To many Singaporeans, a BTO flat is the default “first home.” If there are any complaints about this most affordable form of housing, it’s usually about how difficult it is to land one (balloting takes some luck). Some buyers we spoke to, however, ended up having some regrets. Here are some of the more uncommon ones we’ve encountered:

1. Applying just at the time when you’re changing jobs

Gerald says he was amid a career switch, from an operations job to an IT job, when he applied for a flat with his wife. He was already apprehensive...