First-timer Buyers of BTO Flats in Mature Estates

Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the average percentage of buyers of BTO flats in mature estates who are first-timers; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider extending the Special Housing Grant (SHG) to first-timer buyers with parents who live within 2km of BTO flats in mature estates.

Mr Lawrence Wong: HDB sets aside a large proportion of the new public flat supply for first-timer families. On average, about 8 in 10 buyers of BTO flats in the mature estates are first-timers.

The Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) is intended to help lower- to middle-income households own their first home. To encourage financial prudence, the SHG is limited to the purchase of new 4-room and smaller HDB flats in the non-mature estates. There are currently no plans to extend the SHG to the purchase of flats in the mature estates. Eligible first-timer households can continue to enjoy up to $40,000 in the Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG) when they purchase a flat in the mature estates.