HDB said that home buyers who are in urgent need of housing may consider buying a resale flat instead where first-time buyers may enjoy up to S$160,000 in housing grants.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said that the extent of delay varies for each BTO project “depending on site-specific conditions such as the availability of manpower, pace of construction and the availability supply of material”.
“The construction sector has been hit hard by COVID-19 and most BTO projects have been delayed beyond their original estimated completion dates”, said Mr Lee in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
“Nevertheless, HDB is working hard with contractors and other agencies to reduce construction delays and will continue to keep our homebuyers updated on the completion date of their new flat,” he added.
The August BTO exercise takes place from Wednesday to Aug 17 and applications can be made online at HDB InfoWEB.
Applicants can apply for only one flat type or category in one town under the BTO exercise.
In November, HDB will offer about 4,400 BTO flats in towns and estates such as Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Kallang Whampoa and Tengah.
The projects are still under review, and more details will be announced when ready.
Including the projects to be offered in November, HDB said it is on track to launch about 17,000 BTO flats this year.
“This is higher than the 14,600 and 16,800 flats launched in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and will be supplemented by the balance flats which are offered via the (Safe of Balance Flats) exercises and open booking,” it added.
In February next year, HDB will offer about 2,000 to 3,000 BTO flats in towns or estates such as Geylang, Tengah and Yishun. This number is subject to review as more project details will be confirmed closer to the launch date.
More information on the BTO flats is available on the HDB website.
“HDB will continue to monitor the housing demand and make adjustments where necessary,” it added.