Tie BTO income ceiling to financial need, not just pay

I refer to the article “BTO income ceiling can be raised, singles’ eligibility age lowered when right conditions in place” (Sept 26), and also note the strong showing in the private housing market as reported in “New private home sales lifted by flurry of launches before Hungry Ghost month, low interest rates” (Sept 15).

- 

I laud the Government's intent to keep Build-To-Order flats affordable and accessible for genuine first-time home owners. However, the proposal to raise the income ceiling once again necessitates a closer look at who truly benefits from this change. It is an open secret that for many Singaporeans, the property progression from BTO to flipping the flat after its minimum occupation period to buying an executive condominium or private property - has become the “Singaporean dream”. This cycle i