In light of the debate on whether to allow singles to buy new HDB flats, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan assured Singaporeans that he’s looking into such concerns, but asked for more patience as the government needs to focus on other flat applicants.
In his most recent blog post, Mr Khaw said that he is aware of singles’ housing woes, but asked them to let him “tackle the more urgent needs of the married couples first, especially the first-timers”.
Nonetheless, he is grateful for the suggestions forwarded to his Ministry, including allowing singles to buy BTO flats which should not be at the severe expense of married couples; putting some restrictions on the type of flats that singles are allowed to buy; and banning singles from renting out flats.
Others recommended that if two singles with two BTO flats subsequently get married, one of the flats should be sold; and there must be a difference in subsidies received by singles and married couples.
Mr Khaw also appreciates that property analysts aired their views, commenting on how the policy will affect the resale market, especially the shoebox segment.
“I am glad that many Singaporeans have given thoughts to this topic. That is the value of such national conversation, creating a forum for interested Singaporeans to share their views and suggestions on a common topic.”
While not all suggestions would be accepted, all the ideas will be duly considered, he noted.
In the meantime, the government is working on the “immediate needs of the second-timers until they are largely addressed next year”.
In addition, Mr Khaw aims to deal with the expected surge in demand once singles are allowed to buy new flats.
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