BTO House Key Collection Before Move: What To Prepare?

Excited to collect BTO (Build-To-Order) HDB or Condo house keys? There are several things you need to bring along and prepare for the move after it. Read this blog to know more.

Generally, after collecting the keys to your home, you can book with house movers in Singapore for the move. If you are seeking a guide to know what to begin, how to prepare for and about the actual process, it’s listed below.

Knowing what to do after getting the keys and booking with SG movers will come in handy. You might be planning for the big move for months, if not years, now. So, dive in quickly!

What To Carry With You On The Collection Day

On the collection day, be prepared to process paperwork, pay outstanding balances, and check for defects immediately upon handover. Here’s what you must bring to the appointment-

Identification

Your physical NRICs (National Registration Identity Card) are necessary for all buyers and listed occupants to be presented at the office when collecting keys.

Singpass

Update your Singpass app before the appointment, and it’s fully functional. Activate two-factor authentication for signing documents digitally.

Fire Insurance

Purchase fire insurance from HDB’s certified insurer, Etiqa, before the key collection day. This is mandatory and cannot be avoided. Bring the e-certificate or policy documents.

Marriage Certificate

If you are not married yet on your key collection day, you only need to submit standard administrative and financial documents.

Payment Documentation

Proof of balance payment or Cashier's Order if you are not fully using the CPF (Central Provident Fund). Bring completed GIRO (General Interbank Recurring Order) forms if paying instalments via cash/CPF.

Power of Attorney

If the homeowner or buyer is not available for the key collection appointment in person, then the one in attendance must carry a "power of attorney".

Once the documents are submitted, you have to make all the payments, and you are ready to collect the keys to your new home.

The Key Collection Process

If you are aware of everything you need to bring, but have doubts about the actual process. Here’s how the key collection process generally goes-

Preparation Before the Appointment

Ensure that all the administrative and financial matters are settled before arriving at the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh.

The HDB Hub Appointment

Attend your scheduled slot at the HDB Hub to officially complete paperwork. Next, take possession of your flat keys. For any discrepancies during the key collection process, the HDB offers time as per the standard procedure to rectify them.

Activating Utilities

Arrange for your water and electricity lines to be fully functional before stepping inside your new home. You can create an account in the SP utilities app to ensure that you have them running for the defect inspection process.

Your First Flat Visit

Make sure to carry a phone/ camera, masking tape, and post-its for marking the defects of your new BTO (Build-To-Order). You can directly visit your new flat after you get the keys.

After the first visit, you can prepare for the move-in soon and book with house movers in Singapore. The key collection generally goes fast once you move past the screening process.

What Happens Next After Key Collection?

After you have collected your key, you can visit your home. But the final move takes some time. Here’s what you are required to do before that-

Pay the remaining house loan.

You can plan and proceed to pay the remaining house loans. The move will take at least two weeks more.

Conduct Defect Inspection

There’s usually a 30-day liability period to mark and report all the renovations you need in your home. You can plan all that in this window.

Report Defects to the BSC

Once the liability period ends, you can report them with all the information to the Building’s Service Centre.

Renovation

The renovations and repairs are usually completed in two weeks, and you can prepare to move in after.

Hire SG movers in advance so that you can pack while the renovations are ongoing and proceed to move in once all are completed.

Important Considerations For BTO Key Collection

Lastly, here are some important considerations for the key collection process that can help ensure a seamless transition-

Dispose of the existing flat.

If you already own an HDB apartment, you have to forfeit it when you get the keys to your new home. It’s a legal obligation.

Do Open Door Rituals Early

Step inside your new space intentionally to perform traditional housewarming luck rites first thing.

Finalise Your Renovation Plans

Review your interior design drafts and lock in layout configurations once you step inside.

Submit Permits to Management

Apply for official renovation clearances with the building authorities before any structural works begin.

Book Your Transits in Advance

Finalise your schedule weeks out to avoid missing peak slots with dependable movers.

This way, you are all set to move into your very own and very new home. The process can take time, but trust me, all this is so worth it when it’s for a place of your own, especially in this economy.

In Short

Collecting the keys to your new home is a milestone that many work really hard to achieve. After months of anticipation, you wouldn’t want anything to spoil it. So, hopefully this guide comes in handy if you are preparing for the same.

Now, if you already have the keys in your hand and are going through the further process of renovation, book with house movers in Singapore first. Even if your move is weeks away, the June rush will make it harder to book a service later.

Go ahead, with the keys to your future in your hands (literally), you can move towards your next big goal!