Does demand for HDB BTO units in mature estates need tempering?

YOUNG Singaporean couples are getting more help in owning a home. And the results of the latest Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) indicate application rates have reduced and are stabilising.

The HDB allocates the bulk of BTO flat supply for first-timer families. At least 95 per cent of four-room and larger BTO flats are set aside for first-timer families.

Among first-timer applicants, families with children aged 18 and below, as well as young married couples aged 40 years old and below get an additional ballot for their BTO flat applications starting from the August BTO exercise.