HDB combined September and November’s launches to roll out a massive 12,000 new and balance flats this month. And the response is overwhelming. Especially as more applicants are now eligible for new HDB flats as this is the first launch following the implementation of the new income ceilings of $6,000 for singles and $12,000 for families.
Photo credit: HDB
More than 2,100 families and 220 singles applied for flats in estates such as Bidadari, Bukit Batok, Hougang, Sengkang, Choa Chu Kang and Punggol. Demand for flats in the much-lauded Bidadari HDB estate was the highest, as projected. There were almost 22 applicants vying for a single unit and the most popular units were the four-room flats, with more 5 applicants per unit. A total of 1,400 elderly buyers applied for the 966 units specially set aside for them, though the number of singles going for 2-room flats under the 2-room flexi scheme overshadowed the number of elderly applicants.
This response to this launch, despite it having a total of 12,000 units made available, could possibly show that the demand for public housing has not yet waned. Combined with the ease of applying for a HDB flat, and with the gap between public and private property prices widening, demand may remain high in the year ahead.
Applications for the current launch close at midnight. The next launch will be in February 2016.
