URA to gather feedback on Housing Developers Rules proposed revisions

The amendments focus on providing more information to home buyers. 

The Urban Development Authority is looking to gather public reaction towards proposed amendments to Housing Developers Rules.

In particular, the key changes would allow developers to provide more information to home buyers strengthen protection for buyers of in-progress private residential properties. 

Under this change, a history of the developers, storey layout plans and information on ground rent payable and identity of the landowners will be required in order to obtain prior approval from the appropriate authorities. The same permission is also needed for the different features of a housing project shown in ads, void areas in unit floor plans and scaled floor plans as well for landed properties.

Terms cited in the Sale and Purchase Agreement (S&PA) will also undergo changes. The tolerance level in which developers are required to refund customers for any shortfall in their actual unit will be reduced. This includes refunding of additional cost items, interest paid on loads, load cancellation and loan cancellation fees, should the S&PA be annulled.

Homebuyers, meanwhile, can also anticipate developers to build facilities as committed on the plans. To safeguard this, the 12-month defect liability period and maintenance charges also take effect as the date of possession by the homeowner nears.

To take part in the survey, participants can submit their thoughts through gov.gov.sg/hdr-consult.