Source : The Straits Times, Feb 11, 2008
I WOULD like to highlight my concern about a shortage of HDB flats in the coming years and urge the authorities to speed up the construction of build-to-order (BTO) projects.
My husband and I have been married for two years and we are living with our in-laws. We have been searching for a flat for the past 11/2 years.
As we could not afford the high cash over valuation and renovation cost for resale flats, we had been trying our luck in the HDB balloting exercises.
After many attempts, we have managed to get a queue number for the build-to-order exercise for Telok Blangah Towers.
However, it will be completed only in July 2013.
Could the work for BTO projects be speeded up and completed in two to three years' time?
I understand from many of my friends that they are either holding back their marriage or pregnancy due to unsuccessful applications for BTO flats or insufficient funds for resale flats.
I sincerely hope that the authorities would look into speeding up the work on build-to-order projects and assist first-timers in getting their flats fast.
Chua Hwee Hoon (Ms)
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Source : The Straits Times, Feb 21, 2008
More time needed to build taller flats
I REFER to the letter, 'Speed up construction of build-to-order projects' by Ms Chua Hwee Hoon (Feb 11).
Ms Chua booked a flat at Telok Blangah Towers under the October 2007 Build-to-Order (BTO) exercise. More time is needed to complete the construction of these blocks as they are double the height of typical blocks. This is why the estimated completion date was indicated at July 31, 2013.
But, we will try to complete the project as quickly as possible, so that buyers can take possession of their flats sooner. The estimated completion date is regularly updated on HDB's website and Homelink hotline to help buyers plan ahead.
We have studied the feedback received from those who were unsuccessful in HDB's sales exercises. The majority of those who were unable to select their choice units had applied for flats in the more popular mature estates, where land for building new flats is limited.
Such applicants would enjoy better chances of success if they were to cast their net wider and consider buying a flat in the newer towns like Punggol and Sengkang, where more new HDB projects are launched.
Those with urgent housing needs can also consider the resale market where there is a wide range of units offered, and eligible first-timers can enjoy a CPF Housing Grant of $30,000/$40,000.
Kee Lay Cheng (Ms)
Deputy Director (Marketing & Projects)
For Director (Estate Administration & Property)
Housing & Development Board
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