HDB to offer at least 20,000 new flats in 2013

Mr Khaw assured Singaporeans that almost all first-timers will get the chance to select a flat when they apply for one, especially in non-mature estates. -AsiaOne 


Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said Monday that he has told the Housing Board (HDB) to build at least 20,000 new flats next year.
Mr Khaw wrote on the Ministry for National Development (MND) blog that this is to help more Singaporeans own flats, as well as to stabilise the housing market.
"This will give Singaporeans many options as they make their flat purchases prudently and wisely," he said.
The latest announcement comes on top of the 50,000 flats launched over 2011 and 2012.
Mr Khaw also assured Singaporeans that almost all first-timers will get the chance to select a flat when they apply for one, especially in non-mature estates.
This is due to first-timer application rates remaining below 2.0.
Second-timers will also have higher chances of getting new flats as the application rates have fallen slightly.
There will be 11,000 units for people to choose over two upcoming launches - 8,000 new flats will be launched by the end of this year, while 3,000 flats will be launched in September.

paullim@sph.com.sg


Source: AsiaOne Tue, Aug 07, 2012