HDB pilots new open concept ‘white flats’ in October BTO exercise
HDB will pilot a brand-new open concept layout in the October Built-To-Order (BTO) activity, revealed Desmond Lee, Minister of State Development, at a speech on May 27.
In contrast to existing apartments, these “white flats” are going to have contiguous living and bedroom spot without beams or partition wall surfaces. The first series of such white apartments are going to be offered at the Kallang-Whampoa BTO venture, with 310 three- and four-room units.
Nevertheless, she adds that the brand-new layout might have a possible drawback when marketing the unit in the future as it can attract a smaller pool of investors.
A good example is Far East Organization’s Inessence brand of ultra-luxury residences, like Alba, Blvd Vue and Skyline @ Orchard Boulevard in the prime neighborhoods of Orchard Road. The “white plan” concept permitted customers to customise their units.
“Public housing flats that feature the white scheme can be a novelty for some investors”, states Sun.
“It lets the format of the HDB flat to be tailor-maked and re-configured as family requires change,” remarks Eugene Lim, major executive officer at ERA Singapore.
He points out that those who wish to revamp their brand-new level could even see expense reductions as they won’t need to have to demolish walls, unlike those purchasing the conventional HDB flats.
As an example, four-room flats these days have 3 bed rooms. Young pairs without any children yet might not need all three bed rooms currently. A white flat allows them to dividing the room with furniture or glass dividings. Later on, when they have youngsters, the space can be repurposed, and the rooms created, adds Lim.
Despite this, Sun anticipates that any potential rate variation would not be substantial as the building of non-structural wall surfaces is more economical.
According to the HDB, the non-provision of internal partition wall surfaces for such white condos will certainly be factored right into the prices. Homebuyers might opt into the new style when they are welcomed to reserve their level.
Christine Sun, chief investigator & strategist at OrangeTee Group, mentions that such “white strategy” ideas that give buyers the option to personalize the layout of their units were offered just in upscale private homes prior to.
