reporter2
18-03-13, 17:35
http://www.straitstimes.com/archive/tuesday/premium/singapore/story/most-singles-above-35-eligible-flats-20130312
BUDGET DEBATE
Most singles above 35 eligible for flats
Published on Mar 12, 2013
MORE than 80 per cent of singles aged above 35 meet the criteria for buying a two-room flat directly from the Housing Board.
It is not just "a few singles who will be eligible", Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said yesterday.
Last Friday, his ministry announced that singles older than 35 can buy two-room flats from the HDB if they earn no more than $5,000 a month.
On Sunday, he said the Government could raise the income cap depending on demand.
But he warned that too high a ceiling would require balloting, and this could result in the most needy not getting flats.
He reiterated this point yesterday after Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) asked when the cap would be reviewed.
Opening the scheme to those earning below $5,000 is a "reasonable" first step, Mr Khaw said.
Though he had received some negative e-mails claiming "only a few can enjoy this scheme", that is not true, he said. After excluding retirees, he said between 80 and 85 per cent of working singles aged above 35 earn no more than $5,000 a month.
It is fair to open the scheme to this bulk of singles, then see if demand is manageable before raising the ceiling, he added.
Mr Khaw also said if balloting was required because of an overly high salary ceiling, "you may end up offering many units to those who are earning $10,000 or whatever while depriving those who are truly earning, say, $4,000 or $3,000 who may need (them) more badly and have less options".
Ms Lee also asked if singles might be allowed to buy three-room flats to look after their parents. Mr Khaw noted that they can already apply as a family unit with their parents at any Build-to-Order flat launch.
JANICE HENG
For more news and analysis on Singapore Budget 2013, click here for ST's Big Story coverage.
BUDGET DEBATE
Most singles above 35 eligible for flats
Published on Mar 12, 2013
MORE than 80 per cent of singles aged above 35 meet the criteria for buying a two-room flat directly from the Housing Board.
It is not just "a few singles who will be eligible", Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said yesterday.
Last Friday, his ministry announced that singles older than 35 can buy two-room flats from the HDB if they earn no more than $5,000 a month.
On Sunday, he said the Government could raise the income cap depending on demand.
But he warned that too high a ceiling would require balloting, and this could result in the most needy not getting flats.
He reiterated this point yesterday after Ms Lee Bee Wah (Nee Soon GRC) asked when the cap would be reviewed.
Opening the scheme to those earning below $5,000 is a "reasonable" first step, Mr Khaw said.
Though he had received some negative e-mails claiming "only a few can enjoy this scheme", that is not true, he said. After excluding retirees, he said between 80 and 85 per cent of working singles aged above 35 earn no more than $5,000 a month.
It is fair to open the scheme to this bulk of singles, then see if demand is manageable before raising the ceiling, he added.
Mr Khaw also said if balloting was required because of an overly high salary ceiling, "you may end up offering many units to those who are earning $10,000 or whatever while depriving those who are truly earning, say, $4,000 or $3,000 who may need (them) more badly and have less options".
Ms Lee also asked if singles might be allowed to buy three-room flats to look after their parents. Mr Khaw noted that they can already apply as a family unit with their parents at any Build-to-Order flat launch.
JANICE HENG
For more news and analysis on Singapore Budget 2013, click here for ST's Big Story coverage.