Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on number of applicants for HDB's Sale of Balance Flats and Re-Offer of Balance Flats in each of the last three years

Feb 16, 2021

Mr Liang Eng Hwa: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) in each of the last three years, what is the number of applicants for HDB's Sale of Balance Flats and Re-Offer of Balance Flats respectively; and (b) whether there is a need to review HDB's home sales programme to shorten waiting time and better match home buyers’ needs and preferences. 
 
Answer:

HDB received about 35,000, 31,000 and 23,000 applications for the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. 

HDB received about 10,000 and 8,000 applications for the Re-Offer of Balance Flats (ROF) exercise in 2018 and 2019 respectively. In 2020, HDB did away with the Re-Offer of Balance Flats (ROF) exercise, so that most of the unselected flats from the SBF exercises can be offered directly for open booking, instead of first being offered through the ROF exercises. The open booking of flats was launched in Jun 2019, and allows home seekers to apply for a flat online. Applicants get their flat selection appointment on a first-come-first-served basis, which can be as early as the next working day. This has helped buyers who have more urgent housing needs and are less particular about flat locations to book a flat more quickly.

In addition, HDB has launched about 6,500 BTO flats with shorter waiting times of about 2 to 3 years, since Nov 2018. These flats come with floor finishes, internal doors, and sanitary fittings, enabling home buyers to move into their new flats sooner.

HDB will continue to refine its sales processes, review its sales programme, and where possible, continue to launch flats with shorter waiting times, to better meet the needs of home seekers.