Debated in Parliament on 18 Aug 2015.
Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked the Minister for National Development of the occupiers of HDB flats under the Public Rental Scheme (i) how many qualify to purchase at least a new 2-room BTO flat; and (ii) what are the reasons they have chosen not to do so.
Public rental households are generally eligible to buy a new or resale flat. However, they may not be financially ready or cannot afford to buy a flat. Some of them also decide not to buy a flat because of their old age, or preference to stay in their current rental flat as they are familiar with the living environment.
During the renewal of tenancies, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) will actively nudge tenants who are financially stable to buy a flat. Eligible tenants will also be encouraged to make use of the various housing grants to move on to home ownership.
In the last three years, about 1,700 ex-rental tenants had moved into their home ownership flats. In addition, as of June 2015, 2,600 rental tenants had booked home ownership flats and are waiting for the completion of their flats.
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