Supply of BTO flats and ECs upped

This should provide more affordable housing options to second-timers, says HDB.

Build-to-order flat supply allocation in non-mature estates will be tripled to 15% from 5%, while Executive condominium supply allocation will be raised to 30% from 5%.

"The ramp-up in BTO flat supply has lowered the application rates for first-timers and increased their chances of success. HDB will now move on to help more second-timer households buy a new flat," said the House & Development Board.

"HDB will triple the second-timer allocation of BTO flats in non-mature estates from 5% to 15%. The allocation for second-timers will remain at 5% for BTO flats in mature estates and Sale of Balance Flat (SBF) exercise, so that first-timers continue to enjoy top priority in allocation. The change will be implemented from the March 2012 sales exercise onwards," HDB said.

"HDB will also increase the second-timer allocation of new EC units in a project from 5% to 30%, to match the prevailing profile of EC applicants. This allocation applies during the first month of public sales launch for EC projects," it said.

"We will apply the revised allocation with immediate effect to all EC projects, including those which are currently within their first month of public sales launch and those pending public sales launch," it added, it said.