No rush to lift DBSS scheme suspension

Government focus now is on pushing out BTO flats and EC units.

Minister Khaw Boon Wan said to Parliament that the Ministry of National Development (MND) is not rushing to complete the review of the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS). He added that the current priority is to ramp up the supply of Build-To-Order flats and Executive Condominium units, MND said in a release.

"The Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) was introduced in 2005 to give flat buyers more choice by allowing private developers to design and build some public flats. While HDB would provide broad planning parameters such as the mix of flat sizes and the range of social and community facilities to be provided, the developer is responsible for the design, construction quality and the pricing of the flat. Nonetheless, HDB would actively engage the developers by sharing good practices and relevant experiences in public housing development. HDB would also provide useful feedback to the developers and their consultants during the design and construction phase, with particular attention on safety, security and maintenance issues." said Minister Khaw.

"As DBSS projects are designed and built by the private sector, HDB's primary role is to ensure that only those who are eligible for public housing can buy such housing, and to disburse housing grants and provide concessionary loans to eligible buyers. As DBSS flats are sold directly by private developers to flat buyers, resolution of any contractual disputes, including defects, rests with the buyer and the developer," he said.

"Given the current priority to ramp up the supply of Build-To-Order flats and Executive Condominium units, my Ministry has suspended the DBSS land sales, and is not rushing to complete the review of this scheme," he added.