The June BTO application rate 2024 reached 3.8 times, marking the highest since the May 2023 sales exercise. Analysts suggest that this uptick stems from three main factors: HDB reducing the number of BTO launches to three in 2024; more launches in mature estates such as Tampines and Queenstown; and looser resale restrictions ahead of the flat classification change to Standard, Plus or Prime scheduled for the October 2024 exercise.
In Budget 2023, the HDB introduced a new rule: first-time BTO applicants who decline their ballot will be treated as second-time applicants for one year. If they decline a second ballot, they become ineligible to apply for any BTO launches in the following year. This has prompted more cautious decision-making among Singaporean buyers. With the above in view, the October 2025 BTO sales exercise has drawn significant interest. According to the HDB, as of 22 October, approximately 31,095 applications had been submitted for 9,144 flats. That equates to an overall application rate of around 3.4 times. For three-room and larger flats among first-time families, the median application rate stood at 1.7 times, while for second-time families it reached 14.8 times.
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Table of Contents
1. BTO Application Rates Overview 2025
2. HDB BTO Application Rates 2025 PLH BTO Flats
3. Average PLH BTO Application Rate From 2021 to 2025
4. Which Estates Offer the Best Ballot Chances in 2025?
5. Top 5 Non-Mature Estates with Easier BTO Ballots (2025)
6. Why Non-Mature Estates Have Easier Ballot Chances
7. Top 5 Mature Estates for Easier BTO Ballots (2025)
8. Average HDB BTO Application Rates (2020 to 2025)
9. Summary Table of Average HDB BTO Application Rates (2020 to 2025)
10. What Can Homebuyers Take Away from the 2025 BTO Application Rates?
1. BTO Application Rates Overview 2025
2. HDB BTO Application Rates 2025 PLH BTO Flats
3. Average PLH BTO Application Rate From 2021 to 2025
4. Which Estates Offer the Best Ballot Chances in 2025?
5. Top 5 Non-Mature Estates with Easier BTO Ballots (2025)
6. Why Non-Mature Estates Have Easier Ballot Chances
7. Top 5 Mature Estates for Easier BTO Ballots (2025)
8. Average HDB BTO Application Rates (2020 to 2025)
9. Summary Table of Average HDB BTO Application Rates (2020 to 2025)
10. What Can Homebuyers Take Away from the 2025 BTO Application Rates?
BTO Application Rates Overview 2025
BTO application rate 2025 for BTO flats vary significantly by location and flat type. Popular areas such as Bukit Merah, Yishun, and Tengah continue to experience higher application rates due to improved connectivity, amenities, and overall appeal.
Bukit Merah, for instance, recorded application rates exceeding 14.8 times for certain flat types, reflecting intense competition, while other towns remained moderate with rates around two to three times the number of flats released.
Why Application Rates Matter
- High application rates indicate strong demand, often resulting in tougher competition and a lower chance of successful balloting for applicants. For first-time families, some launches reached rates near or above ten times, showing that supply still falls short of demand.
- Monitoring these figures helps prospective buyers identify which locations or flat types may be easier or harder to obtain, allowing them to plan their applications more strategically.
- Application rates also mirror broader market behaviour, such as the shift from resale to new BTO flats due to affordability and increased supply. With more launches planned, these measures aim to balance the market and make public housing more accessible.
Recent Trends and Policy Updates
- HDB plans to launch about 55,000 BTO flats from 2025 to 2027, up from earlier commitments, to meet growing demand and stabilise supply.
- Oversubscription in both mature estates and new growth areas reflects the continued strong preference for BTO flats that combine affordability, convenience, and the potential for long-term value for successful applicants.
HDB BTO Application Rates 2025 PLH BTO Flats
The application rates for Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) BTO flats in Singapore reflect moderate to strong demand, depending on flat type and location. In the October 2025 BTO exercise, PLH flats in key areas, such as Berlayar Residences in Bukit Merah, within the Greater Southern Waterfront precinct, drew strong interest. Application rates were around two times for three-room flats and over six times for four-room flats among first-time applicants.
The total BTO supply for 2025 stands at about 19,700 flats across three launches held in February, July, and October. PLH flats, classified under the Prime flat model, continue to attract a wide range of application rates. The government’s efforts to expand supply under both the priority and PLH schemes support growing housing demand while promoting long-term affordability and stability of ownership.
This trend highlights the importance of monitoring PLH BTO application rates, as they reveal fluctuations in competition across launches. These rates also provide insight into how buyers weigh the benefits of subsidised pricing and location advantages against the more prolonged occupation and resale conditions.
The PLH BTO flats in 2025 continue to draw healthy interest, with application patterns showing cautious optimism among homebuyers seeking both value and stability within Singapore’s expanding public housing landscape.
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Average PLH BTO Application Rate From 2021 to 2025
Here is a table summarising the average application rates for Priority Housing Scheme (PLH) BTO flats launched in Singapore from 2021 to 2025. The data reflects the application competition level for three-room and larger flats, which are typical PLH BTO offerings:
2021
River Peaks I & II
8.2
Early PLH launches, such as River Peaks I & II, saw strong demand for three-room and flats.
2022
King George’s Heights, Bukit Merah Ridge, and Ghim Moh Ascent
3.0 to 5.0
Increased supply and policy changes began to ease competition.
2023
Queenstown Project (Feb & May launches) and Kallang/Whampoa Project (Feb & May launches)
3.5 to 6.0
Moderate demand with varied rates by location and flat size.
2024
Tanglin Halt Courtyard, Queenstown
Around 2.1
Lower demand overall, aided by growing BTO supply and shorter waiting times.
2025
Berlayar Residences and Mount Pleasant BTO
2.0 to 6.4
Variation by location and flat type: three-room flats are generally lower, while four-room flats are higher.
Which Estates Offer the Best Ballot Chances in 2025?
In 2025, the estates offering the best BTO ballot chances, meaning lower application rates and better odds of securing a flat, are those with moderate demand based on recent balloting trends.
- Bukit Merah’s PLH BTO projects, such as Berlayar Residences and Redhill Peak, recorded first-timer application rates of around 2.9 for three-room and larger flats. This indicates comparatively good chances, compared with other prime locations that face stronger competition and higher subsidy recovery rates.
- Yishun remains one of the most in-demand estates, with application rates averaging around 3.4 for first-time applicants seeking larger flats, and significantly higher rates among second-time applicants, reflecting intense competition.
- Estates like Sembawang and newer non-mature towns exhibit lower application rates, typically ranging from 0.6 to 1.2 per flat size, providing better opportunities for applicants open to considering these locations.
The expanded BTO supply in 2025, estimated at around 19,600 flats, along with schemes such as the Family Care Scheme (Joint Balloting), has helped ease competition in many estates, especially for first-time families.
Applying for BTO flats in estates like Bukit Merah, Sembawang, and selected non-mature towns offers better ballot chances in 2025, while popular mature estates such as Yishun continue to attract stronger competition. Applicants eligible for priority schemes can further improve their odds through these avenues.
This shows the importance of considering location, flat size, clawback rates, and available priority schemes strategically to maximise success in the 2025 BTO balloting exercise.
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Top 5 Non-Mature Estates with Easier BTO Ballots (2025)
The top 5 non-mature HDB estates in Singapore with easier BTO (Build-To-Order) ballot chances in 2025 are typically newer, less than 20 years old, and have lower demand than mature estates.
These estates provide better odds for successful flat allocation due to lower competition, and they often offer more affordable prices with potential for future growth as amenities develop.
- Jurong West
- Known as a developing non-mature town with active BTO launches and relatively lower subscription rates. Amenities are gradually improving as the government implements urban development plans.
- Sembawang
- Popular among first-time buyers due to affordability and ongoing infrastructure improvements. It has seen steady BTO launches with moderate competition.
- Woodlands
- A non-mature estate with growing amenities and good connectivity, making it attractive for families and giving a balanced chance in BTO ballots.
- Tengah
- Positioned as a "Forest Town" with future innovative and green features planned. BTO flats here tend to have lower demand compared to mature estates, increasing the chances.
- Sengkang
- Another growing estate with young residents, ongoing new developments, and relatively lower BTO demand, increasing chances.
Why Non-Mature Estates Have Easier Ballot Chances
- Non-mature estates are generally newer, with less developed amenities and infrastructure than mature estates.
- They offer lower prices and more flats, which leads to less competition in BTO applications.
- HDB incentivises these estates by offering extra ballot chances to applicants who were unsuccessful in previous attempts.
- Government plans under the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) aim to improve connectivity and amenities, thereby increasing their appeal over time.
Top 5 Mature Estates for Easier BTO Ballots (2025)
The top 5 mature HDB estates in Singapore with easier BTO ballot chances in 2025 tend to have slightly lower demand than the most popular mature estates, offering relatively better chances of balloting success.
Mature estates are those usually over 20 years old with established amenities and infrastructure. However, due to generally higher demand in mature estates, BTO flats are competitively balloted, so the "easier" ones are less crowded mature estates.
- Bukit Merah
- A mature estate with good amenities but less demand compared to central mature estates like Queenstown or Toa Payoh, providing moderately easier ballot chances.
- Clementi
- Known for its mature infrastructure and schools, this estate sometimes has lower oversubscription rates for BTO flats than very central estates.
- Bedok
- A large mature estate with consistent BTO supply; some launches here tend to have reasonable balloting demand, making it a balanced choice.
- Toa Payoh
- Older mature estate with excellent transport and amenities, but also variable competition in BTO applications; particular BTO launches may be less contested.
- Sembawang (Mature Zones)
- Parts of Sembawang are classified as mature due to development age and accessibility. They sometimes attract moderate BTO demand, enhancing ballot odds.
Factors Affecting Easier Ballot Chances in Mature Estates
- BTO flats in mature estates are fewer than in non-mature estates but attract steady demand.
- Flats in mature estates are generally priced higher, which may reduce the ticket size in balloting.
- First-time families and applicants eligible for priority schemes have increased their chances of ballot success in these estates.
- Since 2024, classification has focused on proximity to the MRT and the city core rather than a strict mature/non-mature distinction, which has affected balloting dynamics.
Characteristics of Mature Estates and BTO Balloting
Age
Over 20 years
Established amenities and infrastructure
Price
Higher compared to non-mature estates
Can lower demand slightly due to affordability
Availability
Limited flats, more competitive
Generally tougher, but some estates are less competitive
Location
Closer to the city/core or well-connected
Attracts consistent demand
Priority Schemes
Applicable
Boost chances, especially for first-timers
Choosing mature estates with slightly lower oversubscription rates, or those launched under priority schemes, tends to improve the chances of success in BTO ballots for 2025. The estates listed above represent mature neighbourhoods where balloting competition may be more manageable compared to prime central mature estates.
Average HDB BTO Application Rates (2020 to 2025)
Below is an overview of the average application rates for HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in Singapore from 2020 through 2025, highlighting the competition intensity for available flats each year.
- BTO Demand Highlights in 2020
In 2020, following a deferred exercise due to COVID-19, past BTO application rates varied, reflecting pent-up demand. Early 2020 figures revealed moderate to high competition, with some projects experiencing oversubscription ratios of over eight times due to limited supply and increased demand for affordable housing.
- BTO Demand Highlights in 2021
2021 saw continued intense demand, particularly with the launch of the first batch of Prime Location Housing (PLH) flats in November, which attracted application rates of up to 8.2 times for three- and four-room units in some projects. This year reflected persistent demand despite the ongoing pandemic.
- BTO Demand Highlights in 2022
The application rates remained robust in 2022, though slightly more balanced due to increased flat supply. Median application rates hovered around two to three times in many estates, with some popular non-mature estates, such as Tengah and Yishun, seeing peaks as high as 15 times in specific launches.
- BTO Demand Highlights in 2023
2023 experienced high application rates again in mature estates like Serangoon, where rates ranged from 9.4 to 13.8 for larger flats. Overall, demand was high but moderated slightly by government measures and increased supply, with some mature estates maintaining steady competition, while non-mature estates experienced varied demand.
- BTO Demand Highlights in 2024
BTO application rates 2024 showed some moderation. The introduction of new rules discouraging multiple rejections of BTO offers likely restrained excessive demand. The highest average application rate noted was around 3.8 times. Mature estates, such as Tampines and Queenstown, had competitive applications, but the overall median for first-time families dropped to about 1.0 to 2.0 in many non-mature estates.
- BTO Demand Highlights in 2025
As of mid-2025, application rates have been somewhat lower on average, with a median of approximately 1.0 for first-time families, suggesting a healthier balance between supply and demand. The October 2025 BTO exercise is expected to maintain demand, with ample flats available, including in popular mature estates like Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, and Toa Payoh.
Summary Table of Average HDB BTO Application Rates (2020 to 2025)
2020
High demand, pent-up post-deferment
Up to 8 times in some projects
Elevated competition after Circuit Breaker delay
2021
Continued strong demand, PLH launches
Around 8.2 times for PLH flats
Introduction of the Prime Location Housing scheme
2022
Robust demand, higher supply balance
2 to 15+ times in popular non-mature estates
Considerable variation depending on estate/project
2023
High but slightly moderated
5 to 13 times in mature estates
Serangoon mature estates are highly subscribed
2024
Moderating due to rule changes
Median around 1 to 3.8 times
New BTO application rejection rules impact demand
2025
Balanced supply and demand
Median approximately 1.0 for first-timers
Largest Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise
These trends reflect changing supply policies, demographic shifts, and regulatory controls aimed at maintaining a stable public housing market and reducing overly competitive balloting scenarios
What Can Homebuyers Take Away from the 2025 BTO Application Rates?
The 2025 application trends highlight how location, project type, and demand shape ballot odds across different estates. By reviewing past patterns, understanding popularity levels, and matching them with personal priorities, buyers can make clearer, more confident decisions when planning their next BTO application.
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