5 Rare HDB Flat Types That are Basically Private Houses

Nothing basic or standard about these houses!

Urban lofts or SOHOs, tropical bungalows or ritzy penthouses? If an expensive condo or private property comes to mind – well, we’re here to turn those thoughts on their heads and towards the humble HDB.

More than just a developer of cookie cutter BTOs, HDB has also been responsible for some of the most unique housing spaces in Singapore over the years. And you’d be surprised; from hipster cool to the extremely spacious, these rare HDB flats below can easily pass off as fancy condo/landed developments – without the hefty price tag.

1. HDB Terrace Houses

Double storeys, front porches, and a sloped roof; all features of a typical terrace home, except that these actually have HDB block numbers on them! Developed by SIT (Singapore Improvement Trust, a predecessor of HDB), these landed-looking spaces were constructed around the Queenstown, Whampoa and Jalan Bahagia areas in the 1960s.

Perhaps realising that it wouldn’t be feasible with Singapore’s land constraints, HDB hasn’t been building any more of these since. So, snagging one is pretty much hitting the jackpot – besides a limited supply, a HDB terrace is significantly cheaper than similar landed properties for the same size.

When this article was first written in 2017, they were listed at prices of $600,000 onwards – but in recent years, they’ve been seen on multiple property listings at just under a million dollars. One of these HDB terraces was even sold for $1.57mil in 2024!

A Peek Into A HDB Terrace Home: Jalan Bahagia by Free Space Intent

Hurtle back in time with this eclectic, retro-themed home! Complete with teak furniture, ventilation blocks, and patterned tiles, this quirky space puts a contemporary twist on the colonial houses of old.

With a large porch that houses simple furniture, the space feels like it can take you back to the relaxed pace of kampung life. It really is hard to believe that this is an actual HDB!

2. HDB Loft Units

For all that private developers have been harking on about SOHOs and lofts, HDB has jumped in on the bandwagon offering their own, more affordable versions. Seen in recent developments such as SkyTerrace@Dawson and Treelodge@Punggol, these HDB loft units sometimes double as multi-generation houses, depending on its size.

Along with the main residence, some flats come attached with a studio apartment, on the second level, which could be used as a space for the parents/in-laws. Talk about getting the loft and townhouse treatment without getting a fancy condo!

Nevertheless, HDB loft units do come at a premium – as of 2024, you’ll be lucky to find one under $1 million.

A Peek Into HDB Loft Units

1. Skyterrace@Dawson by Design 4 Space

Full length windows and extended ceiling heights are features that an average HDB homeowner can only dream of – and this homeowner certainly knows that, choosing to draw attention to it with a contemporary chandelier.

Couple that with marble-look surfaces and gold trims, and you’ve got a luxurious-looking space that will look right at home among the penthouses in New York City.

2. Skyterrace@Dawson by Aart Boxx Interior

Compared to the previous home, the homeowners of this particular HDB loft unit chose to keep the look minimalist, with furnishings made of natural materials that add depth and texture to the space.

Additionally, the combination of pure white walls and full-height windows maximises the natural brightness of the home, making it feel as airy and inviting as possible.

3. Jumbo HDB Flats

Call it a happy accident or beautiful disaster; in the 1990s, when many 3 and 4-room flats went unsold in Woodlands and Yishun, HDB decided to combine unoccupied, adjacent units to form jumbo flats!

With some as big as 192 sqm, it’s no surprise that these flats can go from $600,000 all the way to over a million dollars. Of course, with only 2,900 units in Singapore (and an ever-increasing demand for a bigger home), you can expect these prices to keep increasing.

Explore: 7 King-Sized HDB Executive Apartments and Jumbo Flats in SG

A Peek Into Jumbo HDB Flats

1. Marsiling Road by PuroMuro Studio

The best part about having a spacious jumbo flat? Having enough room to do whatever you want.

Decked out in a cosy white-and-wood look, this cosy jumbo flat in Marsiling is filled with unique features that truly make it stand out. That includes large swivel glass doors, tiled walls with red grout…oh, and of course, the main highlight: the large asymmetrical kitchen island that is as functional as it is gorgeous.

2) Yishun Street 61 by MET Interior

This jumbo flat in Yishun is the epitome of a clean, uncluttered home. While it sports a mostly white theme, the potted plants, wood accents, and gold touches all contribute to this expansive home’s visual appeal.

Minimal, uncluttered furniture with a ton of smart storage shelving and features further enhance this home’s clean, relaxing rep.

4. HDB Penthouse Maisonettes

We’ve all heard of maisonettes, but guess what? Forget expensive condominium penthouses – you can live the literal ‘high life’ with HDB’s very own ‘penthouse’ maisonettes!

Developed in the 1990s, these top-level humongous apartments commonly found in Bishan, Pasir Ris or Hougang can go up to 215 sqm, and come with a sky garden/balcony that provides an unprecedented view of the city.

While they may be more affordable than condo penthouses, they still don’t come cheap, with prices averaging at over a million dollars.

A Peek Into a 'Penthouse' Maisonette: Pasir Ris Street 11 by Maxwell Interior Design

One glance at the balcony of this ‘penthouse’ maisonette in Pasir Ris, and you can tell that that’s no ordinary maisonette.

With a sky-high ceiling and full length windows, natural light pours into this cosy home uninterrupted, keeping things bright and airy.

Plus, the combination of the ever-loved white-and-wood theme and organic accents from the plants and rattan furniture makes the place seem like a Bali resort!

5. Post-War SIT Flats

Besides being located in Singapore’s ultimate hipster enclave, the unique, Bauhaus style of these walk-up apartments in Tiong Bahru exude a vintage charm that’s unlike any typical flat/condo.

Built by the SIT in 1948 to 1951, only a few select blocks are under the public housing scheme. The rest, which consist of 1930s pre-war flats, are privatised.

Good luck snagging one – despite their 99-year lease closing in, there’s still strong interest and flats usually range around $600,000 - $700,000. But don’t expect this price to remain as it is – in 2023, one of these post-war flats was sold for a whopping $1.5 million!

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A Peek Into a Post-War SIT Walk-Up Apartment: Guan Chuan Street by Third Avenue Studio

Choosing to gut most of the home while keeping some of the home’s original features (like the black-and-white blinds), this post-war SIT flat in Guan Chuan Street is the perfect blend of old and new.

Though planning the space was a challenge, it was eventually solved by swapping the locations of the kitchen and bedroom. The result: a home with a large communal area and open kitchen.

(This article was first published on 6 Jun 2017 and last updated on 20 Aug 2024.)

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