NATIONAL Development Minister Mah Bow Tan on Friday said the
Government is considering coming up with tougher measures to deter
first-time Housing Board flat buyers from repeatedly declining to
select a flat.
In an interview with Lianhe Wanbao on Friday, he said changes
might be made to the HDB's build-to-order scheme to penalise those
who forgo the flat selection process despite being successful
during balloting.
This will prevent those who do not need to buy a flat urgently
from applying indiscriminately.
Under the current rules, applicants who reject two chances to
select a flat will have their first-timer priorities removed for a
period of one year.
This means if they apply for a flat in any HDB sales exercise
within that one-year period, they will no longer enjoy priorities
for first-timers. These priorities include being given two chances
in the shortlisting of their applications, as compared to a
second-time applicant, who gets only one chance.
When asked if the harsher penalties might include extending the
one-year period, Mr Mah said the Government is still looking into
the changes.
