Affordable HDB flats

The Minister for National Development said that HDB flats can be sold at a lower, more affordable price if the buyer accept that they have to be sold back to the Government at cost. He asked if Singaporeans would prefer to have this system.

I suggest the following approach:
a) Offer both choices to the citizens. Some prefer to pay more and have market values for their HDB flats. Others prefer to pay less and forego the capital gain. It depends on the personal circumstances. The PM once said that we cannot have "one size fits all".
b) The resale price to the HDB should be adjusted for inflation and for the shorter lease.
c) There should be a sufficient margin (say 30% to 40%) between the sale price of the "affordable" flat and the "marketable" flat.

We should also consider the Swiss system, where most people rent their flats. They can invest in property REITS, but they do not need to own their property. The properties can be owned by the REIT. This will give them the flexibilty to move closer to their place of work, following a change of job. They are not tied to their own purchased property.

Tan Kin Lian