The government will assist newlyweds with a combined monthly salary of less than S$10,000 to obtain their first Build-to-Order (BTO) flats, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, adding that the government is capable of constructing over 100,000 flats.
In parliament yesterday, Mr Khaw also said that second-timers can expect better chances of acquiring BTO flats, as the government plans to increase the units allocated for them in a year’s time.
The government is constructing 50,000 public flats in the first two years. “If the demand remains strong, we have the resources and the capacity to build more than 100,000 HDB flats during this term of government,” said Mr Khaw.
Although the planning phase for 56,000 units in Tengah will begin soon, the government noted that BTO projects will not be launched in that area during the current term. Also, the construction of infrastructure such as drains and roads, as well as other works, will start later than those at Bidadari.
To make the flats more affordable, Mr Khaw explained that the government has “stabilised the prices” of BTO flats since May.
“We have moderated price changes such that after adjusting for differences in location, amenities and other physical attributes, the May, July and September BTO prices were roughly comparable to the prices of similar units in the April BTO launch. The upcoming BTO launch next month will repeat this pattern,” he said.
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