I REFER to the letter, 'Consider HDB buyers' age too' (my paper, May 20) by Ms Shirley Thong.

Based on our records, Ms Thong was invited to select a flat under the half-yearly sale exercise and Build-to-Order (BTO) exercise (Punggol Arcadia), launched in October and November last year, respectively.

This is notwithstanding the fact that her queue numbers were high, in her view.

She did not select a flat on both occasions. Flat applicants, regardless of age, will have their own reasons to buy a flat early.

The Housing Board is therefore unable to accord special consideration to applicants in their mid-30s as Ms Thong suggested, as it would not be fair to others.

First-time flat buyers like her are given additional help in flat applications.

This includes setting aside 90 per cent of the flat supply for first-timers and double the chances over second-timers in the ballot.

Mr Ignatius Lourdesamy
Deputy director
Marketing and projects
Housing & Development Board

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