Tag Archives: Housing Development Board

18 failed attempts to get an HDB flat

Posted on 27 Sep 2009 | 1 comment

With reference to the report, ‘Flat-hunters feeling COV pinch’ (Sept 13), here is my story.

My wife and I registered our marriage in late 2001 but have yet to hold our customary wedding as we have been unsuccessful in our numerous attempts – around 18 times since 2001 – to get an HDB flat.

Over seven years, we had spent much time, effort and money in applying for a flat under various Housing Board schemes, such as the walk-in selection, balloting exercise and build-to-order scheme.

We have also approached our Members of Parliament for help, and written to the HDB to give our feedback.

All those unsuccessful HDB applications have left us poorer and emotionally drained.

Many people can’t believe we still can’t get a flat after so many years and so many applications.

We can only say that we have rotten luck. Continue reading →

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Don’t blame insufficient land release for property price surge

Posted on 27 Sep 2009 | Comments Off on Don’t blame insufficient land release for property price surge

I REFER to Monday’s Forum Online comment by Mr James Tan (’High price of flats, not affordability, is the issue’) that ‘URA did not release sufficient land to build HDB flats in a timely manner, causing pent-up demand and a sudden surge in prices’ and that ‘in the 1970s, a typical three-room flat in Marine Parade, a choice location, cost about $9,500. Today, a typical flat can fetch as much as $300,000 in the new towns’. That is a 3,000 per cent increase over 40 years.

However, the increase in flat prices is primarily due to Singapore’s growth and prosperity as well as inflation. In 1970, Singapore’s per capita GDP was US$914 and last year it was US$37,597 (S$53,000), and increase of 4,000 per cent. And, of course, good old inflation: If you remember, in old cowboy movies where a dollar coin was made of gold, they would bite it to make sure it was genuine.

Land in Singapore is limited, and I believe the Urban Redevelopment Authority has so far managed supply and demand very well to maintain price levels. One possible problem ahead is that, as younger Singaporeans are better educated, better paid and more affluent, will the older generation be left behind?

Calvin Yong

Source : Straits Times – 26 Sep 2009

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