I'm 23 years old and working, and my partner is still studying. Is it a risk for me to apply for BTO, as a lot of my friends are going in with a grant. Is it too rushed for me?

Don't feel pressured to apply for BTO just because your peeps are all doing so. Most important do you feel that he's the right one to settle down with? If yes, then I feel that money will not be the main factor, as long as you overstrech and buy a super expensive house.

It depends on why you want to BTO.

If you are very certain that your partner is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, then please go ahead as it will cut short your waiting time! Then again, you can always get SBF which is very fast tracked nowadays if you are lucky enough to get a queue number at your desired estate.

If you are applying the BTO just because of peer pressure/FOMO, then truly no rush. I have seen couples who broke up after BTO/downpayment and it is ugly cause you really can't get back your money.

If you are applying just cause of the lure of grant, THINK TWICE. Grants are not free money at all - housing is more affordable w grants, but it comes with T&Cs. Better research first before you make the decision! :)

Unpopular opinion ahead:

I regretted not BTOing earlier because for the life of me, somehow the govt didn't want to give us a good queue number for about 8 times or so...yes you might be this unlucky,

As long as you are doubly sure he/she is the one, you can try to apply BTO earlier even if you're not engaged, as BTO is one hell of a bloody long wait...More importantly, you should be watering your relationship to make it blossom, so you don't have to worry about forfeiting the BTO. Touchwood nonetheless and all the best!

Buying a house is a huge affair. Before your jump into these decisions, please make sure that both of you have think carefully. The student grant may be attractive, but if you end up breaking up, you may have to pay for a lot of costs.