PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES BY PERMANENT RESIDENTS (Relaxation of policy)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology whether and to what extent the policy concerning the purchase of residential properties by permanent residents has been relaxed.

The Minister for Law, the Environment and Science and Technology (Mr E.W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, as from 11th September, 1973, only citizens of Singapore have been allowed to purchase residential properties without any restriction. All others, including permanent residents, have been required to obtain the written approval of Government to purchase residential property or any vacant land other than that zoned "Industrial-commercial". Approval depends on the economic contribution such persons or applicants make to Singapore.

With effect from 10th January, 1975, this policy was relaxed and non-citizens were allowed to purchase flats or apartments in buildings of not less than six Storeys, including the ground floor. As from 3rd September, 1976, there was a further relaxation in that non-citizens were allowed free purchase of units in approved condominiums as well. Furthermore, where previously approvals were not considered in respect of residential houses on land exceeding 4,000 sq. ft., such applications in respect of land areas of not more than 15,000 sq. ft. are now favourably considered.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, can the Hon. Minister inform the House how many applications for purchase of residential properties by permanent residents have been received, and how many have been approved since the operation of this law?

Mr Barker: Sir, as at the end of last month, the total number of applications received from non-citizens amounted to 1,758. Of these, 423 applications were either withdrawn or settled upon clarification. 855 applicants obtained approval, of whom 572 were permanent residents and 283 were other non-citizens. 274 applications were not approved and there remain a number of 206 cases which are still being processed.