Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on BTO flats for singles
Apr 3, 2017
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah: To ask the Minister for National Development
(a) what is the availability ratio of 2-room BTO flats to the number of applicants;
(b) whether there are plans to increase the number of BTO flats for singles;
(c) whether priority can be given to applicants who have applied at least three times but were unsuccessful; and
(d) whether more 2-room flexi flats can be reserved for singles as they have fewer affordable options compared to others.
Answer:
In 2016, HDB received an average of 2.7 applications from families, elderly and singles for every 2-room Flexi Built-To-Order (BTO) flat offered.
Singles were allowed to buy 2-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates from July 2013. To address the strong demand, HDB has increased the 2-room Flexi flat supply in non-mature estates from 320 units in 2012 to an average of 4,000 units per year between 2014 and 2016.
40% of 2-room Flexi flats are set aside for elderly applicants, including singles aged 55 and above. These applicants enjoy priority allocation if they apply under the Senior Priority Scheme to age-in-place or move nearer to their parents.
The remaining flat supply is divided equally between non-elderly singles and families. In addition, any balance of flats not taken up by elderly or families will be offered to singles.