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More couples apply for new flats in mature estates

SINGAPORE — Close to eight in 10 applications for new flats in Ang Mo Kio, Kallang-Whampoa and Tampines in the most recent Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise last month were made under a new priority scheme for married couples with young children.

Thirty per cent of applications under the priority scheme were for flats in non-mature estates. TODAY file photo

Thirty per cent of applications under the priority scheme were for flats in non-mature estates. TODAY file photo

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SINGAPORE — Close to eight in 10 applications for new flats in Ang Mo Kio, Kallang-Whampoa and Tampines in the most recent Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise last month were made under a new priority scheme for married couples with young children.

Figures from the Housing and Development Board (HDB) yesterday revealed that applications under the Parenthood Priority Scheme (PPS) made up 79 per cent of flats available in these mature estates.

In contrast, applications for flats in non-mature estates made up 30 per cent, which means that almost all PPS applicants who opted for flats in non-mature estates would get to select a unit, said a HDB spokesperson.

“Those who opted for flats in the mature estates would also get their chances of success improved, as unsuccessful applicants under the PPS would have another chance in balloting for a new flat with all other first-timers,” the spokesperson added.

The scheme, introduced last month as part of the Government’s enhanced Marriage and Parenthood Package, sets aside 30 per cent of BTO flats and 50 per cent of soon-to-finish BTO flats or Sale Balance Flats for first-timer married couples with children under 16 years old.

In last month’s BTO exercise, HDB said 20 per cent of all first-timer BTO applications were made under the scheme.

Before the Parenthood Priority Scheme, the HDB selection process distinguished only between first-time and second-time buyers, with at least 85 per cent of new flats reserved for the first-timers.

Besides the attraction of more “established” amenities, such as wet markets, food centres, medical clinics, in mature estates, applicants may also have viewed the higher “probability of capital appreciation” as compared to flats in newer estates, said SLP International research head Nicholas Mak.

He added that the urgency to apply could have also played a part for families with young children, as HDB said previously that units set aside for families will be released to other first-timers if they are not taken up. Ashley Chia, with additional reporting by Sumita Sreedharan

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