First-timer Buyers of BTO Flats in Mature Estates

26 Mr Desmond Choo asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the average percentage of buyers of BTO flats in mature estates who are first-timers; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider extending the Special Housing Grant (SHG) to first-timer buyers with parents who live within two kilometres of BTO flats in mature estates.

Mr Lawrence Wong: The Housing and Development Board (HDB) sets aside a large proportion of the new public flat supply for first-timer families. On average, about eight in 10 buyers of Build-To-Order flats in the mature estates are first-timers.

The Special Central Provident Fund (CPF) Housing Grant (SHG) is intended to help lower- to middle-income households own their first home. To encourage financial prudence, SHG is limited to the purchase of new 4-room and smaller HDB flats in the non-mature estates. There are currently no plans to extend the SHG to the purchase of flats in the mature estates. Eligible first-timer households can continue to enjoy up to $40,000 in the Additional CPF Housing Grant when they purchase a flat in the mature estates.