HDB pilots new open concept ‘white flats’ in October BTO exercise
In contrast to occurring apartments, these “white flats” will definitely have contiguous living and bedroom area without columns or dividers wall surfaces. The first collection of such white apartments are going to be featured at the Kallang-Whampoa BTO project, with 310 three- and four-room units.
He mentions that those who want to revamp their new flat could also see price benefits as they will not need to have to demolish wall surfaces, unlike those purchasing the common HDB flats.
“Public housing flats that come with the white scheme can be a novelty for some buyers”, says Sun.
However, she adds in that the new layout may have a potential drawback when selling the unit in the future as it can attract a smaller pool of investors.
HDB is going to pilot a brand-new open idea design in the October Built-To-Order (BTO) exercise, announced Desmond Lee, Minister of State Development, at a speech on May 27.
Regardless of this, Sun forecasts that any potential rate contrast would not be considerable as the design of non-structural dividers is cheaper.
According to the HDB, the non-provision of inside dividing wall surfaces for such white flats will certainly be factored right into the prices. Buyers might choose into the new layout when they are invited to book their level.
An example is Far East Organization’s Inessence brand of ultra-luxury residences, for example, Alba, Boulevard Vue and Skyline @ Orchard Boulevard in the prime areas of Orchard Road. The “white plan” concept allowed buyers to personalise their units.
Christine Sun, chief researcher & strategist at OrangeTee Group, explains that such “white scheme” approaches that give buyers the choice to personalize the design of their units were available just in upscale exclusive homes prior to.
As an example, four-room apartments today have three bed rooms. Young pairs without young children yet may not require all 3 bed rooms now. A white flat lets them to dividing the area with furniture or glass dividers. In the future, when they have kids, the spot can be repurposed, and the rooms put in, adds Lim.
“It gives the layout of the HDB flat to be customised and re-configured as household may need change,” comments Eugene Lim, key executive officer at ERA Singapore.
