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HDB launched 2,132 flats under the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) Exercise on 1 Oct 2009. Application for the SBF will close at midnight on 14 Oct 09. As at 2 pm today, a total of 20,394 applications were received for the 2,132 flats offered.
2 HDB had expected strong interest for these flats as they are limited in number, are located in the popular mature estates, and are either completed or close to completion. About 7 in 10 applicants are first-time flat buyers. The rest of the applicants have bought at least one flat in the past. Despite the priority given to first-time flat buyers, the chances for them to be short-listed to select a flat in this SBF exercise will not be high due to the overwhelming response.
3 First-time flat buyers who would like greater certainty in securing a flat should apply for the Build-to-Order (BTO) flats, which is our main mode of flat supply. HDB's records show that 96% of first-timers have been given a chance to select a BTO flat within two tries. 90% of our new flat supply are set aside for first-time home buyers. First-time home buyers also get double the chances under the ballot over second-timers, and four chances if they are living near or with their parents under the Married Child Priority Scheme.
4 HDB announced on 1 Oct 09 that 5,000 new BTO flats will be launched from Oct to Dec 2009. On 16 Oct 09 (Fri), HDB will be launching two new BTO projects with more than 1,000 flats in Sengkang and Jurong West. In Nov and Dec 09, HDB will be launching six BTO projects with 4,000 flats in Punggol, Sembawang, Bukit Panjang and Dawson Estates.
5 The large number of new flats offers choice and certainty to first-time flat buyers. In total, HDB will be supplying 9,000 new BTO flats this year, far more than the 2,900 balance flats sold under the current and previous sale exercises for this year.
6 HDB will continue to monitor housing demand and ensure that there is sufficient flat supply for first-time flat buyers.
Housing & Development Board
14 Oct 2009