Why HDB Maisonettes Are the New Million‑Dollar Trenders
Picture this: a cosy two‑storey apartment tucked in the heart of Singapore, with the same great layout of an HDB flat but with a bit of extra swagger. Those are the HDB maisonettes, and lately they’ve become the talk of the town—especially after a few of them hit the one‑million‑dollar mark.
One Golden Example: The Bukit Timah Classic
Meet a 30‑plus‑year‑old maisonette in Bukit Timah that isn’t just a pretty façade. It’s the quiet proof that an old, well‑maintained flat can still command top prices.
Million‑Dollar Flat Sales — Not Just In The City
- In the first nine months of 2024, 16 flats sold for over a million dollars.
- Not all of them are in the central districts; a good slice came from the outskirts.
- Among those 16, 5 were maisonettes located in Tampines, Pasir Ris, and Bukit Batok.
- And guess what? Punggol got its very first HDB resale at a staggering $1.198 million.
So, the market’s saying: “Hey, if you’re willing to splurge a bit, you can snag a maisonette outside the city core and still get that sweet, high‑end vibe.”
Bottom Line?
When you see a mega‑price tag on an HDB maisonette, it’s not just about the location. It’s about the blend of classic Singaporean living, built‑in functionality, and the little extra that makes you say, “I’m really in the right spot.”
What are HDB maisonettes?
What Makes HDB Maisonettes Stand Out?
Maisonettes are a rare gem in Singapore’s public housing scene. Picture a flip‑flop house with two stories, but in HDB style—basically a pillow‑fluff home that lets you chill on one floor and sleep upstairs.
Space That Feels Like a Home
- Typical sizes run from about 1,540 sq ft to 1,760 sq ft—so plenty of room for a Netflix binge, a home gym, and a tiny office.
- Some lucky owners snag even bigger units, up to 2,140 sq ft. The larger ones are like a real estate version of a big birthday cake.
Why They’re So Rare
Maisonettes first hit the market in the 1980s. By 1995, HDB shifted gears and started building Executive Condos, which replaced these double‑story flats for people who wanted a taste of the upper‑class lifestyle without full‑price home ownership. As a result, only a handful of maisonettes remain—and they’re all sold on the resale market.
Modern Spin: Loft Units
Today’s lofts are the chic siblings of the old maisonettes. Think of them as the upgraded version with a splash of luxury—like the million‑dollar loft in Punggol or the record‑breaking SkyTerrace @ Dawson, which sold for a mind‑blowing $1.418 million.
Bottom Line
Maisonettes may be a nostalgic relic, but they’re still a prized possession for the lucky few who own one. And if you’re after even more upscale options, lofts are the way to go—just be prepared to splurge a bit.
3 reasons why HDB maisonettes will remain popular, even with cooling measures
Limited supply
Why HDB Maisonettes Are the Real Big‑Family Bargains
Picture this: a house that feels like a house but fits into the HDB catalogue. That’s a maisonette—the largest kind of dwelling you can snag after the all‑out jumbo flats. These units stretch anywhere from 1,540 to 1,760 square feet, giving you more room to spread out, host friends, or keep a secret indoor garden.
Why They’re Harder to Find
- Maisonettes are a retired product: no new units are being built, which means the supply is already tight.
- When you finally get a chance to buy one, it’s usually in the resale market after the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
- Every new flat that ships to the market is _ smaller than those classic maisonettes.
Because the box of new flats is narrower, the resales of maisonettes are slipping away. That chocolate‑down‑the‑road feeling of scarcity makes them even more tempting for anyone craving extra bedroom space.
What “Big” Means Right Now
The current “big” BTO flats include:
- Five‑room BTO and three‑generation (3Gen) units, each roughly 1,216 to 1,290 square feet.
- Loft units – the crown jewels of BTO. For instance, the S$1.418 million Dawson flat occupies 1,313 square feet, and the first million‑dollar loft resale in Punggol boasts a whopping 1,603 square feet.
- Loft builds are now rare, with the last new batches arriving in 2009 under the SkyTerrace @ Dawson project.
Bottom Line
If you’re on the hunt for the biggest, the maisonette is still the grand daddy of all HDB flats – taller, wider, and infinitesimally more spacious than anything new. Grab one before it turns into a home‑search myth!
Bigger space, at a cheaper price
Why HDB Maisonettes Are the New Hotspot
Price per Square Foot — Not Your Typical Premium
- Central hubs like Bishan and Queenstown ranged from $450 to $770 per sq ft last year.
- Suburban vibes such as Jurong and Tampines fell between $350 and $630 per sq ft.
Condos: The High‑End Gig
Those aiming for luxury built from 1980‑1995 paid roughly $900 to $1,300 per sq ft last year.
Space Over Fancy Facilities
While condos brag about pools, gyms, and sky‑high views, many buyers love a roomy maisonette more than a splashing jacuzzi.
Burning the $1 Million Barrier
Some buyers are ready to chase that big number for a spot within the city, even if it nudges past the sweet $1 million line.
Suburban Buyers: A Different Story
Even in places like Bukit Batok and Pasir Ris, distance from the city doesn’t drive the deal; size does.
Better MRT Connectivity Means More Choice
Tampines folks now have the Downtown Line riding on top of the East‑West Line, boosting their options.
Cooling Measures: A Pause in the High‑Price Race
With a 15‑month wait for private property owners, we’re likely to see fewer million‑dollar flat flips for the short term.
Interest Rates: Tightening the Budget Band
Smaller housing loans push buyers’ budgets lower—what used to be a $900k maisonette might now sit at $850k.
Demand Will Continue, Still
Because each maisonette offers unique space, rarity, and better affordability compared to private homes, the buzz stays alive.
Feel like landed property
Why A Maisonette Feels Like a King‑Size Castle (Without the King’s Taxes)
The charm of a HDB maisonette lies in its double‑storey design, giving you the luxe vibe of a landed house without the hefty price tag. It’s basically a “high‑end apartment that pretends to be a house.”
First Floor: The Social Hub
- Kitchen, living room, dining area – all on the ground level, handy for whipping up a feast and binge‑watching your favourite shows.
- Neighbors can’t peek at your breakfast because everyone’s right there with them.
Second Floor: The Private Sanctuary
When it’s time to retreat, you climb the staircase into your bedrooms – a quick, satisfying step upward that feels more like a mini‑swing to your personal space. It’s perfect for those who love hosting but hate the “guest on your bed” whisper.
Holiday Perks: Less Prying Eyes During Chinese New Year
Picture this: your relatives roll in for a family gathering, but thanks to the separation of the communal and bedroom floors, you’re free to enjoy the celebrations without the entire house watching your bedroom tape.
Casa vs. Landed: No Extra Hassle
- Unlike traditional landed homes, a maisonette doesn’t have an attic that could leak when the sky starts to drizzle.
- It’s less susceptible to pests unless it’s a ground‑floor unit, so you can enjoy your peanut butter without worry.
- And you’ll skip the constant maintenance headaches that often come with landed properties.
In short, a maisonette gives you that house‑like feel without the extra “hassle” – think of it as opulence with a touch of practicality.
Originally shared by 99.co
