Standard, Plus and Prime Flats
What are Standard, Plus and Prime flats?
Standard, Plus and Prime is HDB's location-based classification for new BTO flats launched from October 2024. Standard flats have the usual market discounts and a 5-year MOP. Plus and Prime flats, in choicer locations, get extra subsidies but come with a 10-year MOP, no whole-flat rental and subsidy recovery when sold.
Key facts
- Applies to
- BTO projects launched from the October 2024 sales exercise
- Standard flats
- Significant market discounts; 5-year MOP; whole flat can be rented out after the MOP
- Plus flats
- Choicer locations; more subsidies; 10-year MOP; no whole-flat rental
- Prime flats
- Choicest locations; most subsidies; 10-year MOP; no whole-flat rental; includes earlier PLH flats
- Subsidy recovery
- Plus and Prime flats bought from HDB repay a percentage of the resale price on sale; set at launch
- Older flats
- Flats launched before October 2024 are unclassified and keep their existing rules
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: HDB.
How the classification works
HDB classifies each new BTO project by its location when it is launched. Better-located flats would command higher market values, so Plus and Prime flats get extra subsidies to keep them affordable. In return they carry tighter conditions, so that buyers buy them mainly to live in.
| Feature | Standard | Plus | Prime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidies | Significant market discounts | More subsidies | Most subsidies |
| Subsidy recovery on sale | No | Yes (less than Prime) | Yes |
| Minimum occupation period | 5 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Rent out the whole flat | After the MOP | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Rent out spare rooms | 3-room or bigger | 3-room or bigger | 3-room or bigger |
| Buy private property | After the MOP | After the MOP | After the MOP |
Buyers of resale Plus and Prime flats must meet the same eligibility rules as BTO buyers, including the income ceiling.
Example
You bought a Plus flat from HDB, and the subsidy recovery announced at launch was 6%. This rate is for illustration only. After the 10-year MOP you sell it for $900,000.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resale price | $900,000 |
| Subsidy recovery to HDB (6%) | $54,000 |
| Left to repay your loan and CPF, then paid to you | $846,000 |
If you then buy another subsidised flat from HDB, a resale levy may also apply.
Common mistakes
- Treating a Plus or Prime flat as a future rental. You can never rent out the whole flat.
- Forgetting subsidy recovery in sale plans. It is a percentage of the resale price, paid on top of your loan and CPF refund.
- Assuming old flats are reclassified. The framework applies only to flats launched from October 2024.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the subsidy recovery?
It depends on the project. HDB announces the percentage when a Plus or Prime project is launched. It is charged on the resale price, or the valuation if HDB requires one and it is higher.
Does subsidy recovery apply if I bought a Plus flat on the resale market?
No. Subsidy recovery doesn't apply when you sell a resale Plus or Prime flat, but the 10-year MOP, the ban on whole-flat rental and the rules on who can buy from you still apply.
Can singles buy Plus and Prime flats?
From the October 2024 exercise, eligible singles can buy new 2-room Flexi flats in Standard, Plus and Prime projects, and resale 2-room Prime flats, as well as resale Standard, Plus and unclassified flats of any type except 3Gen.
Can I rent out rooms in a Plus or Prime flat?
Yes. Renting out spare rooms is allowed for 3-room or bigger flats in all three classes, with HDB approval. Only whole-flat rental is banned for Plus and Prime.
Related terms
Sources
Every figure on this page was checked against the official government sources above on 6 Nov 2026. See our editorial policy.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice.