Smaller down payment for BTO flats should not be the motivation for students to buy 

HOUSING may not be something that is on top of couples’ minds while they are still studying, but the latest changes to the Build-To-Order (BTO) scheme by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) could spur more couples to start planning ahead.

Among a series of changes made to improve housing affordability, the Ministry of National Development said that it would halve the initial down payment for BTO flats for couples who qualify for the deferred income assessment. Eligible couples will pay a 2.5 per cent down payment on their flat when they sign their lease agreement.

To qualify for deferred income assessment, couples must be current full-time students, recent graduates or national servicemen. At least one party must be aged 30 or below, and the couple must be married or applying for a flat under the Fiance-Fiancee Scheme.