More Chances for Applicants Buying HDB BTO Flats Near Parents

Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development whether an even higher priority of four chances can be given to applicants of HDB BTO flats when they apply for flats near to their parents.

Families who wish to buy a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat to live with or near their parents or married child enjoy priority in their flat application under the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS) and the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS).

Under MCPS, HDB sets aside up to 30% of flat supply for first-timer families and up to 15% of flat supply for second-timer families. Within the MCPS quota, first priority is given to applicants who apply for a flat to live with their parents or married child, and parents who own a flat in the mature estates and apply for a flat in the non-mature estates to live near their married child.

Married couples and their parents can also make a joint application for two new flats in the same BTO project under MGPS. The parents can book a 2-room Flexi or 3-room flat, and up to 15% of these flats are set aside for MGPS parents. A corresponding number of flats in the project is set aside for married couple applicants.

Besides these priority schemes, first-timer families are given two ballot chances, compared to one for second-timer families. First-timer families who have two or more unsuccessful applications for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates are also given an additional ballot chance for their subsequent BTO application in the non-mature estates. As a result, virtually all first-timer families who have applied for a BTO flat in the non-mature estates, regardless of their eligibility for priority schemes, are successful by their third try.

Families also have the option of buying a resale flat, and eligible families who live with or near their parents or married child can enjoy a Proximity Housing Grant of up to $30,000 and $20,000 respectively.

I thank the Member for his suggestion and assure him that MND and HDB will continue to review our public housing polices to ensure that they remain relevant and responsive to the needs of flat buyers.