In the first quarter of 2024, older HDB flats achieved record sales, with price growth outpacing that of newer flats. In spite of the fact that the value of old HDB flats drops sharply after they cross their 64th year, data shows that Singaporeans are still very open to purchasing them.
There are several reasons for this, including the reputation of old HDB flats for being more spacious, have unique layouts, and the access they may offer to popular, more mature locations.
HDB resale flats older than 40 years also do not come with the more stringent requirements of new HDB flats in the same area, which may now be classified as Prime or Plus and be subject to the rules under the Standard, Plus and Prime Housing Framework, including a 10-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
Buying HDB flats older than 40 years (that is, built in 1984 and earlier), so long as you are aware of the risks, can be a good way to obtain a spacious home in an attractive location at a relatively lower price.
Not convinced? Here are ten flats older than 40 years we think are worth buying.
old can be gold
Check out older resale flat listings on PropertyGuru.
3-room HDB Flats Older Than 40 Years Worth Buying
60 Circuit Road
| Size | 602 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | MacPherson |
| TOP year | 1964 |
| HDB 3-room flat price | $350,000 |
This 3-room flat on Circuit Road, with its cute retro-style tiles, is located a stone’s throw from the famous Circuit Road Hawker Centre. Residents can also enjoy the proximity of amenities in neighbouring Geylang, which is filled with popular eateries.
The flat enjoys excellent public transport connectivity, with MacPherson MRT station located a mere five-minute walk away, and Mattar MRT station a 12-minute walk away.
141 Jalan Bukit Merah
| Size | 883 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | Keppel |
| TOP year | 1978 |
| HDB 3-room flat price | $500,000 |
This 3-room flat on Jalan Bukit Merah measures a very spacious 883 sq ft, making it ideal for 3-room flat buyers who want as much room as possible.
Its other major selling point is its central city fringe location, a stone’s throw from Singapore General Hospital and a half-hour walk from Tanjong Pagar in the CBD, making it ideal for those who work there. The nearest MRT station, Keppel, is located a 26-minute walk or a short bus ride away.
4-room HDB Flats Older Than 40 Years Worth Buying
639 Rowell Road
| Size | 1,162 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | Jalan Besar |
| TOP year | 1982 |
| HDB 4-room flat price | $829,999 |
This 4-room flat on Rowell Road has been beautifully renovated and looks very new. It also enjoys unblocked views from a high floor.
Situated a four-minute walk from Jalan Besar MRT station, a 10-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT station, and a 12-minute walk from Rochor MRT station, the flat enjoys a highly central location in the heart of Little India, within easy walking distance of amenities such as Mustafa Centre and City Square Mall.
10 Holland Avenue
| Size | 947 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | Holland Village |
| TOP year | 1973 |
| HDB 4-room flat price | $635,000 |
Located a six-minute walk from Holland Village MRT station, this 4-room flat on Holland Avenue enjoys close proximity to the numerous eateries and lifestyle amenities in the Holland Village enclave.
The corner unit is also located close to Buona Vista, near amenities like the Ghim Moh Road Market and Food Centre, as well as the choice schools in the area such as Anglo Chinese School (Independent), Fairfield Methodist School (Primary and Secondary) and Anglo-Chinese Junior College.
262 Waterloo Street
| Size | 882 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | Bras Basah |
| TOP year | 1978 |
| HDB 4-room flat price | $1,188,000 |
This 4-room flat on Waterloo Street is located in the very heart of the city, a four-minute walk from Bras Basah MRT station, a four-minute walk from Bencoolen MRT station, a 10-minute walk from Bugis MRT station, an 11-minute walk from Rochor MRT station, an 11-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, and a 13-minute walk from City Hall MRT station.
Situated on a high floor with unblocked views of the city, the flat is within easy walking distance of numerous malls, including Bugis Junction, Bugis+, Bugis Cube, Raffles City and Suntec City. It is also a short walk from a wealth of city centre amenities and attractions, including the National Library of Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore and Fort Canning Park.
121 Bedok North Road
| Size | 990 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | Bedok Reservoir |
| TOP year | 1977 |
| HDB 4-room flat price | $523,888 |
This 4-room flat on Bedok North Road, located a 15-minute walk from Bedok Reservoir MRT station, enjoys easy access to the scenic Bedok Reservoir Park, which is equipped with a PAssion Wave water sports centre offering dragon boat and kayak rentals.
Its location is convenient for families with kids, thanks to the selection of schools located within 1 km, including St Anthony’s Canossian Primary School, Red Swastika School, and Bedok Green Primary School.
5-room HDB Flats Older Than 40 Years Worth Buying
357 Clementi Avenue 2
| Size | 1,259 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | Clementi |
| TOP year | 1977 |
| HDB 5-room flat price | $900,000 |
This very spacious 5-room flat on Clementi Avenue 2 is located on a high floor and enjoys unblocked views. It was tastefully renovated not long ago and is in move-in condition.
Situated a nine-minute walk from Clementi MRT station, the flat enjoys a central location within the neighbourhood, and is within easy walking distance of many key amenities such as 321 Clementi, Clementi Mall, Clementi ActiveSG Swimming Complex and Clementi Sports Hall.
638 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6
| Size | 980 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | Yio Chu Kang |
| TOP year | 1980 |
| HDB 5-room flat price | $620,000 |
This 5-room flat on Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 has been freshly renovated in a contemporary style, complete with a master suite that includes a walk-in wardrobe and an expanded, luxurious master bathroom.
Located a 10-minute walk from Yio Chu Kang MRT station, the flat is located close to numerous schools, including Presbyterian High School, Yio Chu Kang Secondary School, Mayflower Primary School and Nanyang Polytechnic
Executive Maisonette HDB Flat Older Than 40 Years Worth Buying
334 Jurong East Avenue 1
| Size | 1,603 sq ft |
| Nearest MRT station | Chinese Garden |
| TOP year | 1983 |
| HDB Executive Maisonette flat price | $850,000 |
Executive maisonettes are no longer being built by the HDB, so the only way buyers can get their hands on one of these two-storey units is to turn to the resale market. This executive maisonette on Jurong East Avenue 1 measures a sprawling 1,603 sq ft, spread out over two storeys.
It is located about a 20-minute walk, or a short bus ride, from Chinese Garden MRT station. In addition, it is within walking distance of the scenic Jurong Lake, one of the area’s key draws, as well as recreational amenities such as Jurong Green Community Club and Jurong East Swimming Complex.
Looking for a HDB resale flat to buy? Check out resale flat listings on PropertyGuru.
old can be gold
Check out older resale flat listings on PropertyGuru.
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