How to Move On From Your BTO Breakup

Going through a breakup is hard enough as it is, but when you've got a Built-To-Order (BTO) flat with your now-ex, things can get a whole lot messier. It's like splitting up from a partner when you have a puppy together, except in this case, the puppy is a multi-hundred-thousand-dollar flat.

But just because your relationship didn't go as planned, it doesn't mean your entire future has to crumble. So there's no need to quake in your boots just yet. Let's break down the aftermath of a BTO breakup! From the emotional rollercoaster to the nitty-gritty of what happens to that BTO flat. And maybe - just maybe - this article will give you some hope for the future.

If you're still at the early stages of your application, then the solution is clear as day: cancel your BTO via HDB Flat Portal (under my flat dashboard). Though there are consequences to this choice (more on that later), it gives you a clean breakup and therefore a clean slate. However, it might not be as simple if you have booked a flat and even signed the lease agreement. You'll have to forfeit 5% of the flat's purchase price if the unit was already selected.

Let's say your BTO flat was priced at $400,000. A 5% forfeiture would mean flushing $20,000 down the drain. It's enough that you've lost a partner. Do you want to lose months' worth of your salary, too? I bet not. So, before deciding to cancel, weigh your options carefully. Can you afford to let it go, or should you consider other options? The way I see it, you have two solid options in this situation.

Option 1: One of You Buys the Other Out

If things ended on relatively amicable terms and one of you still wants the flat, there's the possibility of a buyout. Essentially, one party can "take over" the flat by buying out the other's share. But this option is only possible for married couples. If you have yet to walk down the aisle, this option is off the table.

If you're considering this option, you should get a legal agreement drawn up to protect both parties. The remaining party will also have to prove they can finance the flat on their own. This typically involves submitting fresh financial documents to HDB or the bank, which can be complicated, especially if your financial situation has changed post-breakup. Make sure you seek professional advice to avoid any unwanted surprises down the line.

Option 2: Find Another Eligible Partner

Before you say anything, I'm not here to tell you to rush into another relationship just to secure your flat! However, there is the possibility of finding another eligible person like a family member to replace your ex as a co-owner. So even if you've already tied the knot, you can transfer the flat ownership to someone else like a sibling or parent when things go south.

Actions have consequences, and in this case, they can look different depending on what stage you are at on your BTO journey. Take a look at this breakdown.

Source: hdb.gov.sg

To sum up, cancelling your BTO doesn't just affect you financially, it can also affect your long-term homeownership journey. Losing your place in the waiting queue means you'll have to start all over again. All those years waiting on a ballot in vain. And there's no guarantee you can get a flat in the same location or even the chance to secure a flat anytime soon. Plus, if you're a first-timer, that precious extra ballot will go to waste. You could be waiting years longer for another shot at a BTO.

If you decided to cancel your BTO anyway but don't want to go through it all over again, you might want to consider a Sale of Balance Flat (SBF). Basically, these are unsold HDB flats from previous launches that are made available.

Another option is switching to the resale market. Unlike a BTO, there's no long waiting period so you can move in immediately. As a single buyer, you're eligible to buy one if you're 35 or older (or 21 if you're an orphan or widowed). It's definitely the way to go if you want a fast track to your homeownership journey.

Or, you can forget about HDB altogether and go private! If you have the financial means, that is. Here's an article if you are serious about exploring that option.

However, if owning a flat feels like a distant dream after your breakup, you can consider renting for the time being. Look into co-living spaces or find a roommate to split costs. This is a good way to ease into your new chapter - a stepping stone to your next big move.

Yes, moving on from a breakup can be difficult, especially when a BTO is involved. But, regardless of whether you choose to cancel, buy your ex out, or bring in a new co-owner, there's always a way forward. So don't sweat the setback, take it as a sign that something better is around the corner, like an SBF, a resale flat and/or a better partner.

Views expressed in this article belong to the writer(s) and do not reflect PropNex's position.