Tag Archives: Housing Development Board

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 →

The success rate for first-timers to select a flat on one try is 80 per cent

THE Housing Board has moved to clear some common misconceptions on applying for HDB flats.

It released new figures on Wednesday to show that the success rate for first-timers to select a flat on one try is 80 per cent. The success rate is higher – at 96 per cent – for those who have applied twice.

The board said these figures show that the majority of newly-weds are successful in getting a new home. It was responding to the perceived growing number of complaints by many home seekers that they could not get a flat despite numerous applications.

The numbers also show that the average rejection rate by first-timers who have been offered to pick a home under the HDB’s Build-To-Order (BTO) scheme has declined from about 67 per cent in 2007 to 52 this year, following refinements to the application process.

This was introduced in May last year to penalise frivolous home buyers who reject the chance to book a flat even though they are offered one.

Speaking to reporters at a visit to HDB’s sales counters, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan reassured flat buyers that there will be adequate supply and affordable housing for Singaporeans under the BTO scheme.

He advised first time home buyers to plan in advance if they want to have a shorter waiting period for new flats.

Source : Straits Times – 7 Oct 2009