HDB: Housing & Development Board
The government housing board, and the public flats it builds. Most Singaporeans live in an HDB flat.
HDB is the Housing & Development Board, and “HDB” also means the flats it builds. Most Singaporeans live in one.
You can buy a flat new from HDB (a BTO flat) or second-hand from another owner (a resale flat). Flats come on a 99-year lease. Buyers must meet eligibility rules on citizenship, family status and income, and can pay with CPF and an HDB or bank loan.
Foreigners cannot buy an HDB flat, but can rent a room or a whole flat from an owner who is allowed to rent it out.
Owners must live in the flat for a minimum period (MOP) before selling or renting out the whole flat.