A new priority scheme to aid married couples with young children secure a new HDB flat faster was introduced last month. This is part of a slew of governmental measures to spur marriage and parenthood in Singapore.
Under the scheme, 30% of flats in any new launch of BTO exercise would be reserved for married couples with children under the age of 16. The scheme was rolled out with the release of 3,346 BTO flats in 6 towns last month.
In the non-mature estates of Choa Chu Kang, Hougang and Yishun, 30% of applicants applied for BTO flats under this category, which means that almost all applicants under the new scheme would be allocated a flat. In contrast, 80% of applicants in the mature estates of Ang Mo Kio, Kallang/Whampoa and Tampines applied for flats under the new scheme.
The overwhelming response was not unexpected as mature towns were generally more popular due to better transport accessibility and amenities.
For applicants who did not get a flat due to oversubscription, they would be given another balloting chance. In addition, 50% of the balanced flats would be catered specifically for them. Balanced flats are usually close to construction completion and they could meet the needs of families who urgently need a place to stay.
As a whole, there were a total of 12,000 bids for flats and 20% applied under the Parenthood Priority Scheme.
