HDB should keep income ceiling for studio flats, allow resale
It is encouraging that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) is reviewing the sale of two-room flats and studio apartments to meet the needs of retirees, singles and small families (“HDB to raise income ceilings for BTO flats, ECs”; June 24).
The new “two-room flexi” scheme would make housing more affordable, and probably allow some to save more.
One feature of the studio apartment scheme that should be retained is the S$10,000 income ceiling, so as not to disqualify working seniors who wish to downgrade, while a feature that should be changed is to allow resale.
Due to changing circumstances, the HDB should also review the eligibility criteria of schemes for other categories of buyers.
For example, a new couple is now ineligible to apply for a new flat if one spouse had previously bought two new flats, even if the other spouse had not done so nor owned a flat.
Also, Central Provident Fund grants should be extended to applicants who have never obtained one in their previous purchases.
And in view of the high property prices, many flat owners may have difficulty upgrading or buying another home in other locations.
It is time to allow owners to buy a third new flat instead of the current two.
