Qualifying Criteria for Occupiers of HDB Flats under Public Rental Scheme to Purchase New 2-Room BTO Flat

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for National Development of the occupiers of HDB flats under the Public Rental Scheme (i) how many qualify to purchase at least a new 2-room BTO flat; and (ii) what are the reasons they have chosen not to do so.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Public rental households are generally eligible to buy a new or resale flat. However, they may not be financially ready, or cannot afford to buy a flat. Some of them also decide not to buy a flat because of their old age, or preference to stay in their current rental flat as they are familiar with the living environment.

During the renewal of tenancies, HDB will actively nudge tenants who are financially stable to buy a flat. Eligible tenants will also be encouraged to make use of the various housing grants to move on to homeownership.

In the last three years, about 1,700 ex-rental tenants have moved into their homeownership flats. In addition, as of June 2015, 2,600 rental tenants have booked homeownership flats and are waiting for the completion of their flats.