Efforts to Increase Supply of HDB BTO Flats in Non-mature Estates
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns efforts to increase the supply of BTO flats in non-mature estates (NMEs) relative to mature and prime locations, as raised by Ms Mariam Jaafar. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee explained that HDB is ramping up BTO supply in 2022 and 2023 despite site constraints like interim uses and environmental studies. He noted that over 23,000 flats were launched in 2022, a 35% increase from 2021, with more than half of these units situated in NMEs. For instance, the November 2022 exercise launched nearly 6,000 NME flats, a figure exceeding the total number of flats provided in a typical BTO launch. The Ministry continues to monitor demand and adjust supply to provide a wide range of affordable flats that meet the diverse needs of first-time homebuyers.
Transcript
34 Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for National Development what steps are being taken to increase the supply of HDB's BTO flats in lower priced non-mature estates as opposed to mature estates and prime location public housing.
Mr Desmond Lee: Over the past two years, there has been strong, broad-based demand for housing. HDB has thus committed to ramp up BTO flat supply in the immediate two years of 2022 and 2023 and is prepared to do more if needed.
While HDB has streamlined development processes to support the BTO ramp-up, there remain constraints at certain planned BTO sites. For example, some of these sites may be currently occupied by interim uses that cannot be vacated earlier or there may be existing encumbrances on-site. For sites with environmental or heritage concerns, additional time will also be needed to conduct the necessary studies and public engagement of the relevant stakeholders.
Nonetheless, HDB strives to maintain a healthy supply of NME BTO sites at every BTO launch. For example, for the November 2022 BTO exercise, HDB launched almost 6,000 flats in NMEs, a supply that is larger than the total number of BTO flats launched in a typical BTO exercise. For 2022, we have launched more than 23,000 flats, an increase of 35%, compared to 2021. More than half of these flats are in NMEs.
MND and HDB will continue to monitor demand closely and make the necessary adjustments to meet the housing needs of Singaporeans, especially those seeking to buy their first home. We will continue to offer a wide range of flats in different locations to meet diverse budgets and housing needs.