Answer
DBSS HDB Resale Guide — All 13 Projects
Condo-quality HDB flats that were never built again. What they cost, which ones to watch, and whether the premium is worth it in 2026.
Answer: DBSS (Design, Build and Sell Scheme) flats were built by private developers under HDB, with condo-like finishes included. Only 13 projects were ever built before the scheme was discontinued in 2012. In 2026, DBSS resale flats trade at $650K–$1.1M — a 15–25% premium over regular HDB resale. Top projects: Peak@Toa Payoh (5-room $950K–$1.1M), Natura Loft (Bishan), City View@Boon Keng. You save $30K–$50K on renovation since finishes are included. All HDB rules, grants, and loan options apply.
All 13 DBSS Projects
Sorted by TOP year. All on 99-year leases.
| Project | Location | TOP | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Premiere@Tampines | Tampines | 2009 | 616 |
| City View@Boon Keng | Boon Keng | 2011 | 714 |
| Natura Loft | Bishan | 2011 | 480 |
| Park Central@AMK | Ang Mo Kio | 2011 | 694 |
| Centrale 8 | Tampines | 2012 | 616 |
| Parc Lumiere | Simei | 2012 | 622 |
| Peak@Toa Payoh | Toa Payoh | 2012 | 750 |
| Pasir Ris One | Pasir Ris | 2013 | 756 |
| Adora Green | Yishun | 2013 | 578 |
| Parkland Residences | Hougang | 2013 | 680 |
| Trivelis | Clementi | 2014 | 710 |
| Lake Vista@Jurong West | Jurong West | 2014 | 748 |
| Punggol Spectra | Punggol | 2014 | 680 |
Total: ~8,644 DBSS units across Singapore. No more will ever be built.
DBSS Resale Prices (2026)
Indicative ranges for 4-room and 5-room flats
| Project | 4-Room | 5-Room | Lease Left |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak@Toa Payoh | $800K–$950K | $950K–$1.1M | ~85 yrs |
| Natura Loft | $750K–$900K | $900K–$1.05M | ~84 yrs |
| City View@Boon Keng | $700K–$850K | $850K–$1M | ~84 yrs |
| Trivelis | $700K–$820K | $800K–$950K | ~87 yrs |
| Pasir Ris One | $650K–$780K | $750K–$880K | ~86 yrs |
| Others | $650K–$800K | $750K–$900K | 82–87 yrs |
DBSS vs Regular HDB Resale
| Feature | DBSS | Regular HDB |
|---|---|---|
| Built by | Private developer | HDB |
| Finishes | Kitchen, bath, flooring included | Bare (OCS optional since 2014) |
| Layout quality | Private architect designs | Standard HDB templates |
| Price premium | +15–25% | — |
| Renovation savings | $30K–$50K | $0 (need full reno) |
| Grants eligible | Yes (all HDB grants) | Yes |
| MOP | 5 years (all past MOP now) | 5 years |
Thinking about a DBSS flat?
Run your numbers — check how much CPF you need to refund, what stamp duty costs, and whether you can afford the monthly payment.
FAQ
What is a DBSS flat?
DBSS stands for Design, Build and Sell Scheme. It was an HDB programme (2005-2012) where private developers designed, built, and sold public housing flats. Unlike regular BTO, DBSS flats came with condo-like finishes: kitchen cabinets, bathroom fittings, flooring, and sometimes even wardrobes. Only 13 DBSS projects were ever built before HDB discontinued the scheme in 2012 due to public backlash over high prices. Today, DBSS flats trade at $650K-$1.1M on the resale market — a significant premium over regular HDB resale flats.
Why were DBSS flats discontinued?
HDB killed the DBSS scheme in 2012 after public outcry over pricing. The final DBSS project, Trivelis in Clementi, was launched at $500K-$700K for 4-5 room flats — nearly double what comparable BTO flats cost. The public felt the scheme defeated the purpose of affordable public housing. The government agreed. Since then, HDB has improved BTO quality with better finishes (e.g., Optional Component Scheme) to bridge the gap, without the private developer markup.
How much do DBSS resale flats cost in 2026?
DBSS resale prices in 2026 range from $650K for a 4-room in less central locations to $1.1M+ for 5-room units in prime areas. Peak@Toa Payoh consistently commands the highest prices — 5-room units have crossed $1M. Natura Loft in Bishan and City View@Boon Keng also fetch premiums due to central locations. The price gap between DBSS and regular HDB resale is typically 15-25% for comparable locations, reflecting the better finishes and developer-quality layouts.
Which are the best DBSS projects?
The top-performing DBSS projects are: (1) Peak@Toa Payoh — 4-room $800K-$950K, 5-room $950K-$1.1M, closest to MRT, central location; (2) Natura Loft (Bishan) — 4-room $750K-$900K, strong school proximity, excellent connectivity; (3) City View@Boon Keng — 4-room $700K-$850K, near Kallang MRT, great city views; (4) Trivelis (Clementi) — 5-room $800K-$950K, near Clementi MRT, good schools. The weakest performers tend to be in less central locations like Parc Lumiere (Simei) and Pasir Ris One.
What are the pros and cons of buying a DBSS resale flat?
Pros: condo-quality finishes (you save $30K-$50K on renovation), better layouts designed by private architects, generally larger unit sizes, higher resale value retention. Cons: premium pricing (15-25% above regular HDB), all 13 projects are now 12-20+ years old with 79-87 years remaining on their 99-year leases, maintenance fees slightly higher ($80-$120/mo vs $60-$90 for regular HDB), and the condo finishes may need refreshing after 10-15 years. The biggest risk is overpaying for the DBSS 'brand' when some regular resale HDBs in the same area offer similar value.
Can I use CPF and HDB loan for a DBSS resale flat?
Yes, DBSS flats are fully HDB resale flats — all HDB resale rules apply. You can use CPF OA funds, take an HDB loan (2.6% fixed, 80% LTV, income ceiling $14K), or a bank loan (75% LTV, no income ceiling). HDB grants apply too: EHG up to $80K, Family Grant $50K-$80K, PHG $30K. The key CPF constraint is lease coverage — the remaining lease must cover the youngest buyer to age 95. For a DBSS built in 2010 with ~84 years left in 2026, a buyer up to age 49 can use full CPF. Beyond that, CPF usage is pro-rated.
Related
- HDB 5-Room Resale Price 2026 — regular HDB comparison
- HDB Resale Price by Town 2026
- HDB Resale Grant Eligibility — up to $160K in grants
- HDB Lease Remaining Impact — CPF + loan restrictions
- Renovation Budget HDB & Condo
Last updated Feb 2026. Prices are indicative ranges based on recent HDB resale transactions. DBSS project details from HDB records. Lease remaining is approximate. This is general information, not financial advice.