Key Takeaways
Jumbo flats in Singapore are large HDB units created by merging two smaller flats, often three or four-room units, making them ideal for multi-generational families. These spacious flats range from 150 to 170 square meters and are only available on the resale market, mainly in non-central areas. With prices ranging from $600,000 to over $1 million, they offer flexibility but come with high costs and require careful consideration due to their age and limited availability.
In the world of public housing in Singapore, jumbo flats are a unique and rare offering. These larger HDB units were first introduced in the late 1980s when the Housing and Development Board (HDB) had an oversupply of unsold flats. As a solution, HDB combined two adjacent three-room or four-room flats to create what we now know as jumbo flats.
Despite their origins as a result of excess supply, jumbo flats have become highly sought after by Singaporeans, especially those with large or multi-generational families who need extra space. These flats are significantly larger than typical HDB flats, offering a spacious living environment that’s perfect for families looking for comfort and flexibility.
Jumbo flats aren’t just bigger; they also come with a higher price tag. However, for families that require more space than a standard five-room HDB flat can offer, they can be a worthwhile investment. Before getting into the details of how you can buy one of these rare flats, let’s take a closer look at what exactly makes jumbo flats so unique.
Table of Contents
Jumbo flats are a rare type of public housing unit in Singapore. They are created by merging two smaller HDB flats, usually three-room or four-room apartments. The Housing and Development Board (HDB) initially introduced these flats in 1989 as a solution to an oversupply of unsold units. Today, they are highly coveted due to their size and potential for customisation, making them perfect for families in need of more living space.
On average, jumbo flats range from 150 to 170 square metres, making them significantly larger than typical HDB flats. For comparison, a standard executive flat measures around 130 square metres, while a typical 3-room BTO flat is roughly 90 square metres. Jumbo flats can therefore provide double or even triple the living space of smaller units.
These flats generally feature:
Jumbo flats’ large size makes them ideal for multi-generational families or those who need dedicated spaces for work-from-home setups. Because of their flexibility, they’re often seen as an alternative to landed properties or large condominiums in terms of space.
Despite their appeal, jumbo flats are scarce. Most are in non-mature estates such as Woodlands, Yishun, and Jurong. Because HDB no longer builds jumbo flats, they are only available on the resale market. Prices can range from $600,000 to over $1 million, depending on the unit’s location, condition, and remaining lease.
In Singapore, where space is premium, jumbo flats offer a unique opportunity to own one of the largest public housing units. However, their high demand and limited supply make finding one a challenge.
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Jumbo flats have gained popularity among Singaporean families for various reasons, especially those seeking larger living spaces within the public housing sector. Their spaciousness, flexibility, and ability to accommodate multi-generational households make them a highly desirable option. Here’s why these unique flats are in demand.
One of the most significant selling points of jumbo flats is their sheer size. With floor areas ranging between 150 and 170 square metres, they provide more than enough room for large families to live comfortably. In comparison, a standard five-room HDB flat offers around 110 to 120 square metres. The extra space in a jumbo flat means more bedrooms, additional bathrooms, and larger common areas, all of which help reduce overcrowding and provide privacy for different family members.
This kind of space is invaluable for multi-generational families — grandparents, parents, and children living under one roof. Everyone can have their room or area while still maintaining close family ties. Jumbo flats often come with five or more bedrooms, making them one of the few public housing options that can accommodate such families without the need to upgrade to private property or condominiums.
Another reason jumbo flats are appealing is their flexibility in terms of layout. With two merged units, owners have a lot of freedom to design the space according to their specific needs. You could convert extra rooms into a home office, gym, or hobby room. For those working from home, the ability to designate separate workspaces while keeping family areas intact is a huge advantage.
Some families opt to rent out part of their jumbo flat, creating an additional source of income. This is especially feasible if the flat retains the original structure of two separate living areas, allowing the rental of one section while the owners occupy the other.
Jumbo flats were introduced as a temporary solution to an oversupply issue, and no new ones have been built since the 1990s. As a result, they’re only available on the resale market, and their limited supply makes them highly sought after. Most jumbo flats are in non-central areas like Woodlands, Yishun, and Jurong. However, their size and flexibility make up for the location, especially for families prioritising space over proximity to the city centre.
This scarcity has contributed to their rising prices. Despite being public housing, some jumbo flats have been sold for over $1 million on the resale market, making them one of the most expensive HDB flat types. However, for those who need the space and flexibility, the investment is often seen as worth the price.
Buying a jumbo flat in Singapore involves a few steps and considerations that differ slightly from purchasing standard HDB flats. Due to their rarity and higher price point, it’s important to understand the process thoroughly before diving in. Here’s a detailed guide on how to buy a jumbo flat in Singapore.
Before you start searching for jumbo flats on the resale market, you need to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). These requirements include:
Another critical factor is that jumbo flats can only be bought on the resale market, as HDB no longer builds new ones. As such, you’ll need to check the availability of these flats through real estate portals such as PropertyGuru or the HDB resale portal.
Given that jumbo flats are among the most expensive HDB flat types, financing is an important consideration. Prices for jumbo flats typically range from $600,000 to over $1 million, depending on location and condition.
Most buyers opt for a bank loan instead of an HDB loan, as the latter has stricter eligibility criteria and a lower loan quantum. Banks in Singapore offer loans that cover up to 75% of the property’s valuation. You’ll need to fork out at least 25% in the down payment, of which 5% must be in cash.
For those planning to purchase a jumbo flat, it’s important to factor in not just the purchase price but also additional costs such as:
If you’re planning to purchase a jumbo flat and need financial support, Katong Credit offers flexible loan options tailored to your needs. As a licensed moneylender, we provide loans to individuals seeking extra financial assistance. Whether for a down payment or renovation, you can apply for a loan with Katong Credit today and take the next step toward owning your dream home.
Jumbo flats are predominantly located in non-mature estates such as Woodlands, Yishun, and Jurong. These areas may be less central, but they offer a quieter environment and, importantly, larger living spaces. These locations could be ideal if you prioritise space over proximity to the city centre.
Finally, before purchasing, always visit the flat in person to evaluate its condition and ensure it meets your family’s needs.
The HDB Conversion Scheme is a unique programme that allows homeowners to combine two adjacent HDB flats into one larger unit, essentially creating their own jumbo flat. This scheme provides flexibility for homeowners who need more space but cannot find a suitable resale jumbo flat on the market. Here’s how the scheme works and what you need to know before considering this option.
Under the HDB Conversion Scheme, you can combine two adjoining flats — each with a maximum of three rooms — into one large living space. This creates a jumbo flat with multiple bedrooms, extra bathrooms, and larger common areas such as the kitchen and living room.
The combination can result in a living space that is comparable to some of the largest resale jumbo flats, which typically range from 150 to 170 square metres. This gives homeowners more flexibility in their layout, making it a popular option for families needing additional space for growing families or multi-generational living.
You must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in the HDB Conversion Scheme. These include:
Additionally, the flats you intend to combine must be next to each other and share a common wall. The HDB requires you to create at least one opening between the two flats that measures 1 by 2 metres to ensure the two units are physically connected.
Once you’ve combined the flats, you’ll likely need to renovate the newly created space to meet modern living standards. This can include removing redundant rooms, updating the kitchens and bathrooms, and adjusting the layout to make the best use of the extra space.
Here are some key costs to keep in mind:
The scheme is particularly beneficial for large families who want to create a customised living space. It provides an affordable alternative to buying expensive private property or landed homes and greater flexibility in layout and room usage. It also allows homeowners to stay in the same neighbourhood, ideal for families with strong ties to their local community.
While jumbo flats offer substantial benefits, they also have certain drawbacks that potential buyers must consider. Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if a jumbo flat is a suitable investment for your family.
Jumbo flats are known for their size, offering significantly more space than typical HDB flats. With sizes ranging from 150 to 170 square metres, these units often have up to five bedrooms and multiple bathrooms, making them ideal for large families or multi-generational living. The spaciousness also means creating designated spaces, such as a home office or a rental room.
The merged layout of a jumbo flat allows homeowners to get creative with their floor plans. You can choose to maintain separate living areas for more privacy, or open up the space to create large, communal areas perfect for family gatherings. The flexibility in layout is one of the main reasons why jumbo flats are highly sought after.
With multiple rooms and living spaces, jumbo flats are perfect for families who want to live together while maintaining privacy. Grandparents, parents, and children can each have their own bedrooms and personal space, making day-to-day life more comfortable for everyone.
Given the size of a jumbo flat, some homeowners choose to rent out a portion of the flat to generate rental income. This can be a great way to offset some of the costs, particularly if you don’t need all of the space for yourself.
Jumbo flats are among the most expensive HDB units on the resale market. Prices typically start at $600,000 and can easily exceed $1 million, depending on the location and condition of the flat. This makes them a significant financial commitment compared to standard HDB flats.
Since HDB stopped building jumbo flats in the 1990s, all existing units are at least 30 years old. This means buyers will likely need to invest in renovations to modernise the space. Additionally, the remaining leases on these flats may be a concern, as many have less than 60 years left.
If you decide to sell your jumbo flat in the future, there are a few resale restrictions to be aware of. For example, you’ll need to live in the flat for a minimum of five years before selling, and you may be subject to a resale levy depending on your circumstances.
Because no new jumbo flats are being built, they are only available on the resale market. This means that finding a suitable jumbo flat can take time, and you may face competition from other buyers for the few available units.
Buying a jumbo flat depends on your family’s unique needs and financial situation. For those who value space and flexibility, jumbo flats offer a rare opportunity to own one of Singapore’s largest public housing units. With enough room for multi-generational families, dedicated workspaces, or even rental income opportunities, the advantages of owning a jumbo flat are clear.
However, it’s important to weigh these benefits against the potential downsides. The high price tag, older property conditions, and limited availability mean that buying a jumbo flat requires careful consideration. Additionally, the shorter leases on many of these flats might affect long-term investment potential.
Ultimately, a jumbo flat could be the perfect fit if you’re a large family looking for more space or someone seeking a more flexible living arrangement within public housing. Just be sure to factor in all the costs — from purchase price to renovation expenses — and ensure the flat suits your long-term needs before deciding.
Looking for a loan to finance your dream jumbo flat? Katong Credit offers flexible loan solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a property upgrade or renovation funding, we can help. Take the next step towards your ideal home by applying for a loan with Katong Credit today.
September 2, 2026 
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