Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC Tin Pei Ling has suggested that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) take back the right to price units under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) or include a clause to compel price negotiations between HDB and the private developers.
She said this could be considered as part of the overall review of housing policies by the Ministry of National Development.
Ms Tin made these suggestions yesterday on her Facebook page.
Alluding to the recent high-profile sale of DBSS flats at Centrale 8, Ms Tin noted that, while some Singaporeans can choose not to purchase over-priced DBSS flats, the issue is one of principle. She said that, given the scarcity of land in Singapore, HDB land should be reserved for building affordable public housing – not apartments that the HDB has little influence over.
Ms Tin said allowing private developers who had successfully acquired HDB land to independently price DBSS units may be in line with “free market” principles. However, it also meant the HDB losing control over precious land that could be better utilised for Build-to-Order flats or community facilities, she said.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 25 Jun 2011