Written Answer by MND on whether HDB can consider introducing a register for BTO flat applicants to register their interest and indicate their area of preference to enable HDB to plan their HDB launches to meet the applicants' demand

May 11, 2021

Mr Gan Thiam Poh: To ask the Minister for National Development whether HDB can consider introducing a register for BTO flat applicants to register their interest and indicate their area of preference to enable HDB to plan their HDB launches to meet the applicants' demand.

Answer:

MND and HDB have considered the Member’s suggestion to introduce a register for Build-To-Order (BTO) flat applicants. However, there is no assurance that doing so will improve the planning of BTO launches to meet demand since an indication of interest may not accurately reflect actual demand, as there is no commitment to buy. Furthermore, given our limited land supply, it may not always be possible to plan for more housing supply in areas which are in popular demand. 

For each BTO exercise, MND and HDB reviews the launch sites to ensure a good mix across both non-mature and mature estates, to provide applicants with a range of flat options that they can consider. HDB will continue to monitor the market situation closely and calibrate the supply of public housing accordingly, to ensure that the flat supply remains relevant and responsive to the housing needs of the population.