Here is an overview of the BTO flat buying process.

1、Check eligibility and plan your finances

You must have a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter before you can apply for a flat in HDB sales launches.

The HFE letter will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your housing and financing options before you embark on your home buying journey. It will inform you upfront of your eligibility to purchase a new or resale flat, as well as the amounts of CPF housing grants and HDB housing loans you are qualify for.

When you apply for an HFE letter on the HDB Flat Portal, you may also request In-Principle Approval from the participating financial institutions. Plan your finances and work out your budget.

2、Apply online

Apply for a new flat on the HDB Flat Portal during a sales launch. You can subscribe to the HDB eAlert Service to be notified of upcoming sales launches.

You will receive an email notification to log in to the HDB Flat Portal to check the ballot results within 2 months after the applications period has closed. The timeline for releasing the ballot results depends on the sales launch and flat supply.

3、Book a flat

The booking exercise commences from 4 weeks after the release of the ballot results. It may take several months to complete, depending on the flat supply and the take-up rate. You will be invited to book a flat based on your balloted queue position, and HDB will send you an invitation about 2 weeks before your booking appointment.

4、Sign Agreement for Lease

You will be invited to sign the Agreement for Lease within 9 months after booking a flat.

5、Collect keys

You will be invited to collect the keys when your booked flat is ready.

source：HDB