What Are Jumbo Flats In Singapore & How Can You Buy One?

The Jumbo flats are super rare in Singapore. Most people have just heard of it, and only a few lucky ones have experienced it! Well, you can say it is the crème de la crème of the HDB flat!

But why are these flats so precious?

What are jumbo flats in Singapore, and how can you buy one? Just like regular HDBs in Singapore, couples have to apply for a home mortgage loan for it.

Don’t worry; we’ll tell you everything you need to know!

So, if you want to find more information about this whisper, follow our steps to the end!

What Are Jumbo Flats In Singapore?

Did you know that President Halimah Yacob used to live in a jumbo flat in Yishun?

The jumbo flats in Singapore are like the fountain of youth! Everyone craves for it but getting it seems impossible. However, unlike the fountain of youth, you can actually own a jumbo flat if you try hard enough.

As you already know, these flats are not for the common populace. And the main reason is the price you have to pay for it. To live in this luxurious place, you’ll have to spend $600,000-$750,000 at least.

That excludes the costs of home renovations. To cater for the fees, some homeowners may choose to apply for an affordable home renovation loan to help balance their finances.

The size of jumbo flats is usually between 150 sqm to 168 sqm. They are created by merging two HDB units so they have bigger dining areas, more toilets and more rooms!

Well, this is just the price range for an “affordable” jumbo flat. So yes, only a few deep-pocket people can dare to get it!

Why Do Jumbo Flats Cost That Much?

Now you may ask, what is so special about jumbo flats? Is it made of gems and jewels?

Jumbo flats are not a place for small families or a single person. It is a larger form of financial commitment. However, if you want to feel like the king of the world, you can live there alone; no one will stop you!

The HDB created these huge flats in 1980 as the normal-sized places were not enough for some families. A traditional three-bedroom flat is around 68sqm, and a four-bedroom flat in Singapore is about 90sqm.

And when it comes to a jumbo flat, the three-bedroom place is 147sqm, and the four-bedroom ones are 199sqm. Can you see the difference?

These giant flats are perfect for multi-generational families or when you have more kids. A jumbo flat will never make you feel cramped like any other HDB flats, which is a relief! To ease financial burdens, some have chosen to take loans from the best licensed moneylenders in Singapore.

Where Can You Find Jumbo Flats in Singapore?

You won’t find jumbo flats in every other locality; you will have to look for some specific areas. These flats are generally situated in Woodlands, Tampines, Jurong East, Yishun, and Bedok. Currently, it is noted that 80% of the jumbo flats are found in Woodlands.

However, the HBD doesn’t make jumbo flats anymore, which is a bummer. So if you want to buy one of these exclusive places, you will have to get a pre-built one from the resale market.

However, the HDB conversion scheme allows you to create your own jumbo flats. Well, that’s what we are going to discuss in the next segment.

What Is The HBD Conversion Scheme?

The HDB Conversion Scheme helps people to achieve their dreams of owning a jumbo flat. These huge flats aren’t made by HDB anymore, and it is pretty rare to find a place like this on the resell market. But thanks to this scheme, you can get an exclusive place like it without any trouble.

However, before you start planning to move into a jumbo flat, make sure you meet the requirements given below.

– You can only convert an HDB flat into jumbo ones if it has three rooms or more.

– If you buy the place with a partner, one of you has to be a Singaporean citizen.

– In case you have an HBD flat already (which is on loan), you won’t be able to buy another flat to adjoin unless you repay the current loan.

– If you don’t have any HBD flat at all, you can only take the loan for buying one HBD flat only. You won’t be able to take a loan for buying two flats at a time.

– You’ll have to be at least 21 years old.

– A single person cannot apply for it. It would be best if you had a family nucleus such as spouse-children or parents-spouse-children. However, if you are divorced with children’s custody, you are eligible for applying.

You can only go for the HDB conversational scheme if you meet these conditions. Otherwise, you’ll have to come back when you are ready.

Is It Worth Getting A Jumbo Flat?

The idea of jumbo flats is delectable, and it is a dream come true for every other Singaporean. But is the hype worth it? Can you live in a jumbo flat without any regret?

You are already aware that this living arrangement is not for everyone. If you determine that you will get significant benefits, you should go for it without any hesitation.

However, like all things in the universe, the jumbo flats come with both perks and cons. So, before you invest a considerable amount of money in it, you need to know about the disadvantages it offers. Let’s take a look at those drawbacks, shall we?

– Once you go through the conversional scheme and adjoin two flats, you cannot break it off. The law doesn’t allow you to turn it into two separate flats ever again.

– If you purchase a jumbo flat, you will have to live in it for at least five years.

However, if you compare the rate per sqm of a jumbo flat with regular HDB flats, you will see that the cost is pretty much the same. After five years, you can choose to sell your jumbo flat as well. Moving and property investments are common in Singapore.

So, if you have a large family, you can divide the cost among each other and easily get an enormous place to live together.

The Bottom Line

So, what are jumbo flats in Singapore, and how can you buy one? Hopefully, you’ve got your answers!

When you have plenty of members in your family (grandparents, parents, children, siblings), living in a normal-sized flat can be frustrating. So, if you don’t want to feel suffocated anymore, get a jumbo flat without any hesitation.

Yes, it comes with a million-dollar price tag and some limitations. But when you look at the benefits, spending that amount won’t feel like pressure. And yes, it is always an excellent investment, so keep that in mind too!

Make sure to start financial planning early in order to get your dream house! If you are in need of quick cash, consider getting multiple quotes for free from LoanStreet. We are able to provide you with multiple quotes for free in hours, as fast as a jackrabbit!