HDB Relook one-year penalty for invited applicants who choose not to select a flat

I am writing to raise concerns about the HDB policy that imposes a one-year penalty on Build-To-Order applicants who choose not to select a flat when invited to do so.

- Yong Sow Shiung

HDB’s rationale is that applicants who pass on their selection deprive others of a chance at home ownership. When someone declines to select a flat, the next person in line is invited. The system continues smoothly, and no flat is left unselected simply because someone ahead opted out.

This policy, however, fails to account for the personal and long-term nature of buying a home.