http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/sub/...47893,00.html?
Published July 18, 2011
HDB ramps up BTOs to raise chances for applicants: Khaw
By LYNN KAN
(SINGAPORE) Ramping up the launches of build-to-order (BTO) flats would reduce the application rate, and hence raise the chances of applicants getting a unit, Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan said on his blog yesterday.
The minister also shared data compiled by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) on successful applicants in BTO exercises held from January to March this year, which showed that the chances of being able to choose a flat in a BTO project were higher when there were fewer applicants for them.
However, when more applicants vied for a BTO flat, 'the chances to select fell significantly, especially for second-timers', he noted.
Citing the January BTO exercise, Mr Khaw noted that in a scenario where two individuals applied for a flat, 'practically all' first-timers - those who have never bought a flat from HDB directly nor taken a CPF housing grant - won the chance to choose a flat. More than eight in 10 second-timers were eligible to choose BTO flats too.
However, in a situation where five applicants applied for a flat in February's exercise, the percentage of successful first-timers who could choose their flats dwindled to between 37 per cent and 59 per cent. And only 13 per cent of second-timers got the chance to select a unit.
'That is why we are ramping up BTO launches to reduce application rate, and hence raise the chances for our applicants,' wrote Mr Khaw. He stressed in his post that the HDB 'loads' the ballot in favour of first-timers.
So in the February BTO exercise, first-timers were 'three to five times more likely to be selected than second-timers' to pick their flats.
HDB assigns more 'chances' to first-timers who had not been successful in previous attempts so as to improve their chances of being able to select a flat.
Mr Khaw also observed: 'Applicants to choice BTO launches are more likely to say 'yes'. Applicants who have been unsuccessful earlier are more likely to say 'yes' too.'
He said that his ministry is tackling the issue by giving applicants more choices. 'We are trying to offer larger BTO launches. This way, we hope to provide more choices and reduce the odds of repeated disappointment.'