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Minister Mah clarifies claims by unsuccessful first-time HDB buyers

Responding to complaints from HDB flat buyers that they were unsuccessful in securing an HDB flat despite repeated applications, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan has clarified that some of these claims are not completely accurate.

According to figures from the HDB, eight in 10 first-time buyers under the Build-to-Order (BTO) scheme can get a flat on their first try if they are not choosy, while the success rate is 96 percent for the second try. Even when applicants had the entire block of flats to choose from, three in 10 buyers still rejected the units. For example, the rejection rate for BTO projects by first-timers was as high as 67 per cent in 2007. This has since fallen to about 52 percent, after the introduction of new rules to penalise non-serious buyers by removing their first-timer priorities.

Minister Mah assured young couples that the supply of new flats under the BTO programme was more than adequate, and that units were affordably priced. However, buyers should not expect to secure their dream flat on their first try. Also, while he acknowledged that three to four years might be a long wait for some young couples, they could plan ahead for their new flat purchase, and apply for BTO flats under the fiance-fiancee scheme even before they were married.

Meanwhile, HDB is ramping up the supply of BTO flats to be launched for the whole of this year, from 8,000 units as planned previously to 9,000 units. In addition to nearly 4,000 BTO units which were launched in the first nine months of 2009, another 5,000 units in eight projects will be launched for application in Q4 this year.

Number of Views:	1206
Number of Comments:	13

Comments

erika

01 Mar 10 , 16:32 PM

we have been trying more than 10 times, start from last year. And we suprisingly found out that although it is said married child near parents scheme has extra 2 chances and every 3 unsuccessful ballot equally has extra 2 chances. However, it happened that BTO we applied under married child scheme is the only time we got shortlisted (too expensive for us at that time we didn't choose it). Since that, we have tried very hard for more than 10 times, thinking that the chances increase for every 3 times outbidded but the number is getting further and further. Our latest bidding result for queesntown was no. 2500++.

Most of our friends around us got the BTO easily because of the married child near parents scheme. it is fair to them since the location is convenient for them and their parents.
What about us who does not has BTO development near our house?

erika

01 Mar 10 , 16:30 PM

erika

01 Mar 10 , 16:29 PM

erika

01 Mar 10 , 16:29 PM

DINA KAYSHA

19 Feb 10 , 02:18 AM

According to the hdb rules big chances to those first timers first child who wish to apply house resale , balance flat or BTO. Me and my wife applied BTO and balance flat last year under first child priority scheme and firstimers. We have a high expectation for big chance to get our house either balance or BTO but still untill now we dont have any good news from our application. I have one daughter and twin boys just born last feb 1 this year and big worried with our situation for safety shelter. We stay with a small house two room with five adults inside. We need help to secure my children for future safety shelter but till now hdb still did not give us a chance to help and support our application to get a house asap. How are we goin to believe good service if there is no good result of helping the right people who really need help like us. My twin baby boy just born might get sick with our situation and badly need your help to relocate asap. We are hoping to proiritize people who really need help specially babies and families who applied several times rejected our application. Greatly appreciate help our expectation from your officer in charge.

Think Think Think!!

03 Dec 09 , 23:14 PM

I think it is not fair to label those who rejected HDB's offer as choosy.Check with Mr Mah if he will spend a few mil to buy a bungalow he don't like?Likewise why must our fellow citizen spend a few $100k for a flat they don't want?I agreed with the fact that HDB cannot build flats with only high floors but I think the root cause of this problem is a mismatch.A simple way to resolve the problem is to ask the applicants what is their preference when they make the application.If they prefer high level don't even bother to offer low level flat to them.So what about the low level units?Simple right?give higher subsidy for those unpopular units and lower or no subsidy for those that have high demand. Be transparent,let the ppl know how many ppl bid for each CAT.(like COE bidding)For those who can't wait,I think they will opt for the CAT that have higher chance.Although this may not be their dream flat,at least they are compensated with higher subsidy.Those who prefer to wait and pay a high price will continue to wait.At least they can make informed decision and they won't reject the offer when it is their turn to select a unit.I think this is a fairer and more civilise approach as compared to the current blunt and sort of "bully"(give u 2 chances take it or leave it)approach.I think this is a system that will work well as it is based on simple but proven supply and demand concept.It cuts down on resources that are wasted to handle those mismatch cases.Think about the energy,time and emotion(not given a fair chance to choose)of a citizen.Citizen Centric?I think our government agency is still far from it.The government agency do not look into the root cause of the problem but simply take the easy way out by pointing their fingers at their fellow citizen.Not enough babies?Ask HDB if the birds will lay eggs without a nest. Don't say the birds are choosy bcos everyone know birds only lay eggs when the condition is right! So the ans is to supply nests else the birds will wait

REACH Administrator

10 Nov 09 , 11:49 AM

Dear 'trouble'

Thank you for your feedback.

We have kept the relevant agency informed of your feedback.

Regards
Ling (REACH Admin)

trouble

09 Nov 09 , 21:12 PM

is it compulsory for the CPF board to lock in our money for retirement fund after we had sold our flat when we reach the age of 55 years of age.What if the amount left is insufficient for us to purchase our next flat.Can the relevant authority pls assist and help.

Disappointed SINGLEs

29 Oct 09 , 15:07 PM

Indeed many of the couples are too choosy on the location,everyone wants the matured estate.Me as a Single cant even do anything to secure a flat.Almost all the flats are shouting at $15K to $$60K so monthly earning a $2100,with $40k CPF,i have to live under other's mercy.Look through straits times,all the 1rm ,2rm 3rms that i am searching,all the agents do not even want to entertain you if you do not have cash on hand.Even if the found one cheaper one in the paper,how many people are grabbing it at the same time?All the new flats are reserved for the newly weds,family with nucleus...so what about the SINGLES With limited money on hand?Singles has got no contribution to the Singapore?Singles are all the RICH LOTS?What about SINGLEs who cant form a nucleus and yet cant afford to buy Resale Flat?So where am i going to stay?under the bridge?East coast park campsite?

1.at least allow the Singles aged 35 above,earning below $2500 to purchase a 1rm,2rm or maximum 3rm direct from the HDB.

2.why allow the house owner to shout for the COV when the house interior is already deterred valued by the valuer?It is totally very unfair to the buyers,isnt it?

I am utterly disappointed with the HDB how they treat the singles.

Please look into the matter,not every singles are cash rich and earning big bucks.

HDB Resident

28 Oct 09 , 21:48 PM

I agree with Mr Mah. People are just too picky. They don't want flats that's on the top level, they don't want flat on the bottom few levels, they don't want flat near the refuse chute and the list goes on.

So don't blame HDB for not giving them the flat but blame theselves for being picky.

I suggest those who register for a flat but did not select a one when their turn comes for more than 3 times should be barred from applying for the next 2 years.

trouble

24 Oct 09 , 12:34 PM

I have default in my HDB morgage and was in arrear for a certain sum.My work required a car for work as a outdoor sale. I have difficulty buying a season ticket in my place and i have received 5 summon for this month. Try asking my area office to help but nothing much they can do. Is this the polocy of the HDB to penalise in my case and would appreciate help.

Icon Su

20 Oct 09 , 09:25 AM

"According to figures from the HDB, eight in 10 first-time buyers under the Build-to-Order (BTO) scheme can get a flat on their first try if they are not choosy, while the success rate is 96 percent for the second try."
My partner and I have been trying for the past two bto and we were not even given a good number for both tries. The queue numbers we got for the two tries were few hundred more than the available units and that means we did not even have a chance to choose. We have balloted for the balancedd flats this time round and looking at the number of applicants, we do not pin high hopes and we hope that the govermnent will look into it as promised on national tv.

lmt2810

19 Oct 09 , 20:27 PM

"HDB is ramping up the supply of BTO flats to be launched for the whole of this year, from 8,000 units as planned previously to 9,000 units. In addition to nearly 4,000 BTO units which were launched in the first nine months of 2009, another 5,000 units in eight projects will be launched for application in Q4 this year." THESE INCREASE IS NOT EVEN 50% OF THE DEMANDS WHICH IN THE RECENT ARTICLE WHERE OVER 20,000 APPLICANTS APPLY THE 2,100 UNITS. THESE DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE. IF THIS CARRIES ON, WHEN WILL IT STOP OF THE HIGHER DEMAND. EVERY YEAR WE WILL BE FACING THE SAME OLD PROBLEM.