"The Design, Build and Sell Scheme was introduced in March 2005 to allow private developers to build public housing to create more choices for flat seekers and inject innovation in the building and design of multi-storey flats, while preserving the major characteristics of public housing, such as maintaining open access to common properties. Under this scheme, private developers are involved in not only the construction of the flats but are also responsible for bidding for the land, designing the flats and their surrounding landscape and selling the flats directly to eligible flat buyers. They are granted the freedom to decide on the design, finish, size and unit configuration of the flat and can sell the flats at a price comparable to those listed on the open market. When the development is completed, HDB then assumes administrative functions of the DBSS flats and the Town Councils will manage the common areas and carparks.

Currently there are 6 DBSS sites: The Premiere @ Tampines, City View @ Boon Keng, Park Central @ Ang Mo Kio, Natura Loft @ Bishan, Parc Lumiere @ Simei and The Peak @ Toa Payoh. 3 more up-coming DBSS sites that have been indentified are in Simei, Toa Payoh and Bedok."