Written answer by Ministry of National Development on open booking of HDB flats and possibility of switching from first-come-first-served to randomised balloting system

Feb 26, 2025

Question No: 6601

Question by: Ms Hazel Poa

To ask the Minister for National Development since the launch of open booking of HDB flats in June 2019 (a) what is the number of applications in each exercise; (b) what is the median number of minutes between the opening of applications to the time when all selection appointments are taken up; (c) whether HDB will consider switching from a first-come-first-served system for selection appointment to a randomised balloting system; and (d) if not, why not.

Answer:

The open booking of flats was introduced in June 2019. To date, there have been nine exercises, with an average of about 4,700 applications per exercise.

HDB does not cap the number of selection appointments, so the scenario that the Member described, where “all the selection appointments are taken up” does not exist.  

The Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise is HDB’s mainstay of flat supply. Unsold BTO flats are consolidated and offered in a Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise. Both BTO and SBF flats operate on a balloting system to shortlist applicants. The unsold flats from SBF exercises are then offered in an open booking exercise. Previously, such flats were re-offered for sale under the Re-Offer of Balance Flats (ROF) exercise which operated on a balloting system. Unlike BTO and SBF exercises, given the very limited flat supply, the current first-come, first-served approach allows applicants to select an open booking unit as early as the next working day. Those who select completed units can also collect their keys soon after booking. They largely cater to home seekers who have urgent housing needs and are less particular about the flat and locational attributes.

Nonetheless, HDB will continue to review its various sales modes, and refine them where necessary, to better meet the diverse needs of home seekers.