HDB launches 3,497 new flats

SINGAPORE — The Housing and Development Board (HDB) launched four Build-To-Order (BTO) projects today (March 26), offering 3,497 new flats in the non-mature towns of Sembawang, Sengkang and Yishun.

The new flats comprise 2-room to 5-room units, and Three-Generation (3Gen) flats.

HDB said in a statement today the new flats are meant to meet the diverse housing needs of first-time buyers, second-timers, multi-generation families, and singles.

First-timers will continue to have priority flat allocation, with at least 85 per cent of 4-room and 5-room flats and 70 per cent of 2-room and 3-room flats in the BTO supply set aside for them.

Eligible first-timer singles have the option of applying for a 2-room flat in EastCrown @ Canberra, EastLace @ Canberra, and Fern Grove @ Yishun.

Married or courting couples who wish to apply for a 3Gen flat together with their parent or parents can apply for one at Anchorvale Parkview, which will offer 70 3Gen flats in the exercise.

Other multi-generation families who wish to live in the same BTO project can apply under the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS).

There will be flats set aside in EastCrown @ Canberra, EastLace @ Canberra and Fern Grove @ Yishun for that purpose.

HDB will set aside up to 15 per cent of the Studio Apartments, 2-room and 3-room flats in a BTO project, subject to a minimum of 20 units each, for parents applying under MGPS.

The same number of 2-room and bigger flats will be set aside in the same BTO project for their married children.

This is the second BTO launch for 2014, bringing the total number of flats offered for sale this year to 6,636.

HDB said as with all new public housing developments launched since January this year, it will introduce a standard suite of eco-features in all four projects.

The features are meant to manage water, energy and waste more efficiently.

Regular updates on the number of applications submitted for the various flat types or towns will be published at HDB InfoWEB.

HDB advised applicants to check for updates before submitting their applications.

In May 2014, HDB will offer about 3,060 BTO flats in Bukit Batok and Woodlands. An additional 3,000 flats will be offered in a concurrent Sales of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise.

More information on the flats for offer under the May 2014 BTO exercise can be found at the HDB InfoWEB. CHANNEL NEWSASIA