Our SBF Timeline (finally) š
Our adulting journey - Episode 1: Buying a house
We are lucky to have a roof over our heads through the successful application for HDB Sale of Balance flats (SBF). SBF consists of flats that were not selected in previous BTO launches and are being offered again through SBF exercises, which typically occur once every few months.
We applied for Novā19 SBF with the initial Probable Completion Date (PCD) in 4Q21 and we were within the queue as it was slightly undersubscribed.
The unit selection process began and as our queue position was near, the circuit breaker happened and our selection appointment was delayed.
Subsequently we were notified that the PCD was also delayed for a year. Fortunately, this delay turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as we really needed the extra time (an entire year!) to save more money to prepare for both the house and our wedding concurrently!
Iām not sure if this will be helpful to anyone, but I decided to consolidate and share our detailed timeline in hopes that it might be helpful to someone here readingāØ
š Timeline:
Nov 2019 - SBF application š»
Dec 2019 - SBF results
Jun 2020 - Selection of unit āš»
Oct 2021 - Updates on PCD 3Q2022
Apr 2022 - Updates on PCD 3Q2022
Jun 2022 - Updates on PCD Sep/Oct 2022
Jul 2022 - Request to defer marriage cert submissionš°š»āāļø
Jul 2022 - Successful deferment
21 Sep 2022 - HDB loan reassessment, income docs submission (email/portal) šµš¢
2 Oct 2022 - BTO roadshow at HDB Hub
4 Oct 2023 - Notice on key collection appointment (SMS)
5 Oct 2022 - HDB loan reassessment result (email)
19 Oct 2022 - Key collection š
From our application in Nov 2019 to key collection in Oct 2022, it was a total of 3 years, including a 1-year delay!
From my experience, the SBF process can feel lengthy and at times uncertain, especially with delays like the one-year postponement we had during the circuit breaker period. Itās important to keep track of announcement updates and be patient as completion dates can shift. The selection process works on a queue basis, but itās not strictly 'first come, first served' since allocation depends on factors like flat type and location preferences. Staying updated through official HDB channels and attending roadshows, like the BTO roadshow at HDB Hub, can help you make informed decisions. Payment timelines usually follow after key collection, with HDB loans requiring reassessment if there are changes to income or other circumstances. Itās wise to prepare financial documents early to avoid last-minute stress. We found the delay to be a blessing in disguise, giving us additional time to save for both the house and our wedding. So, while waiting times may be frustrating, they can sometimes offer opportunities to better prepare financially and logistically. For anyone looking into SBF, understanding the full timelineāapplication, unit selection, loan processes, and eventual key collectionāis crucial. Monitoring updates, being flexible with dates, and planning ahead turned out to be invaluable for us. Also, keep in mind that SBF exercises usually happen a few times a year, and flats offered are those not selected in previous BTO launches. Knowing this helps set realistic expectations about availability and waiting times.
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