Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on ballot chances for first-timer BTO flat applicants

Nov 4, 2019

Mr Gan Thiam Poh: To ask the Minister for National Development: 

a) How effective has the current grant of an additional ballot chance for each failed attempt by a first-timer in securing a BTO flat been; and
b) Whether HDB will review and consider alternatives such as the improvement of chances by multiples of 20% for each attempt so that the applicants will have almost guaranteed success after more than three attempts.

Answer:

Currently, first-timer families are given two ballot chances when HDB shortlists flat applicants to book a flat. Those who have been unsuccessful in two attempts for BTO flats in the non-mature estates will be given an additional ballot chance at their subsequent application for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates. As a result, in recent years, virtually all first-timer families have been successful within their first three tries for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates. 

We will continue to review and update our policies where necessary to ensure that new HDB flats remain accessible to all first-timer families.