More BTO flats to be set aside for first-timer applicants from August exercise

First-time applicants will have a higher chance in securing a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat in non-mature estates from the next BTO exercise on August 30.

This comes following adjustments to BTO allocation quotas, said the Ministry of National Development (MND) and Housing & Development Board (HDB) in a joint statement on Saturday (Aug 27). 

For first-timer families, at least 85 per cent of the three-room BTO flat supply and 95 per cent of the four-room and larger flat supply in non-mature estates will be set aside for them. This is an increase from the current levels of 70 per cent and 85 per cent respectively. 

In mature estates, HDB will continue to set aside at least 95 per cent of BTO flat supply for first-timer families.

For first-timer singles, up to 65 per cent of the non-senior two-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates will be set aside for them, an increase from up to 50 per cent currently.

HDB will also continue to set aside part of the BTO supply for second-timer families to meet their housing needs, the board said in the press release.

Second-timer applicants in need of subsidised housing will continue to have access to BTO flats.

HDB will still set aside five per cent of two-room Flexi and three-room BTO flats in non-mature estates for divorced or widowed parents with child, under the Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/ Widowed Parents) (ASSIST).

To meet the strong housing demand, HDB said that it has been ramping up the supply of BTO flats and will launch up to 23,000 flats per year in 2022 and 2023.