I REFER to “Building Brics for HDB” (May 27) from Wong Weng Keet.
The new flat application process aims to encourage flat-buyers to think through their housing plans and options carefully before they apply for a flat.
We would like to clarify that under the revised procedures, the priorities under the Married Child Priority Scheme (MSCP) are not “cancelled out”. Those applying under MSCP will continue to enjoy twice the chances over other applicants.
As land available in mature estates for new flat development is limited, the demand for new flats far exceeds the supply there. As such, whatever the system of allocation, flat applicants’ chances of success of securing a new flat in a mature estate are likely to be low.
Those who are interested in new flats should instead consider Built-to-order (BTO) flats in non-mature estates, where the bulk of the Housing Development Board’s (HDB) new flat supply is being offered.
To help the small number of first-time home-buyers who have been repeatedly unsuccessful in their applications for BTO flats in non-mature estates, they are given additional chances for their subsequent applications.
We thank the reader for his suggestions. HDB will monitor and review the flat application process regularly to meet the needs of HDB flat buyers, and will take his suggestions into consideration when it does so.
Kee Lay Cheng
Deputy Director (Marketing and Projects)
for Director (Estate Administration and Property)
Housing and Development Board
Source : Today – 5 Jun 2008