Tag Archives: HDB Prices

I GOT engaged a few months ago and have started looking for an HDB flat. We have gone from executive apartments to five-room flats and are now considering four-room units.

While the valuations are reasonable, the thought of having to fork out more than $40,000 in cash for a tiny four-room flat is ridiculous.

The Government has also suggested considering Sengkang, Punggol and cheaper new estates farther out in the suburbs.

But why would I buy a cheaper flat in Woodlands if I work in Shenton Way and my parents live in Tanah Merah?

Is this how better family relations are fostered? My choice was to stay closer to my parents to maintain the close bond I have with them. The Government must come up with more practical solutions.

Wilma Gaiyithri Muhundan (Ms)

Source : Straits Times – 26 Sep 2009

WEDNESDAY’S editorial, ‘Watching HDB price behaviour, sensibly’, suggested that the sudden spurt in private property prices since July has boosted HDB values.

That may be true but may not the reverse also be true, that is, that HDB values have also boosted private property prices?

In some HDB estates, the prices of four- and five-room flats have risen by $100,000 or more over the past six years. How

will this not affect property prices in general?

The HDB says its flats are highly subsidised, which I understand to be more a case of discount on commercial prices.

However, as there is no developer of public housing except the HDB, from where are such commercial prices drawn?

The editorial made another excellent point, urging buyers to exercise their democratic right not to pay a premium by considering non-prime townships.

Perhaps the democratic right would be better exercised by demanding that the HDB build more smaller flats so buyers are not saddled with a lifetime of debt. Continue reading →