Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on demand for HDB flats by flat type

Oct 6, 2020

Mr Gan Thiam Poh: To ask the Minister for National Development in each year of the past five years for both mature and non-mature estates respectively (a) what is the number of HDB flats for each flat type built; (b) what is the average subscription rate for each flat type; and (c) whether HDB will consider increasing the supply of 4-room, 5-room and 3Gen flats to meet demand.

Answer:

From 2015 to 2019, HDB built 12,764 2-room flats and Studio Apartments (SAs), 12,150 3-room flats, 33,487 4-room flats, 17,330 5-room flats and 530 3-Gen flats in the non-mature estates. Over the same period, HDB built 3,294 2-room flats and SAs, 6,324 3-room, 13,887 4-room, 2,463 5-room and 112 3-Gen flats in the mature estates.

Between 2015 and 2019, the annual average Build-to-Order (BTO) application rates for 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room and 5-room/3Gen flats in the non-mature estates ranged between 1.2-2.9 times, 2.0-2.6 times, 1.8-3.5 times and 2.4-4.0 times respectively. As for the mature estates, the annual average BTO application rates ranged between 1.0-3.1 times, 1.6-4.9 times, 3.1-11.0 times, and 2.8-14.4 times respectively.

In planning the BTO flat supply, HDB adopts a comprehensive approach, taking into consideration factors such as the prevailing economic and housing market situations, as well as long-term demographic and population trends. HDB also provides a range of flat types to meet different housing needs.

Between 2019 and 2020, the annual BTO flat supply increased from 14,600 units to about 16,700 units, to meet the overall demand for public housing. In particular, the annual supply of 4-room and bigger flats has increased by 42%, from about 7,900 units in 2019 to about 11,200 units in 2020.

HDB will continue to monitor the housing market closely, and calibrate the BTO supply and flat types offered in its sales exercises to meet the housing needs of the population.