Government looking at lowering HDB flat eligibility age for singles, raising income ceiling for couples, families: Chee Hong Tat
The Government is looking at the possibility of raising the eligibility income ceiling for couples and families, as well as lowering the age at which singles can apply for a new Housing Board (HDB) flat, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat has said.In his first sit-down interview with the local media on Aug 5 since his appointment as minister, Chee said that any such changes will depend on whether there is an adequate supply of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats to meet the anticipated increase in demand.The current BTO income ceiling for families and married couples is $14,000 a month, while singles must be at least 35 years old to be eligible to purchase public housing.Chee said that lowering the age limit for singles, as well as raising the income ceiling will lead to more Singaporeans qualifying to buy a BTO flat, causing the demand to go up.“Without a strong supply of BTO flats, we will not be able to meet this new demand… it’s important for us to create the right conditions to be able to make these policy moves,” he said.