So… you finally got your BTO queue number — congrats! 🎉 After months (maybe years) of anticipation, you’re now just one step away from choosing your very first home. But let’s be honest: BTO Selection Day can feel a bit overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect.
You might be wondering things like:
- What if my ideal unit is gone by the time it’s my turn?
- How do I even know which flat to pick?
- What documents must I bring on the day?
Take a deep breath — this guide’s got you. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a BTO veteran, we’ll walk you through what happens on BTO Selection Day, how to prep, and common mistakes to avoid.
You’ll also pick up tips like how to shortlist flats, choose between an HDB loan or bank mortgage (e.g. DBS home loan rates), and use a mortgage loan repayment calculator to budget wisely.
Let’s dive in — you only get one shot at choosing your flat, so let’s make it count.
What Happens During BTO Selection Day
BTO Selection Day is when you officially choose your future home — the unit, the block, the level, the direction. You’ll be invited to HDB Hub (or join online) to make that decision based on your BTO queue number and what units are still available when it’s your turn.
It’s a serious step — because once you select your flat, it’s locked in. So, how exactly does the process unfold?
What is the purpose of BTO Selection Day?
The goal is simple: you pick your unit, confirm it, and pay the Option Fee.
Here’s what the day is really about:
- ✅ Based on your queue number, you get access to the remaining flats in your project.
- You’ll select your flat on the spot, either at HDB Hub Toa Payoh or via an online appointment.
- Once selected, HDB issues you an Option to Purchase (OTP) — this locks in your unit.
- There’s no “changing your mind later” or “try again next time” — it’s a one-shot deal.
Expert Tip: Your queue number can give you an edge — but only if you come prepared. The earlier your number, the more units you get to choose from.
What can you expect during your flat selection appointment?
Your flat selection appointment typically takes place at HDB Hub in Toa Payoh. You’ll be asked to bring all required documents (more on that later) and check in at your allocated time.
Once inside, an HDB officer will walk you through the available units based on real-time system availability. You’ll view floor plans on-screen, compare layouts, and pick your preferred flat right there and then.
After finalising your decision, you’ll need to pay the Option Fee, which varies based on the flat type.
Option Fee Table Based on BTO Flat Type
Before selecting your flat, it’s important to be financially ready to pay the booking fee. Here’s a breakdown:
Option Fee Amount by BTO Flat Type (2025)
| Flat Type | Option Fee Payable |
|---|---|
| 2-room Flexi | S$500 |
| 3-room | S$1,000 |
| 4-room or bigger | S$2,000 |
This Option Fee is payable immediately via NETS or CashCard only — no PayNow or credit cards.
What happens immediately after selecting your flat?
Once you confirm your selection and pay the Option Fee, you’ll receive an Option to Purchase (OTP). This document locks in your chosen unit, and it’s legally binding.
After that:
- You’ll wait for your second appointment, which is where you sign the lease agreement.
- Start planning your financing: decide between an HDB loan or a bank mortgage, and get your budget sorted using a mortgage loan repayment calculator.
- If eligible, prepare documents for CPF housing grants.
Expert Tip: Once you receive the OTP, you can’t switch units or change your mind. If you reject it later, you forfeit your queue chance altogether.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Whether you’re early in the queue or near the tail end, how you prepare for BTO Selection Day makes all the difference. Some buyers walk in confidently and secure a great unit. Others fumble because they missed a document or didn’t plan their options in advance.
Here’s how to make sure you’re in the first group.
What documents must you bring for flat selection?
Before you can even choose a unit, HDB will verify your identity, income, and loan approval status. If you’re missing any of the required paperwork, you won’t be allowed to proceed — no matter how ready you feel.
Here’s a quick checklist of what to prepare:
- NRICs of all applicants
- Marriage certificate (if applying under the Fiancé/Fiancée or Family Scheme)
- Birth certificates (for children or siblings if applying as a family nucleus)
- Latest income documents (CPF contributions, payslips, NOA, etc.)
- Valid HLE letter (for HDB loan applicants)
- Bank IPA (for those choosing a bank mortgage)
- Any documents supporting special schemes (e.g. Married Child Priority Scheme)
Tip: Bring both physical and digital copies — a Google Drive backup could save your day.
How do you check unit availability before your turn?
BTO flat availability changes in real time. What’s available today might be snapped up tomorrow. That’s why it’s crucial to study the unit listings before your appointment, so you’re not forced into a blind choice.
Here’s what you should do in the days leading up to your selection slot:
- Log into the HDB Flat Portal to view available units by block, stack, and floor.
- Zoom in on layout plans and orientation (especially if you want to avoid the west sun).
- Factor in proximity to:
- MRT stations or major bus routes
- Schools or childcare centres
- Parents’ homes (if applying under the Married Child Priority Scheme)
- MRT stations or major bus routes
- Prepare a shortlist of at least 5–10 units ranked by preference.
This way, if your top pick is taken, you’ll have a fallback — and you won’t feel pressured into making a rushed choice you’ll regret.
When and how should you get your loan eligibility sorted?
You can’t book a flat without showing you can afford it — and that means you must secure a valid loan approval ahead of time.
Loan Approval Options at a Glance
The table below compares the two main loan approval types available to BTO buyers:
Loan Eligibility Type Comparison for BTO Flat Selection
| Loan Type | Document Needed | Where to Apply | Approval Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB Housing Loan | HLE Letter | HDB Loan Portal | 1–2 weeks |
| Bank Home Loan | IPA (In-Principle Approval) | Banks (e.g. DBS, UOB) | 3–5 working days |
Pro Tip: Not sure which to choose? Use this mortgage loan repayment calculator to estimate your monthly repayments under different interest rates — it helps you plan with clarity.
Also, if you’re going for the bank option, a Singapore mortgage broker can help you compare the best home loan rates in Singapore and streamline the paperwork.
How to Choose the Right Flat When Your Turn Comes
So your turn is coming up… and the pressure’s on. With the BTO portal updating live and some units already gone, how do you make the best decision without second-guessing yourself later?
Truth is, picking a flat isn’t just about getting a high floor. There are so many little things that affect daily life — like whether you’ll melt in the west sun, or if your future kitchen window faces the rubbish chute.
Here’s how to shortlist smartly, plan ahead, and stay cool even if your dream unit is taken.
What are the key factors to consider when shortlisting units?
It’s tempting to just go for the highest floor left — but that’s not always the best call. Your goal is to find a well-rounded unit that matches your lifestyle, preferences, and future plans.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Sun direction: Avoid west-facing units unless you enjoy a warm oven by 4pm.
- Floor level: Higher floors = better ventilation + less road noise, but also higher cost.
- Unit orientation: Look for stacks that are not directly facing other units or carparks.
- Noise exposure: Units near playgrounds, drop-off points, or highways can get noisy fast.
- Proximity to lifts & staircases: Convenience vs privacy trade-off.
- Nearby amenities: How far is the MRT? Is there a kopitiam or supermarket nearby?
- Block position: Inner-facing blocks tend to be quieter and cooler.
Personal tip: Visit Google Maps and simulate “walking” from your block to the nearest MRT or coffee shop. You’ll be surprised how different some routes feel.
How do you rank units and plan backups in advance?
Having a clear game plan makes all the difference — especially if you’re not among the first 100 in the queue. Instead of banking on one “dream unit,” prepare a ranked list that balances must-haves and nice-to-haves.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use the HDB Flat Portal to monitor unit availability and shortlist viable stacks.
- Create a spreadsheet or simple list with this info:
- Stack & unit number
- Floor level
- Facing (e.g. north-east, avoids direct sun)
- Nearby amenities
- Stack & unit number
- Rank them from most preferred to least — include at least 5–10 units.
Group units by dealbreakers (e.g. “must avoid west sun” or “not near rubbish chute”).
Sample BTO Flat Shortlist Template (Customizable)
| Unit | Floor | Facing | Noise Level | Nearby MRT | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #12-323 | 12th | North-East | Quiet | 5-min walk | Near corner, no west sun |
| #08-201 | 8th | South-West | Moderate | 7-min walk | Opposite childcare centre |
| #10-151 | 10th | East | Low | 6-min walk | Near stairwell (minor con) |
Bonus: Make it shareable with your co-applicant to stay aligned
What if your ideal units are no longer available?
Don’t panic — you’re not alone. Many buyers have to pivot on the spot, especially those with mid or late queue numbers.
Here’s what you can do if your top picks are gone:
- Refer to your ranked backup list — you prepared it for this moment.
- Decide quickly but confidently — you’ll be given limited time during your appointment.
- Weigh trade-offs — maybe it’s a lower floor, but a better-facing unit with no west sun.
- Check resale potential — units near MRTs, schools, or corner stacks generally hold value well.
- Consider walking away — if none of the units meet your needs and you’re not in a rush, it’s okay to forfeit and try again in a future BTO launch. But do note: you’ll lose your queue number and possibly grant priority.
Real talk: Some of the best decisions happen when buyers stay calm and flexible — one person’s “leftover unit” could be your hidden gem.
BTO Selection Day Checklist (Visual Summary)
| Item Required | Notes |
|---|---|
| NRICs (You + Co-applicant) | Identification for both parties |
| HLE / IPA Letter | Loan eligibility letter (HDB or bank) |
| Marriage / Birth Certs | If applying under Family or Single Scheme |
| Income Documents | For grant eligibility & verification |
| Option Fee (S$500–2,000) | Payable by NETS or Cashcard |
What to Do Immediately After You Select Your Flat
You’ve made your choice, paid the Option Fee, and walked out of HDB Hub — congrats! 🎉 But don’t take too long to relax. The days after your BTO flat selection are critical for getting your paperwork, loan, and CPF housing grant preparation in order.
Here’s what happens next, and what you need to get ready for.
What happens after you receive your Option to Purchase (OTP)?
Once your flat is booked, HDB issues an Option to Purchase (OTP) — this is your official confirmation that the unit is now reserved in your name.
What does the OTP mean?
- It’s a legal document that confirms your flat selection.
- You cannot change or switch to another unit after receiving it.
- The Option Fee you paid (S$500–S$2,000) is held until your lease signing.
From this point on, HDB considers your flat “booked”, and you’re expected to follow through on financing, grant applications, and attending your next appointment.
How to prepare for your second appointment with HDB
The second appointment usually happens 8–12 months after your selection date (though it may vary depending on the BTO project). This is when you’ll:
- Sign the Agreement for Lease
- Confirm your financing method (HDB loan or bank loan)
- Make your downpayment
- Pay stamp duties and legal fees
To get ready, here’s what you should do well ahead of time:
- Decide whether you’re sticking with an HDB home loan or going for a bank loan
- Make sure your loan approval (HLE or IPA) is still valid or renew it if needed
- Ensure you have enough funds in your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) for the downpayment
- Start gathering updated income documents — especially if you’re applying for CPF housing grants
When should you plan your home loan disbursement and grant usage?
Once the OTP is issued, it’s time to start prepping your financing — even if the next HDB appointment is months away.
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
BTO Financing & Grant Milestones After Flat Selection
| Step | When It Happens | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Loan disbursement planning | Immediately after OTP | Use a mortgage repayment calculator |
| to estimate your monthly instalments | For grant eligibility & verification | |
| CPF housing grant application | Within 1–2 months post-selection | Gather income docs, apply via HDB if eligible |
| Downpayment preparation | By your second appointment | 10% with HDB loan, 20–25% with bank loan — can use CPF OA |
Tip: If you’re taking a bank loan, check your bank’s rate package closer to your signing date — some buyers choose to switch banks or refinance later for better interest rates.
What Fees and Paperwork Are Required on the Day
When your flat selection day arrives, it’s not just about picking a unit — it’s also a formal booking process that involves real money and legal documents. If you show up unprepared, HDB won’t hesitate to turn you away (even if you’ve waited months for this!).
Here’s everything you need to pay and bring to get through the appointment smoothly.
What is the Option Fee and when must you pay it?
Once you confirm your chosen unit, you must immediately pay an Option Fee — this acts as a booking deposit and is non-negotiable on the day.
This fee depends on the size of your flat:
Option Fee Payable by BTO Flat Type (2025)
| Flat Type | Option Fee (Payable on the Spot) |
|---|---|
| 2-room Flexi | S$500 |
| 3-room | S$1,000 |
| 4-room or larger | S$2,000 |
Payment Method: NETS or CashCard only — no PayNow, no credit cards, no instalment plans.
Tip: Make sure your bank card has a sufficient daily limit set before your appointment.
This fee is later offset against your flat purchase price, so you’re not losing it — but you will forfeit it if you later back out without good reason.
How does the Option to Purchase legally bind your choice?
Once the Option Fee is paid, you’ll receive the Option to Purchase (OTP) document. This isn’t just a form — it’s a legal commitment.
What does the OTP mean?
- It confirms your selected flat is now reserved for you
- You cannot change your flat choice after this — no swaps or revisions
- If you later give up your booking, you may lose your Option Fee
- You’re now officially moving into the next stage: lease agreement signing and financing
Important: This is why having your loan approval and flat shortlist ready beforehand is so crucial — there’s no “undo” button after you sign the OTP.
What are the implications if you skip or miss your appointment?
Missing your selection slot might seem minor — but it comes with real consequences.
Here’s what happens if you no-show or forget your appointment:
- You lose your queue number
- You forfeit your chance to select a unit in that launch
- You may lose grant priority in future BTO exercises (especially if it’s your second missed opportunity)
- You may not get another queue number soon, depending on future BTO supply
And no — someone else cannot attend on your behalf unless HDB has approved it in advance under exceptional circumstances.
Advice: Set multiple reminders. Plan your leave. Make sure your co-applicant is also available. This is not an appointment you want to miss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on BTO Selection Day
You only get one shot at selecting your BTO unit — and trust us, some people walk out of HDB Hub wishing they could rewind time.
From panicking under pressure to choosing a flat they later regret, it happens more often than you’d think. The good news? These mistakes are avoidable — if you know what to look out for.
What are the most common regrets from past buyers?
Even buyers with low queue numbers can make poor choices if they go in without a strategy. Based on real stories and feedback, here are the top regrets:
- Picking the “highest floor” unit… only to realise it faces the west sun and gets unbearably hot
- Ignoring proximity to noisy areas like playgrounds, carparks, or rubbish chutes
- Selecting a unit under pressure, without input from their co-applicant
- Choosing a unit too far from MRT or parents (then struggling with future commute or childcare plans)
- Going in without fully checking if they qualify for a bank loan or HDB loan
Real tip: The regret often isn’t what unit they chose — it’s that they didn’t prepare properly to make a clear decision.
Why is it risky to go in unprepared or uninformed?
Unlike BTO applications, Selection Day isn’t just luck — it’s a test of how well you’ve prepared. Buyers who go in clueless or empty-handed often:
- Can’t decide on a flat within the time limit
- Forget to bring crucial paperwork (e.g. expired HLE, missing NRIC, no marriage cert)
- Don’t understand what their loan limits or CPF balances can actually support
- Miss the best available units because they didn’t check live updates beforehand
And if you fail to complete your flat selection that day? You could lose your Option Fee — and your shot at homeownership for that launch.
🧾 Checklist Tip: Bring this must-have kit: NRICs, HLE/IPA, income docs, marriage cert, shortlist of units, backup list, and your NETS/CashCard.
How can you feel confident and calm on the day itself?
It might sound stressful, but many buyers walk in nervous and walk out smiling — because they did their homework. Here’s how you can be one of them:
- Review your flat shortlist and backup picks the night before
- Check the HDB Flat Portal right before your turn to see what’s still available
- Lay out all your documents in a folder or digital file
- Discuss last-minute trade-offs with your co-applicant before walking in
- Use a mortgage loan repayment calculator to double-check what monthly repayments you’ll face
- Speak with a Singapore mortgage broker if you’re unclear about loan options — they’ll help you compare packages fast
Final tip: Confidence comes from preparation. You don’t need to know everything — but knowing your numbers and your options will make Selection Day feel less like a gamble and more like a win.
Common Misconceptions About BTO Selection Day
Ask around or scroll Reddit long enough and you’ll find tons of BTO advice… but not all of it is accurate. Many buyers — especially first-timers — walk into their selection day with the wrong assumptions.
Let’s debunk the most common myths so you don’t get caught off guard.
Why you can’t defer your appointment or change your flat later
One of the biggest misunderstandings is that you can ask HDB to “delay” your appointment or “change unit” after selecting. Unfortunately, you can’t do either.
Here’s what you need to know:
- You must attend your allocated time slot — rescheduling is not allowed unless under very specific medical or emergency grounds (and even then, it’s not guaranteed).
- Once you’ve selected your flat and paid the Option Fee, that choice is final.
- There is no exchange, swapping, or second try within the same BTO launch — even if you regret your decision later.
Bottom line: Treat your flat selection as final sale, no refunds. Plan accordingly.
When people wrongly assume they can choose online or send a proxy
Another myth that floats around is: “I can just get someone to go for me” or “It’ll be like an online BTO ballot.” Not quite.
Here’s the reality:
- Most selections happen in person at HDB Hub, especially for first-time applicants.
- In some cases, HDB may offer virtual appointments — but these must be confirmed and pre-approved.
- Sending someone on your behalf (a family member, spouse, or agent) is not allowed unless HDB has granted prior authorisation under special conditions (e.g. medical emergency).
What you can do:
- Join a virtual selection only if HDB notifies you it’s allowed for your queue
- Request assistance in advance if you or your co-applicant have valid, supported reasons
Tip: Always double-check with HDB if you’re unsure — don’t assume you’ll be able to “Zoom in” or delegate.
What most buyers don’t realise about queue number limitations
You’ve probably heard: “Low queue number = better flats.” While mostly true, the system isn’t that simple.
Here’s what buyers often miss:
- Your position in the queue determines when you can book — but not all low numbers get great units.
- Some applicants drop out or skip their turn, which shifts availability unexpectedly.
- Even buyers in the top 200 may pass on units that don’t meet their criteria (e.g. wrong floor, wrong block).
- Those with later numbers might still land decent flats if they’ve prepared flexible backups.
How to maximise your chances — even with a higher queue number:
- Monitor the HDB Flat Portal daily for unit updates
- Focus on “underrated” stacks or blocks that others may overlook
- Have a flexible mindset — great units sometimes remain surprisingly late into the queue
Reality check: Queue number gives you access. But your prep and flexibility determine your outcome.
Final Thoughts on BTO Selection Day in Singapore
BTO Selection Day may feel like a high-stakes moment — and in many ways, it is. But with the right preparation, clarity on your priorities, and a calm mindset, you’ll walk in ready to choose a flat that truly fits your lifestyle.
Here’s a quick recap to keep in mind:
- Know exactly what to expect on selection day and arrive prepared
- Bring all required documents, especially your HLE or bank IPA
- Shortlist and rank your preferred units in advance
- Be ready to pay the Option Fee and understand that the Option to Purchase (OTP) is final
- Use tools like the mortgage loan repayment calculator to plan smart, and speak to a Singapore mortgage broker if you’re unsure about your financing options
In the end, choosing your BTO unit should feel exciting — not overwhelming. With this guide in hand, you’re now one step closer to calling your dream flat home.
Good luck, and happy choosing!
