Housing Policies Responding To Public Feedback

On 26 June 2010, there was a HDB Policies Dialogue Session at HDB Hub Auditorium, Toa Payoh. The session was aimed at sharing the rationale behind various HDB policies and how HDB was responding to various public feedback. I would like to share with you some of the points raised in this session.

HDB has heard public feedback and ramped up the construction of HDB flats. In 2010, over 12,000 new Build-To-Order (BTO) flats will be available. In addition to BTOs, there will also be Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) flats and Executive Condominiums (EC) being offered.

The current waiting time for a BTO flat is about 3 years. The waiting time is similar to that of private properties. Nevertheless, HDB is responding to suggestions from Singaporeans and is looking at ways to shorten the waiting time for new flats to 2 or 2.5 years. 

Lately, HDB is also doing more to help low income families. Flat buyers with household income below $5,000 are eligible to for Additional Housing Grants (AHG). In addition to a CPF Housing Grant of up to $40,000 when all first-timers buy a resale flat, DBSS flat or EC; low income families can apply for AHG of up to $40,000. This certainly goes a long way to help low income families get their 1st new flat. HDB has also increased the number of AHG disbursed. As at 31 Jan 2010, HDB has disbursed a total of $330m in AHG to benefit more than 20,000 families. In 2009 alone, 9,400 families received $176m in AHG. This is double the amount in 2008.

Please see table below on the price range of flats offered by HDB (source: HDB Annual Report 2008/09)

Written By: Lim Ee Cheong