SINGAPORE - The upcoming Build-To-Order (BTO) sales exercise next week will have seven projects launched in the Standard category, seven more in Plus, and just one Prime BTO project, as the Housing Board rolls out a new system of classifying flats.

It will mark the first time where BTO flats will be sorted according to these three categories. The new framework will replace the current system of classifying estates as either mature or non-mature.

Explaining how BTO projects will be categorised under the new framework, National Development Minister Desmond Lee said on Oct 9 that HDB does so based on a project’s proximity to the city centre, transport connectivity and amenities.

Prime and Plus flats, which are located closer to amenities such as MRT stations and town centres, will come with stricter resale conditions, such as a 10-year minimum occupation period (MOP) and a subsidy clawback.

Standard flats will not have a subsidy recovery clause when they are sold, and will come with a 5-year MOP.

“Many Singaporeans prefer to live in HDB flats that are well-connected and near amenities and their workplaces. Plus and Prime projects will fulfil their preferences but these also come with higher market values. HDB will provide additional subsidies to keep them affordable, but also impose additional restrictions to ensure fairness,” said Mr Lee.