HDB BTO Flats for Second-Time Buyers

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development (a) when will the Ministry complete its review of increasing the percentage of HDB BTO flats for second-timer buyers; and (b) what proportion of BTO flats for each launch is the Ministry looking at.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Last March, we tripled the allocation quota for BTO flats in non-mature estates for second-timers from 5% to 15%. This has reduced the second-timer application rate in non-mature estates and enabled more second-timers to have better chances of getting a BTO flat.

We will continue to look into ways to help second-timers, especially those who are downgrading for financial reasons. However, we can only allocate more flats to second-timers if it does not affect the success rate for first-timers who have more urgent needs for housing.