Category Archives: HDB

HDB responds to couples’ claims

THE HDB has addressed some recent media reports and readers’ letters concerning first-time home buyers complaining that they could not get a flat despite repeated attempts.

CASE 1

The Sunday Times reported on Sept 20 that Mr Jayce Ng and Madam Jacelyn Yong had applied at least eight times, five for build-to-order (BTO) projects and half-yearly sales.

They claimed they were successful in only one application – for a five-room flat in Clementi two years ago and regretted not buying then.

HDB’s response:

The couple submitted 15 applications, out of which only four were for BTO projects, where couples have to wait typically three to four years.

Their other applications were for limited flats in mature estates. Records show they were offered a chance to select a flat seven times but did not do so. Continue reading →

12,700 bids for 2,132 flats so far

APPLICATIONS are pouring in for the HDB’s sales exercise for 2,132 flats in 24 estates across the island.

RELATED LINKS  Number of Applications Received as at 07 October 2009

The homes, launched under its new Sales of Balance Flats scheme last Thursday, have attracted 12,728 bids as of the latest update at 5pm yesterday – about six times oversubscribed.

Analysts say applications could hit 20,000 when the process closes next Wednesday, making 10 bids for every available flat.

The main reason for their popularity is that the flats are completed or nearly completed, so buyers will not have to wait three years before moving in.

Flats on offer are accumulated from earlier build-to-order exercises, the Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme and repurchased flats.

The HDB’s new process has replaced the previous balloting, quarterly sales and half-yearly sales exercises.

Read Also :  Two BTO projects to start despite slower flat sales

Source : Straits Times – 7 Oct 2009