A home is a sanctuary, not a money-maker

I refer to the report “HDB leases: Buyers’ short-term focus may lead to future woes” (March 28).

Since there are residents who feel that the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme is a way to make money, the National Development Minister is right to set the record straight on this scheme, lest speculation continues.

I also agree with the letter “Odds stacked against getting windfall from Sers” (April 5).

A home, whether it is public housing or private property, must be a sanctuary for any family — a place of peace and rest after a day’s work or studying at school. A family should be happy to call it home.

With the Home Improvement Programme, which is heavily subsidised and includes several elderly-friendly features, flat owners, the elderly in particular, can be assured of a safer environment.

Some who have benefited from the programme, however, are seizing the opportunity to sell their flat in the hope of making a profit.

It does not help when property agents are stuffing flyers through gates and into the letterboxes of renovated homes in an attempt to lure owners to sell their flats.

House-hopping for monetary gain should be discouraged. Public housing, in particular, with all the government grants, must not be a money-making business, or else we would indirectly be creating a culture in which money becomes the be-all and end-all.

I cannot understand why people think nothing of packing and unpacking each time they move house. Moreover, the noise generated after new owners buy a flat can inconvenience the neighbours in the block and the opposite block.

This is happening in my neighbourhood practically every month.