The Rarity of Premium Apartments in HDB History: Why It’s a Gem for Homebuyers

When it comes to public housing in Singapore, most are familiar with standard HDB flat types — but hidden among the familiar corridors are rare gems known as Premium Apartments.

These flats may look like typical 4-room or 5-room units, but they carry a distinct status that many overlook. If you chance upon one on the market — especially in mature towns — you might be looking at a valuable opportunity.

What is an HDB Premium Apartment?

Introduced somewhere during 1990s till early 2000s, HDB Premium Apartments offered a variety of layouts in various sizes. They were designed to offer a “condo-like” feel within public housing — even before the rise of the DBSS or Executive Condos (ECs). These units may also came with enhanced features such as:

• Tiled flooring in all rooms (instead of just living areas)

• Built-in wardrobes

• Better finishing and fixtures

• Premium door designs and sanitary fittings

• Some even came with a separate household shelter away from the bedrooms

They were often built under BTO or SERS (Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme) and were positioned as a bridge between standard HDB flats and higher-end housing.

Why Are Premium Apartments Rare Today?

HDB phased out the Premium Apartment model in the mid-2010s as newer BTO flats became more customisable under the Optional Component Scheme (OCS). As such:

• No new premium apartments are being built.

• Units with larger layouts are typically built in the 1990s

• They are typically located in mature estates like Tampines, Toa Payoh, Queenstown, Bukit Merah, and Kallang/Whampoa.

• Units may also be found in SERS projects where residents were given replacement flats with premium specs.

This limited supply — coupled with their larger layouts and upgraded interiors — makes them highly sought after, especially by buyers looking for something move-in ready.

Why Are Premium Apartments a Great Buy?

Whether you're a first-time buyer or upgrader, here’s why these units are worth a serious look:

Move-In Condition

Many come with built-in fixtures and better flooring — reducing renovation costs if well-maintained.

Located in Prime Areas

These flats are often found in mature estates with better connectivity, schools, and amenities.

Larger, More Practical Layouts

Premium Apartments tend to have more efficient layouts, often including a proper service yard and generous living spaces. Some may also include balcony space and separate household shelter

Long Lease Remaining

The younger units built in the late 1990s till early 2010s, many still have 70+ years lease remaining — great for long-term holding.

Strong Rental or Resale Appeal

Due to their upgraded fittings and mature estate location, they can fetch better rental rates and resale demand.

Final Thoughts

The Premium Apartment model might be a chapter closed in HDB’s timeline — but for buyers today, it presents an opportunity to own a piece of public housing history, with practical benefits that stand the test of time.

If you’re lucky enough to find one that fits your needs — act fast, because these gems don’t stay on the market for long.