Yearly Number of Reconstituted Families Applying for HDB Loans

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the number of reconstituted families applying for a HDB loan every year; (b) what percentage of HDB loan applications by reconstituted families are rejected because one spouse has taken prior HDB loans even though the other spouse has not and so would have been eligible for a HDB loan; and (c) whether HDB can consider making it easier for reconstituted families to buy and get HDB loans if one of the spouses has not benefited from HDB loans or subsidies.

HDB provides up to two concessionary housing loans to eligible Singapore citizen households, subject to credit assessment. Households who require another loan, including reconstituted families where one party has previously taken two HDB housing loans, have the option of taking up a housing loan from the financial institutions regulated by MAS.

HDB does not keep track of the number of HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) applications made by reconstituted families as applicants are only required to provide their current marital status when they apply for an HLE letter. Nevertheless, HDB does exercise flexibility to offer a third or subsequent housing loan to flat buyers, including reconstituted families, who have urgent housing needs and have no alternative financing options.