HDB PURCHASE FLATS (Changes to allocation policy)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Acting Minister for National Development whether the Housing and Development Board will be making further changes to the allocation policy for purchase flats.

The Acting Minister for National Development (Mr Lim Hng Kiang): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Housing and Development Board is currently reviewing the allocation policy and mechanism for HDB flats. It aims to reduce the uncertainties caused by the present balloting system, and give applicants more certainty as to when they can expect to be allocated their flats. HDB will ensure the scheme strikes a fair balance between new household applicants and upgraders.

The details of the revised allocation system will be announced once they are finalised.

Dr S. Vasoo (Tanjong Pagar GRC): Sir, when will this revised allocation system be implemented? Are we going to wait for a long time?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: It is not our intention to prolong the review. We will revise it as quickly as we can.

Dr Vasoo: In that review, would the first-time applicants be given a higher weightage in the provision for public housing?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: Currently, the first-time applicants are given higher priority. They are given their flats ahead of upgraders. We intend to retain this feature when we revise the system.

Mr Leong Horn Kee (Thomson GRC): Sir, can I ask the Minister whether the review will also include a review of the income limit on people who are eligible for HDB flats?

Mr Lim Hng Kiang: HDB reviews the income ceiling for applicants of HDB flats regularly. We try to do this once in two years or when income increases rapidly. The review is due before the end of this year.