HDB pilots new open concept ‘white flats’ in October BTO exercise
According to the HDB, the non-provision of inside dividing wall structures for such white condos will definitely be factored right into the pricing. Homebuyers may choose into the brand-new layout when they are welcomed to book their level.
However, she adds in that the brand-new layout might have a possible drawback when offering the unit in the future as it can interest a smaller pool of buyers.
Christine Sun, main investigator & strategist at OrangeTee Group, points out that such “white plan” ideas that provide buyers the possibility to personalize the design of their units were available just in high-end exclusive homes before.
Despite this, Sun predicts that any possible rate difference would not be considerable as the construction of non-structural walls is more economical.
As an example, four-room flats nowadays have three bedrooms. Young pairs without kids yet might not require all 3 bedrooms currently. A white flat enables them to parting the room with home furniture or glass dividers. Later on, when they have kids, the spot can be repurposed, and the bedrooms added, adds Lim.
“Public housing apartments that provide the white plan can be a novelty for some investors”, states Sunlight.
He explains that those who intend to refurbish their new flat might also see expense benefits as they will not need to have to break partitions, unlike those purchasing the common HDB apartments.
In contrast to remaining apartments, these “white apartments” will have contiguous living and bedroom space without columns or dividers wall structures. The very first collection of such white apartments are going to be featured at the Kallang-Whampoa BTO plan, with 310 three- and four-room units.
A good example is Far East Organization’s Inessence brand of ultra-luxury residences, like Alba, Boulevard Vue and Skyline @ Orchard Boulevard in the prime areas of Orchard Roadway. The “white plan” concept enabled buyers to personalise their units.
HDB is going to pilot a brand-new open concept design in the October Built-To-Order (BTO) activity, declared Desmond Lee, Minister of National Development, at a speech on May 27.
“It allows the design of the HDB flat to be personalized and re-configured as household wants adjustment,” remarks Eugene Lim, primary executive officer at ERA Singapore.
