Allow seniors to sell their private property after buying HDB flat

I fully support the idea of senior citizens downgrading from a private property to a Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat to finance and enhance their sunset years. (“Loosen HDB policy to help elderly be more financially independent”, Sept 1)

However, the proposal to allow them to keep their private property without having to sell it when they downgrade is not going to fly with the authorities. Perhaps the rules could be amended so seniors who own a private property can buy an HDB flat, provided they sell the private property within six months of possessing the flat.

Currently, private owners must first sell their private property and wait three years before they can apply for an HDB flat or an executive flat, even for one on the resale market. This deters them from downgrading as they would need to rent a property during the three years before they are eligible for public housing.