Tag Archives: HDB

HDB enhances grants for low-income households

Posted on 1 Aug 2012 | Comments Off on HDB enhances grants for low-income households

First-time flat buyers with a monthly income of S$1,500 and below will now have a better chance to own units, following the HDB’s (Housing and Development Board) decision to extend the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) to include three-room standard flats in non-mature estates.

In the past, such buyers were only allowed to acquire a two-room standard flat in non-mature estates.

The exemption of three-room flats was “to encourage financial prudence, and ensure that these low-income households do not overstretch themselves”, said the housing board.

However, HDB decided to extend the SHG, which offers S$20,000 for households earning S$1,500 or less, in a bid to help low-income families acquire a flat within their means.

“The enhancement will expand the housing options available to low-income households who need more space, and can afford a larger flat, with the help of government subsidies,” HDB noted.

The new housing grant came into effect after July’s BTO launch.

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Future Bidadari estate to maintain greenery, heritage

Posted on 1 Aug 2012 | Comments Off on Future Bidadari estate to maintain greenery, heritage

The upcoming Bidadari housing estate will retain its greenery and heritage, according to the Housing and Development Board (HDB).

Aside from building a regional park, the 93-ha town will also “creatively incorporate” historical elements complementing the existing Bidadari Memorial Garden where the tombstones of 21 prominent early citizens are located.

The HDB also envisions Bidadari to be a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly town while offering easy access to transport nodes and places of interest. This will make the estate a “distinctive and sustainable tranquil urban oasis”.

The former cemetery stopped undertaking burials in 1972 and was exhumed in the early 2000s. The area is currently frequented by joggers.

Around 12,000 HDB and private homes will be built on the site which is bordered by Bartley Road, Upper Serangoon Road, Sennett Estate and Mount Vernon Road.

Infrastructure development including earthworks and site preparation are expected to start by year’s end while the initial HDB Build-to-Order (BTO) launch could take place in 2015, with the first flats completed by 2018.

HDB is inviting up to five planners and consultants for an Expression of Interest (EOI) exercise to develop the estate’s masterplan. In addition, it is looking for a team to design, construct and maintain a public housing project in the estate.

The EOI will close on 6 August while the tender for the masterplan is expected to be awarded by November and completed next February.

Source Property Guru – 2012 Aug 1

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