Congratulations – you’ve finally got that Build-To-Order (BTO) flat booking appointment, and are one step closer to getting your dream home! We’re sure you’re very excited, but this also means you must now get certain documents in order ahead of that appointment.
“Wait, what documents?”
Panic not. Planner Bee has compiled this ultimate BTO Booking Checklist to help you make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Option fee
Image source: Housing & Development Board
The Option Fee ranges from S$500-S$2,000, depending on the flat type you would like to book. This fee will count into your down payment. This option fee is paid before HDB grants you the Option to Purchase.
Documents needed
If you are booking as a single applicant, the process will be much simpler, as you would only need to submit one set of documents. If you’re co-signing, however, you’ll need documents for all parties. You may submit these documents via the MyDoc@HDB portal. If you’re unable to submit your documents online, bring them along to your flat booking appointment. Here are the documents you’ll need:
For identification purposes
- Identity cards (ICs) of all listed applicants and occupants.
- Verify your digital IC via the Singpass app if you’re employed or serving National Service.
- Passport for non-citizens
- Your children’s birth certificates
Relationship verification
If you’re buying a flat under the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme or Married Child Priority Scheme, you will need:
- Your birth certificate
- Parents’ marriage certificate
- Your marriage certificate if you’re married OR divorce certificate if you’re divorced
- Your spouse’s death certificate if your spouse is deceased
- If you applied for a flat under the Parenthood Priority Scheme, you’ll need either a doctor’s certificate verifying your pregnancy or your child’s birth certificate.
Note: ICs, birth or death certificates can be physical or digital copies.
Proof of income
Depending on your type of employment, there are different documents to submit.
| Type of employment | Documents to submit | Notes |
| Employed | 3 months of payslips preceding the month of flat application. OR Letter from employer verifying salaries for 3 months preceding the month of flat application. The letter needs to have: | If your income includes allowances, you’ll need to submit 6 months of payslips preceding the month of flat application. If you’re employed full-time but on unpaid leave for less than 6 months, you are counted as employed and your last drawn salary can be used for assessment. If you’re on unpaid leave for more than 6 months, your income will not be considered in the assessment. Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS) will not be accepted. |
| Self-employed (includes private hire drivers, stallholders and more) | Latest NOA from IRAS OR Statement of Annual Accounts certified by an audit firm. AND Valid Accounting and Corporate Authority (ACRA) Computer Information (Business Profile) or valid licence of trade. AND Undertaking affirming the average gross monthly income for 6 months preceding the month of application. | Assessment will be based on average gross monthly income. Undertaking for applicants/occupiers can be found in the invitation package for flat booking. Complete the undertaking and submit it at the flat booking appointment. If you’re not in Singapore, you may complete the undertaking and appoint a proxy to submit it at the flat booking appointment. |
| Part-time/commission-based employment | 6 months of commission statements/payslips preceding the month of flat application. OR Letter from employer verifying your salary for 6 months preceding the month of flat application. The letter needs to have: | Assessment will be based on average gross monthly income. |
| Odd-job (includes freelancers) employment | Latest NOA from IRAS OR Letter from employer verifying your salary for 6 months preceding the month of flat application. The letter needs: | Assessment will be based on average gross monthly income. |
| Unemployed (from 18-62 years old) | Undertaking confirming unemployment OR Valid student pass or letter from institute of learning confirming full-time student status. If you’ve been unemployed for less than 3 months, you need: | Undertaking for applicants/occupiers can be found in the invitation package for flat booking. Complete the undertaking and submit it at the flat booking appointment. If you’re not in Singapore, you may complete the undertaking and appoint a proxy to submit it at the flat booking appointment. |
Income/allowance that will not be considered for income assessment include:
- Alimony payments
- Bonuses
- Director’s fee
- Income from overtime work
- Interest from deposit accounts
- National Service allowance
- Rental income
- Overseas scholarship allowance
- Overseas cost of living allowance
- Pension
Read more: The Differences Between BTO, SBF, Open-Booking, and Resale HDB
Keep calm, and carry on
Buying a home is a big part of adulting that can sometimes feel daunting. We get it – it’s a big milestone! We recommend taking things one step at a time. It’s all part and parcel of this exciting part of your life. Do your due diligence to get what you need in order, and try to enjoy the process as much as you can!
Read more: Seven Things All 2023 BTO Hopefuls Must Know
