Wednesday October 4, 10:17 PM
First HDB housing project by private developer to be launched on Oct 7

SINGAPORE : Singapore's first public housing project undertaken by a private developer will be launched this Saturday.

And there is no need to queue for these flats as applications should be done online.

The Premiere @ Tampines, the first development under HDB's Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS), has its sights set on first-time home buyers and upgraders.

The application period for these flats will start from October 7, when the interested buyers can make their applications online.

The deadline for applications is October 18.

Buyers of these flats have to satisfy HDB's eligibility criteria.

And if they qualify for a housing grant, they can apply for it too, say the developers.

Diana Kuik, Executive Director, Sim Lian Land, said, "The interested buyers can actually come down to the showflat and make enquiries about their eligibility to purchase the DBSS' flat. They can also check with the banks that's going to be present here and HDB on their financing option."

After the application period closes, Sim Lian Land will conduct a ballot and will inform the buyers of their position in the queue four to six weeks after that.

The buyers will then turn up to select their flat.

Located at the junction of Tampines Avenue 5 and 6, this housing project will be ready in three years' time.

Eight blocks will house a total of 616 units.

Five-room flats will form the bulk of flats.

There will be 36 four-room flats and only four two-room flats in this 17 storey-development.

Kuik Sing Beng, Managing Director, Sim Lian Land, said, "The location is very prime because it's very near the Tampines Regional Centre...For the past 10 over years, there were no new flats in Tampines town. So, based on the pent-up demand in this area, we expect the take up rates to be good."

Because of their premium finishing, prices of the flats will be pricier than the normal HDB flats.

The two-room flats will cost at least S$138,000, the four-room flats will cost between S$278,000 and

S$410,000, while the five-room flats will cost between S$308,000 and S$450,000.

These flats will be managed by HDB and maintained by the Tampines Town Council. - CNA/ms