More first-time flat buyers have received help from the government’s Additional Housing Grant.
Currently, seven in 10 first-timers are beneficiaries, up from three in 10 when the scheme was started in 2006.
One couple who have benefited are Sherman Pun and his girlfriend.
As of April, they’re among over 32,600 households to benefit from the scheme which has disbursed some S$584 million.
The grant was introduced to help lower-income families own their first public homes, subject to certain criteria.
It was enhanced in 2007 and 2009.
Part of the enhancements includes raising the income ceiling criteria so that more could qualify under the scheme.
Sherman Pun said: “For us, the grant is more than sufficient.
“But for more needy Singaporeans, I think they could definitely do with more grant. After all, standards of living, cost of living are going up and having more grant would definitely help them to afford a flat.”
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 8 Jul 2011