What is a DBSS flat? DBSS, or Design, Build and Sell Scheme, was a short-lived HDB housing option between 2005 and 2012. They’re built by private developers and available exclusively on the resale market today.
Wondering what the difference is between a DBSS flat vs other HDB flats? Or what about DBSS flats vs Executive Condominiums (ECs)? In this article, we’ll answer those questions, as well as cover the list of DBSS flats in Singapore and how much they cost.
Watch Our Guide to DBSS Flats in Singapore
What Is a DBSS Flat: DBSS Flats Vs Other HDB Flats
1. DBSS Flats Are Built by Private Developers
As mentioned, HDB flats are developed by HDB while DBSS flats are built by private developers. Private developers who wanted to build DBSS flats bought land from HDB and oversaw the design, planning, sale, and construction of the flats.
2. DBSS Flats Have a Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)?
Since DBSS flats are still HDB flats, this means the usual rules and eligibility criteria around buying resale HDB flats apply. DBSS flat owners also need to fulfil their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) of five years before they can rent out the whole unit or sell their homes.
3. 5-Room DBSS Flats Typically Have an Additional Bedroom
One reason why some buyers like DBSS flats is because of the variation in its unit offerings. While HDB flats have standardised floor plans based on home size, DBSS homeowners can expect features such as balconies, study areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, and more natural light. The interior of DBSS flats resembles condos more than HDB flats.
5-room DBSS flats usually have four bedrooms, whereas regular 5-room flats typically only have three bedrooms and a study space that requires the addition of walls should the owner want a fourth bedroom.
What Is a DBSS Flat: DBSS Flats Vs ECs
You may be wondering: since they’re sold by HDB but built by private developers, aren’t they the same as ECs?
Indeed, the two property types are similar in that sense. However, they differ in a few key areas: a DBSS flat is essentially like a standard HDB in most ways, except with more premium interior furnishing and larger space. On the outside, a DBSS flat looks pretty much like any ol’ HDB. The DBSS project may have better common facilities like barbecue areas and multi-purpose sports courts, but no swimming pools and/or security guards.
Unlike DBSS flats, however, ECs are built exactly as private condos are – think swimming pools, fitness gyms, and all the usual frills. They feature a full suite of facilities and amenities and are physically indistinguishable from regular condos. In fact, after 10 years, ECs become private and can be sold on the open market.
Lastly, ECs are still being launched by the government, but DBSS flats have been discontinued since 2012.
Why Did HDB Stop Building DBSS Flats?
The DBSS scheme was first launched in 2005, but was suspended years later in 2012 due to the many DBSS complaints. Buyers were unhappy over issues such as poor design, workmanship and defects despite them paying a premium. These issues have largely been rectified across affected developments such as Pasir Ris One and Trivelis.
List of DBSS Flats in Singapore
Pasir Ris One
Pasir Ris
2020
Parkland Residences
Hougang
2019
Lake Vista @ Yuan Ching
Jurong West
2019
Trivelis
Clementi
2019
Centrale 8
Tampines
2019
Belvia
Bedok
2019
Adora Green
Yishun
2018
The Peak @ Toa Payoh
Toa Payoh
2017
Parc Lumiere
Simei
2016
Natura Loft
Bishan
2016
City View @ Boon Keng
Boon Keng
2016
Park Central @ AMK
Ang Mo Kio
2016
The Premiere @ Tampines
Tampines
2013
HDB DBSS Flat Prices in 2023: How Much Do They Cost?
| HDB DBSS projects | Price (for 3-bedroom unit transactions in the past 6 months) |
| Pasir Ris One | Not available |
| Parkland Residences | $670,000 to $910,000 |
| Lake Vista @ Yuan Ching | $660,000 to $790,000 |
| Trivelis | $798,000 to $1,240,000 |
| Centrale 8 | $735,000 to $970,000 |
| Belvia | $795,000 (only one transaction in August 2023) |
| Adora Green | $620,000 to $720,000 |
| The Peak @ Toa Payoh | $907,000 to $1,380,000 |
| Parc Lumiere | $900,000 to $920,000 |
| Natura Loft | $975,000 to $1,400,000 |
| City View @ Boon Keng | $947,000 to $1,260,000 |
| Park Central @ AMK | $755,000 to $853,000 |
| The Premiere @ Tampines | $785,000 to $908,000 |
Although DBSS flats are priced at a premium, there are a handful of affordable ones too. When we looked at the recent DBSS flat transaction prices for units with three bedrooms (based on PropertyGuru listings, accurate as of 6 September 2023), the million-dollar ones are usually located in the city fringe areas, or popular estates like Bishan.
Ultimately, DBSS flat prices vary from project to project. Let’s take a look at some of the most talked-about and sought-after DBSS flats in town.
1. Bishan DBSS: Natura Loft
|
Address
|
Bishan Street 24
|
|
No. of storeys
|
40
|
|
Nearest MRT station
|
CC15/NS17 Bishan
|
| Price for DBSS flat with 3 bedrooms | $975,000 to $1,400,000 |
Anyone who’s kept up with property news in recent years would be aware of the multiple million-dollar flat transactions occurring at Natura Loft. And this is by no means a blip.
Given its long remaining lease, convenient location, and proximity to choice schools like Raffles Institution and Catholic High School, it’s not surprising that Natura Loft DBSS consistently fetches such high prices.
2. City View @ Boon Keng
|
Address
|
Boon Keng Rd
|
|
No. of storeys
|
40
|
|
Nearest MRT station
|
NE9 Boon Keng
|
| Price for DBSS flat with 3 bedrooms | $947,000 to $1,260,000 |
Another HDB DBSS project that’s been consistently sold for over the $1 million mark is City View @ Boon Keng, affectionately known as ‘that Kallang DBSS’.
If Natura Loft’s location was good, City View’s is incredible. Located in the Kallang/Whampoa district, It’s just a few minutes shy of ‘prime location’. Plus, at 40 storeys high, the Kallang DBSS’s high floors offer a stunning vista of the CBD and Marina Bay.
3. Toa Payoh DBSS: The Peak @ Toa Payoh
|
Address
|
Lor 1 Toa Payoh
|
|
No. of storeys
|
42
|
|
Nearest MRT station
|
CC17/TE9 Caldecott, NS18 Braddell
|
| Price for DBSS flat with 3 bedrooms | $907,000 to $1,380,000 |
True to its name, The Peak @ Toa Payoh DBSS fetches top dollar in its neighbourhood. Interestingly, The Peak @ Toa Payoh DBSS is taller than the other DBSS projects highlighted here, at 42 storeys instead of the usual 40. If you go weak in the knees for panoramic views, you may also want to read our guide to the tallest HDB flats in Singapore.
4. Ang Mo Kio DBSS: Park Central @ AMK
|
Address
|
Ang Mo Kio St 52
|
|
No. of storeys
|
30
|
|
Nearest MRT station
|
NS16 Ang Mo Kio
|
| Price for DBSS flat with 3 bedrooms | $755,000 to $853,000 |
We’ve covered HDB DBSS projects in Bishan and Toa Payoh. Which neighbourhood is next? Ang Mo Kio, of course! Park Central @ AMK DBSS may not grab headlines like its neighbours, but, make no mistake, demand for a flat here is definitely strong.
Park Central @ AMK is located in the food lovers’ paradise that is Ang Mo Kio, and the Instagrammable Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park is just a short drive or bus ride away. It’s also within walking distance to Ang Mo Kio MRT station, which will serve as an interchange MRT station for the upcoming Cross Island Line and North South Line.
5. Clementi DBSS: Trivelis
|
Address
|
Clementi Ave 4
|
|
No. of storeys
|
40
|
|
Nearest MRT station
|
EW23 Clementi
|
|
Price for 4-room flat
| $798,000 to $1,240,000 |
Amid all the excitement over Natura Loft DBSS, the news about Trivelis DBSS might have escaped your attention. Homes in Clementi offer proximity to tertiary institutions like NUS, NTU, and SIM.
For more property news, content and resources, check out PropertyGuru’s guides section.
Looking for a new home? Head to PropertyGuru to browse the top properties for sale in Singapore.
Need help to finance your latest property purchase? Let the mortgage experts at PropertyGuru Finance help you find the best deals.
Disclaimer: The information is provided for general information only. PropertyGuru Pte Ltd makes no representations or warranties in relation to the information, including but not limited to any representation or warranty as to the fitness for any particular purpose of the information to the fullest extent permitted by law. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this article is accurate, reliable, and complete as of the time of writing, the information provided in this article should not be relied upon to make any financial, investment, real estate or legal decisions. Additionally, the information should not substitute advice from a trained professional who can take into account your personal facts and circumstances, and we accept no liability if you use the information to form decisions.