Rare, roomy and pricey? Inside Singapore's niche jumbo HDB flat market

Singapore's unique jumbo HDB flat market has drawn attention for its spacious units created by merging two adjoining flats. Created through a flat conversion scheme in the late 1980s, these jumbo flats are a rare and prized commodity, making up around 0.25 per cent of Singapore's over 1.1 million HDB flats. The extra room and rarity have sometimes translated to high asking prices, although older or less desirable locations can make selling difficult.

Property agent Thomas Tong noted the rarity and difficulty in finding such flats due to the complex process of merging adjoining units and meeting minimum occupation periods. CNA spoke to Aileen Tan, a 61-year-old retiree living in a rented jumbo flat in Clementi, who enjoys the spaciousness and flexibility of her home – from hosting large gatherings to having a dedicated spa room.

However, Tan hopes to sell the flat, which has about 56 years left on its lease, as her children are now living overseas and she anticipates spending more time away. The appeal of jumbo flats lies in their extra space and potential for flexible living arrangements, but the process of buying and selling can be challenging due to strict timing and location requirements.