The White Flat is a relatively new HDB layout option. By eliminating internal partition walls and beams between living and bedroom spaces, it gives homebuyers greater flexibility to customise their homes. Previously, homebuyers had to spend more to hack the walls of the default layout in order to create the space they prefer.
Homebuyers who choose White flats will now get an open-concept layout with contiguous living and bedroom space, freeing them to create as they see fit. They could add a hobby room, a walk-in closet, or simply a larger living room.
Since its introduction in 2024, HDB has offered the White Flat layout at three BTO projects. The first was in Crawford Heights, a Prime project in Kallang/Whampoa, where 312 units of 3-room and 4-room flats were available. Reportedly, about four in 10 opted for a White Flat. The second was Mount Pleasant Crest, a Prime project in Toa Payoh, with 807 units of 3-room and 4-room flats.
In this November 2026 HDB BTO launch, the third project to offer the White Flat layout is Plantation Dew in Tengah, classified as Standard. It will also be the first to offer 5-room flats with this option.
#1 You Can Enjoy A Price Reduction Of Up To $9,000
Buyers who opt for the White Flat layout will pay $6,000 to $9,000 less, depending on the flat size. This is because HDB does not need to build the internal partition walls or install a handful of electrical points, so it passes the savings on to the homebuyer.
At Plantation Dew, just like the two BTO projects that preceded it, 3-room flats will cost $6,000 less and 4-room flats will cost $8,600 less. For the first time, 5-room White flats will be offered and will cost homebuyers $9,000 less.
#2 Homebuyers Can Still Opt For The Traditional Layout
The White Flat layout is optional, and buyers who don’t want it can still choose the default layout with internal partition walls. They won’t receive the price reduction as a result.
#3 The Optional Component Scheme Still Applies For White Flats
You can still enjoy the convenience of the Optional Component Scheme (OCS) when choosing a White flat layout. HDB offers this scheme to install additional sanitary fittings and bathroom doors in your flat before you collect your keys, so it is closer to move-in condition. Because these are ordered in bulk, they are cheaper for homebuyers than buying and installing them separately.
That said, unlike OCS for the default layout, the OCS for White flats will naturally not include bedroom doors, floor tiles for the living room or vinyl strip flooring for the bedroom, since there are no internal bedroom partition walls.
For Plantation Dew, regardless of flat type, the OCS opt-in option costs $1,960 for 2 laminated UPVC bathroom doors, wash basins with a tap mixer, and shower sets with a shower mixer.
#4 White Flats Are Designed Without Beams Within The Internal Spaces
Since 2022, more BTO flats have been built without internal beams. Plantation Dew is one of those projects that will enjoy this new technology. The lack of internal beams gives the flat consistent headroom, so homebuyers who opt for White flats have even more flexibility in configuring the layout.
#5 Window Layout Remains The Same Even For White Flats
One thing to note is that, regardless of the internal layout you eventually choose, the window locations are fixed, even for White flats. This means that you’ll still need to plan your layout with that in mind.
#6 Renovation Timelines Could Be Longer
Since the first White flat project, Crawford Heights, is only expected in 2029, this is simply an educated guess. However, because they involve more design and construction work, BTO projects with White flats such as Plantation Dew may take longer to renovate overall than other HDB BTO projects.
So note that your neighbours’ renovation work may take a while, especially if you’re planning to move in as soon as you collect your keys.
#6 Resale Appeal May Depend On Your Design Choices
An unconventional layout may suit your lifestyle perfectly, but it could also narrow your options when eventually selling the flat. Unique features such as oversized living areas, missing bedrooms or highly specialised spaces can make a resale flat less appealing to some prospective purchasers.
This, of course, is not news, but homebuyers who opt for White flats are naturally more likely to have different layouts in mind.
Source: HDB
Top Image Credit: HDB
