Tin Pei Ling shares thoughts on DBSS controversy

Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade Tin Pei Ling has shared her views on Facebook about the controversial Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) project in Tampines.

Last week, the 708-unit Centrale 8 caused public outrage after an S$880,000 price tag for its largest unit was revealed, as the price was comparable to that of an executive condo.

But project developer Sim Lian later announced that the quoted price ranges were only "indicative" and released a new "confirmed price range", which entailed a S$100,000 discount to S$778,000 for the top-end units.

A note was posted by Tin on her Facebook account on 24 June, entitled "Short note on housing 3: HDB land — a matter of principle."

She wrote, "The recent high profile sale of DBSS flats at Centrale 8 stunned many Singaporeans, including myself. Questions were raised by many members of the public. Some asked why HDB flats built on HDB lands and eventually to be managed by the Town Councils (i.e. like normal HDB flats) should be priced by private developers. I understand and sympathise with these views."

"Allowing private developers who had successfully acquired HDB lands to independently price DBSS units may be in line with 'free market' principles, but it also means HDB losing control over precious lands that could be better utilised for BTO flats or community facilities."

"DBSS was meant to offer an additional housing option to Singaporeans – premium but less expensive than private condominiums. It is right to offer tiered options to address the different aspirations of Singaporeans. But the 'devil is in the details', and what might have been a useful housing option in 2005 may no longer be as suitable today," she added.

"Some have pointed out that Singaporeans can choose not to purchase over-priced DBSS flats. But I think the issue is one of principle - given the land scarcity in Singapore, HDB land should be reserved for building affordable public housing, and not apartments that HDB has little influence over."

"As part of MND's overall review of housing policies, perhaps it should either let HDB take back the right to price DBSS units, or include a clause to compel price negotiations between HDB and the private developers."

To contact the journalist, you may send your message to editor@propertyguru.com.sg

More from PropertyGuru:
MND to closely watch shoe-box units
Khaw's blog causes jitters among developers
Woodleigh MRT station opens after 8 years
DBSS is not HDB, says Khaw