90% Of Balloted HDB Flats Now Reserved For First-Timers

Source : The Straits Times, Aug 14, 2007

First-time applicants of new Housing Development Board flats have just been given a step-up in priority, with 90 per cent of balloted flats now reserved for them.

FIRST-TIMERS applying for Housing Board flats can rejoice - their chances of getting that new apartment they want have now increased further.

This step up in priority extends also to applicants under the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS), in view of the more 'pressing need' among newlyweds to buy a flat near their parents, said HDB in a statement.

This would make it easier for newlyweds to settle down and start a family, said HDB.

Following a recent report by The Forum on HDB Heartware, led by Minister of State for National Development Ms Grace Fu, HDB has implemented a new quota system for Build-To-Order (BTO) and balloting exercises to this effect.

90 per cent of the flat supply for the public will be reserved for first-timers. HDB says this would make it easier for newlyweds to settle down and start a family. -- ST PHOTO: NG SOR LUAN

The flat supply for public applicants will now be allocated to first- and second-timer applicants in the ratio 90:10.

This means that 90 per cent of the flat supply for the public will be reserved for first-timers.

Under the existing system, first-timers are shortlisted for about 80 per cent of flat supply; together with MCPS applicants, first-timers also enjoy twice the success rate over other applicants under BTO and balloting.

But now under the new system, first-timers and MCPS applicants will have double the chances over public applicants. This improves their chances of being shortlisted.

Applicants who qualify as first-timers and are eligible under the MCPS will be given four chances under the ballot as compared to regular applicants.

Type of Applicant	No. of chances assignedunder ballot for shortlisting
Second-timer	1
First-timer	2
Second-timer qualified for MCPS	3
First-timer qualified for MCPS	4

On top of this, first-timers who have failed to be shortlisted for four or more times under BTO or balloting exercises will be given an extra chance for each unsuccessful try.

'For fairness, public applicants will still be subject to a ballot to determine that the order that applicants will be shortlisted to select a flat,' said HDB.

The new system started on Tuesday with the launch of the BTO exercise for Punggol Vista.