The Optional Component Scheme (OCS) is a choice available to HDB buyers in Singapore, designed to provide added convenience by offering the installation of essential fittings and fixtures within your new flat.
With this scheme, you can decide whether to include optional components such as sinks, bedroom doors, and floor finishes, making it easier for you to move into your new home more swiftly. By taking advantage of the OCS, you’ll find that your flat is already in a more livable state from day one, minimizing the amount of renovation work required.
However, before committing to the OCS, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons. Prices for the scheme may range from $5,000 to $8,000, or even more depending on the estate and project. Such an investment should be considered carefully.
In this guide, we explore the OCS components, giving homeowners a comprehensive view of what to expect. We also evaluate its value proposition to assist potential flat buyers in making an informed decision about their new home.
What is HDB OCS?
The HDB Optional Component Scheme (OCS) in Singapore is a program offered by the Housing & Development Board (HDB) that allows buyers of new HDB flats to opt for additional finishing and installation works as part of their flat purchase. These optional components may include items such as flooring, internal doors, and sanitary fittings.
The idea behind the OCS is to provide a convenient option for homebuyers to have these finishing works done before they move in, saving them the hassle of having to engage contractors and oversee the renovation works themselves after they take possession of the flat. This can be particularly helpful for buyers who prefer a hassle-free and quicker move-in process.
The cost of the optional components is added to the purchase price of the flat, and buyers can choose to pay for it as part of their housing loan if they wish. The scheme is optional, and buyers can choose to opt out if they prefer to do their own renovation works or engage their own renovation contractors.
To ensure the quality of the works, HDB has a list of approved contractors who are eligible to carry out the finishing works under the OCS. These contractors are required to adhere to HDB’s standards and specifications, and their work is inspected by HDB to ensure compliance.
It is worth noting that the availability of the OCS and the specific components offered may vary depending on the housing project and the type of flat. Buyers interested in the OCS should check with HDB or their property agent for more details on the options available for their specific flat.
What are The Items in The Optional Component Scheme OCS?
The Optional Component Scheme (OCS) offered by Singapore’s Housing & Development Board (HDB) provides new flat buyers with the option to include additional finishing and installation works in their flat purchase. The specific items available under the OCS can vary depending on the housing project and the type of flat, but they commonly include the following:
- Floor Finishes: This can include flooring for the living/dining room, bedrooms, and household shelter.
- Internal Doors: Doors for the bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Sanitary Fittings: This may include wash basins, taps, and shower mixers.
- Electrical Works: Installation of additional electrical points or switches.
- Other Finishes: Such as wall finishes in certain areas of the flat.
The OCS aims to provide a convenient option for homebuyers to have these finishes and installations done before they move in, saving them the trouble of having to find contractors and oversee the works themselves after they take possession of the flat.
Buyers who opt for the OCS pay for these additional items as part of the purchase price of their flat. They can choose to include the cost in their housing loan if they wish.
It is important for buyers to carefully review the items included in the OCS for their specific flat and decide whether it is more cost-effective and convenient for them compared to doing the renovation works themselves or engaging their own contractors after moving in.
To ensure the quality and compliance with HDB’s standards, the works under the OCS are carried out by HDB’s approved contractors and are inspected upon completion.
Buyers interested in the OCS should check with HDB or their property agent for more details on the options available for their specific flat, as well as the costs involved.
Pros and Cons of Opting for OCS
Opting for the Optional Component Scheme (OCS) when purchasing a Housing & Development Board (HDB) flat in Singapore can offer a range of benefits, but it also has its drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Convenience: The main advantage of OCS is convenience. Buyers can move into their new home without needing to go through the hassle of hiring contractors and overseeing renovation works.
- Standardized Quality: The works are carried out by HDB-approved contractors who must adhere to HDB’s quality standards and specifications. This ensures a certain level of workmanship quality.
- Time-Saving: The finishing works are completed before the flat owner moves in, saving time that would otherwise be spent on post-possession renovations.
- Simplified Payment Process: The cost of the optional components is added to the purchase price of the flat, which can be financed as part of the housing loan. This streamlines the payment process.
- Warranty: The works carried out under OCS typically come with a warranty period, during which any defects or issues are rectified by the contractors at no additional cost to the homeowner.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: The options available under OCS are standardized, which means homeowners have limited ability to customize the finishes and installations according to their personal preferences.
- Potentially Higher Cost: While convenient, the OCS package could potentially be more expensive than if homeowners were to source for their own contractors and materials.
- No Control Over Contractors: Homeowners do not get to choose the contractors carrying out the work, and this lack of control could be a drawback for those who have specific preferences or prior contractor relationships.
- May Not Suit All Tastes: The designs and materials offered under OCS might not suit all tastes, and some homeowners might prefer to choose their own finishes and fittings.
- Limited to New Flats: The OCS is typically only available to buyers of new HDB flats, which means it’s not an option for those purchasing resale flats.
Optional Components Scheme for 2, 3-Room, 4-Room, 5-Room BTO Flats
2-Room Flats
For 2-room flats, the OCS offers a package that includes lighting, window grilles, built-in kitchen cabinets with induction hob and cooker hood, kitchen sink, tap, dish drying rack, built-in wardrobe, and water heater. This package is a great option for homeowners with a tight budget, as it provides the essential items needed for a functioning home.
| Package 1 | Package 2 | Package 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Room Flexi Flat on 99-Year Lease | Polished porcelain tiles for Living/Dining room and Bedroom | Sanitary fittings
|
N/A |
| 2-Room Flexi Flat on 15- to 45-Year Lease | Glazed porcelain tiles for Living/Dining room and Bedroom | Sanitary fittings
|
|
(Source: HDB)
3-Room, 4-Room, 5-Room BTO Flats
When it comes to 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room flats, there are two choices under OCS. The first option includes the installation of an internal door, while the second offers a sanitary package which contains floor finishes for the living and dining area, as well as floor and wall finishes in the bathrooms.
HDB OCS Pricing
Take a look at the illustrations from HDB for OCS for 2-,3-,4-, and 5-room Flats for May 2022 BTO projects.
(source: HDB)
Choosing the OCS allows you to pay for the additional components using your CPF funds, making it a more financially viable option. At the same time, opting for the OCS ensures that your flat is ready-to-move-in upon completion, which means you can save time and effort by avoiding the need for extensive renovations after moving in.
Final Word
The Optional Component Scheme (OCS) is a convenient way to include essential fittings and fixtures in your new HDB flat. Ultimately, it is crucial for you to assess your needs, priorities, and renovation budget before deciding whether to go for the Optional Components Scheme when purchasing your 2, 3-room, 4-room, or 5-room BTO flat. Considering these factors will ensure that you make the most informed decision while creating your dream home.
Key Takeaways
- OCS helps you streamline the process of getting your new HDB flat ready for occupancy by offering essential components as a package.
- Payment for these optional components can be made using your CPF, making it easier to manage your finances.
- It is important to weigh the convenience and cost-effectiveness of opting for the OCS before making your decision.
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