Tag Archives: HDB News

Mah sets records straight on claims by couples

NATIONAL Development Minister Mah Bow Tan has refuted claims by some first-time buyers that they could not get an HDB flat despite repeated applications.

Mr Mah said yesterday that some of the assertions that have appeared in media reports recently were ‘not entirely truthful’.

Home seekers had claimed that they were unsuccessful despite making several applications, while one hopeful said he lodged 18 attempts but still did not secure a home.

But Mr Mah said: ‘What is actually happening, is not a matter of buyers getting a flat, it’s a matter of them getting it and not selecting it for one reason or another.’

HDB figures yesterday showed that eight in 10 first-timers could get a flat on their first try if they were not choosy; the success rate was 96 per cent for the second try. Continue reading →

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 →