What to budget before you 'BTO' with would-be spouse

Assess your financial readiness, including savings, income stability, debt obligations

- Angela Tan

Many of us girls are instilled with a specific idea of how a marriage proposal should go: He'll take us somewhere romantic, get down on one knee, whip out the precious ring and pop the question. It should be magical.

So, even for the most modern woman among us in Singapore, nothing could be more disappointing if instead of a romantic proposal, he merely utters: "Will you BTO with me?"

Unromantic as it sounds, "will you BTO with me?" has become a modern symbol of commitment, often doubling as a playful marriage proposal.

Build-to-Order or BTO flats provide an affordable entry point to property ownership, offering a more accessible option than private properties or resale HDB flats for first-time buyers.

Government support through programmes like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant for families have reduced upfront costs and eased financial burdens, making BTO flats particularly attractive to young couples, says Ms Elin Chee, financial services manager at PhillipCapital, an investment and wealth management firm.

Located in well-connected areas with ample amenities, these developments foster vibrant communities ideal for couples and families, she adds.

These considerations led Janice to accept her boyfriend's proposal to "BTO" with him, even though she was rattled by his practical approach.

"My friends and I used to roll our eyes when we heard stories of guys who asked their girlfriends to BTO with them in lieu of a marriage proposal. When it happened to me, I didn't know whether to cry or laugh," she says.

From a guy's perspective, a BTO flat is the most affordable option for any young couple looking to start their journey together.

Marcus and Megan met in junior college when they were in their late teens. When Marcus was in his early 20s and during his second year of national service (NS), the couple talked about applying for a BTO flat after hearing their friends share their experience about it.