The Build-To-Order (BTO) flat launch in February 2026 is one of the most anticipated HDB sales exercises of the year. Thousands of Singaporeans will be competing for new flats but preparation is key if you want to boost your chances of success and avoid last-minute stress.

Here’s your complete checklist of what to do before you submit your application.

1. Check Your Eligibility First

Before planning anything else, confirm that you meet all the eligibility criteria set by the Housing & Development Board (HDB). These typically include:

• You (and co-applicants) must form a valid family nucleus (e.g., spouse, children, parents).
  
• At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen, with other applicants being Citizens or Permanent Residents.
  
• You must meet the minimum age requirement (usually 21 years old).
  
• Your household income and property ownership status must be within HDB guidelines.
  
  

Doing this early avoids surprises on application day.

2. Apply for Your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter

The single most important thing before February’s BTO launch is your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter, and this is mandatory to apply.

Why it matters:
The HFE letter confirms whether you:
✔ Qualify to buy an HDB flat
✔ Are eligible for CPF housing grants
✔ Can take up a housing loan from HDB or a bank

Tips for HFE success:

• Apply early,  processing can take several weeks.
  
• Ensure all supporting documents (NRIC, income proofs, marital documents) are ready.
  
• HFE letters are valid for 9 months, which covers the Feb 2026 application period if you apply by mid-Dec 2025.
  
  

Deadline tip (from HDB announcements): Submit your HFE application and supporting documents by 15 December 2025 so your letter is ready in time.

3. Plan Your Finances Early

Buying a BTO flat is a long-term commitment. Solid financial planning early before the application gives you confidence and clarity.

Key steps to take before Feb 2026:

• Estimate your budget and grant eligibility using CPF/HDB calculators.
  
• Decide whether you’ll take an HDB housing loan or a bank loan, and if needed, obtain a bank’s Approval-In-Principle (AIP).
  
• Consider how much you can comfortably pay for your monthly mortgage and upfront fees.
  
  

Good planning ensures you won’t be caught off-guard by costs like down payments or additional fees when booking your flat later.

4. Research BTO Locations & Flat Types

Ahead of the official announcement:

• Browse past BTO project locations to shortlist areas you like.
  
• Think about flat sizes that suit your family size and lifestyle (e.g., 3-room vs 4-room).
  
• Compare amenities like schools, MRT access, and future development plans.
  
  

Knowing your preferences before the sales launch saves precious minutes during the application window.

5. Prepare Required Documents

Before launch week, ensure you have digital copies of:

• NRICs of all applicants
  
• Income proofs (payslips, tax statements)
  
• Marriage/birth certificates
  
• CPF statements
  
• Property ownership details, if any
  
  

Having them ready makes the HFE application smoother and prevents last-minute delays.

6. Stay Updated on the Announcement & Timeline

BTO launches happen quarterly, and HDB announces details (locations, application dates) on its Flat Portal and social channels.

Keep notifications on and watch for:
✔ Official launch date and application period
✔ Flat types and prices offered
✔ Ballot outcome timelines

Being informed ensures you don’t miss the limited application window when Feb 2026’s exercise opens.

7. Do an In-Principle Approval (IPA) with Fairloan and Review the Latest Mortgage Rates

Before applying for the February 2026 BTO, it is highly advisable to secure an In-Principle Approval (IPA) and review the latest home loan rates in the market.

An IPA gives you clarity on how much you can realistically borrow, based on your income profile, existing liabilities, and credit standing. This helps prevent over-committing financially and allows you to choose a flat type that aligns with your long-term affordability.

As Singapore’s largest mortgage advisory, Fairloan Mortgage Advisory works with all major local and international banks to help buyers:

• Compare the latest fixed and floating home loan packages
  
• Understand SORA-pegged loans versus fixed-rate options
  
• Assess monthly instalments under different interest-rate scenarios
  
• Identify banks with higher approval chances based on your profile
  
  

Doing an IPA early also puts you in a stronger position later in the BTO journey, especially when you need to decide quickly during flat selection and loan submission stages.

Mortgage rates can change every few weeks. Reviewing updated packages closer to the BTO launch ensures you are not relying on outdated assumptions when planning your finances.

In short, completing an IPA and reviewing the latest rates before the February 2026 BTO application gives you certainty, confidence, and better financial control.

Final Thoughts

Preparation makes all the difference when applying for a BTO flat, especially for competitive launches like February 2026’s. By securing your HFE letter early, planning finances, preparing documents, and researching locations, you set yourself up for a smoother, less stressful application experience.

*PS: Banks are offering 5years fixed 1.78% for HDB owners.

Check out the latest rates here.