ballot results

- anytime vs sales launch period.

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Under the ROF method, you are not required to indicate the flat type and location you prefer and can book any available units based on their eligibility. 

From forums, some have shared that it costs between $30,000 to $50,000 more for a SBF flat as compared to neighbours who applied via the BTO route. 

Of course, we don't know other factors like which phase, which area and which unit type.

I do think that this $30,000 - $50,000 will be money well spent because waiting 2-3years extra is a lot.

3 key points

From an emotional point, it is fun to start living together earlier especially if you are just married.

No need to cramp up at parent's place. And starting a family is easier.

From a financial standpoint, you save on renting from HDB under the Parenthood provisional housing scheme PPHS (click here to learn) or other sources.

From an investment standpoint, you get to start owning a flat earlier and start clearing your 5years Minimum occupancy period MOP.

Then you can make the move for home upgrades if you want.

I've friends who have sold off their SBF bought slightly more than 5years ago at clementi and netted a decent gain.

They have since upgraded!!!

Before considering buying any type of flat, there are eligibility conditions needed to be fulfilled

Click here to view eligibility schemes

No. If you rejected the chance to select a flat in the Re-offer of Balance Flats (ROF) exercise when there are still available flats at their turn, will not be considered as having one count for non-selection of flat.

The first step is the application fee of $10.

Then the option fee of $500 to $2,000 which must be paid in cash and depends on the flat size.

Now coming to the most important part....  THE DOWNPAYMENT!

If you use a HDB loan, it can be fully funded by CPFOA.

Lastly, stamp duties. There is a formulae

– 1% on the first $180,000;
– 2% on the next $180,000; and
– 3% on the remainder.

This amounts to about a few thousand dollars and ...... it also can be paid by your CPFOA.

So no worries. Go apply soon if you are a new couple and if you are keen to learn more on house purchasing, check the video below!! =)

To read more

​From CNA

​From Todayonline

From Mothership 

From 99.co