If you ever seen ‘innovative’ HDB renovations in which part of the corridor is made to blend seamlessly into the flat interior, then you might wonder about the legality of this – and whether you too could try something like this for your own flat.
The answer is a little-known scheme known as the Sale of Recess Area Scheme, which eligible flat owners can use to purchase additional space in front of their HDB units. Recess areas are spaces outside of an HDB unit that do not lead to access to other units. They are usually secluded, unobstructed and typically about 4 to 6 square metres in size.
Eligibility For Buying Your HDB Recess Area
In general, there are the following exclusions to buying the recess area:
(i) Your flat is not built after 1996 or under a Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) project.
(ii) The space outside your flat does not contains service ducts such as gas pipes, water meters, electrical ducts and/or electrical risers.
(iii) Your flat is not located next to a corner unit.
(iv) Your flat is not located next to the opening that leads to the canopy of the protruding access balcony.
(v) Your flat is not located in a point block where it is the only unit on the floor which has the recess area.
You can check your eligibility to buy the recess area outside your flat online via My HDBPage. The option can be hard to find. After you log in with your SingPass, click on “Add e-Services to Favourites” in the sidebar. Click on “Residential” in the side bar and “Living in an HDB Flat” in the dropdown list. Look for “Application to Purchase Recess Area”.
In general, only flats that are 24 years and older are eligible and due to the other requirements, corner units are more likely to be eligible. Once you submit your application, it would take about 2 weeks before HDB informs if you can purchase the recess area.
Cost Of Buying The HDB Recess Area
Assuming that you are eligible to purchase the recess area, you need to know about the cost and fees. These can be paid by CPF or cash.
| Cost Breakdown | What It Is For | Estimated Cost |
| Purchase price | – The purchase price is based on a Fair Market Value and is reviewed every 3 months. – Actual purchase price will depend on the final recess area approved for sale by HDB. You can only buy the final recess area approved by HDB and not any smaller or larger area. |
$6,800.00 |
| Stamp & Registration Fees | To cover admin and legal costs. | $221.20 |
| Conveyancing fees | -Different fees may apply, depending on whether you appoint HDB’s solicitor or your own solicitor to act for your purchase. – If your current housing mortgage is with a bank, you must engage your own solicitor to handle the purchase. |
$115.60 |
| Survey fees | The survey fee is for HDB to engage a Registered Surveyor to conduct the strata survey on the recess area to be purchased. | $160.50 |
| Total: | $7,297.30 |
* Estimated cost is based on recess area of 4 square metre outside a typical 3-room flat and HDB as the appointed solicitor.
Final Things To Take Note Of As A HDB Recess Area Owner
If you have managed to purchase recess area and joined the rare breed of HDB owners who own that little piece of extra space, there are additional conditions regarding the recess area that you need know.
1) You need to compartmentalise the recess area with a fire-rated door and fire-rated wall if the Fire Safety and Shelter Department (FSSD) or HDB imposes such requirement.
2) No combustible materials can be stored within the recess area.
3) There must be no permanent obstruction around the existing rain water down pipe/service pipe/duct for the purpose of maintenance.
4) The existing scupper drain, if any, cannot be covered up. It must always be free from obstruction to allow the free flow of water into the waste outlet if the vertical discharge stack is within the recess area.
This is in addition to complying with HDB’s prevailing renovation guidelines and obtaining the necessary HDB approval for any proposed alterations.
Read Also: Why Are Some HDB Resale Flats Still Selling At Crazy Prices?
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