Additional Ballot Chance for Unsuccessful First-timer BTO Flat Applicants for Mature Estates

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development whether the HDB scheme to allot an additional ballot chance for subsequent applications of first-timer applicants for BTO flats who have been unsuccessful for two or more applications in non-mature estates can be extended to include first-timer applicants for mature estates.

Mr Lawrence Wong: The allotment of an additional ballot chance only applies for first-timer (FT) families applying for BTO flats in the non-mature estates. The intention is to help FT families with more urgent housing needs secure their first home.

Extending this to those who have applied for BTO flats in the mature estates may not be as effective, given the high demand for the limited flats in such estates.

Flat buyers who wish to purchase flats in the mature estates can consider applying under the various priority schemes, such as the Married Child Priority Scheme, Multi-Generation Priority Scheme or the Parenthood Priority Scheme. Alternatively, they may consider buying a resale flat on the open market. Eligible FT families buying resale flats can receive up to $90,000 in housing grants, comprising the CPF Housing Grant, Additional CPF Housing Grant and Proximity Housing Grant.