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Couples have greater chances of getting a flat if their parents move in with them when the new Housing Board scheme to encourage multi-generational living kicks off this month.
But the scheme is open to abuse, and those who flout the rules will be hard to detect, say property experts.
Married couples applying previously for a flat for the first time had four ballot chances under the Married Child Priority Scheme. Second-time HDB flat buyers get two chances.
Now, married couples who are first-time HDB flat buyers get six ballot chances instead of four if they choose to live with, or within 2km of their parents, while second-timers get three chances.
Experts said applicants might claim to live together but rent a unit or live elsewhere. Occupants would also be likely to come up with excuses to back up their claims.
The Straits Times also reported that the chances of the scheme being abused would possibly be higher in applications for popular areas such as estates near a good transport network, or with better amenities.
HDB typically conducts random checks to verify that residents are conforming to these rules, and can impose a financial penalty if there is proof that the system has been abused. But issues of sensitivity and intrusion will then be raised.
The new scheme will kick off this month with the launch of Build-To-Order flats.
But the scheme is open to abuse, and those who flout the rules will be hard to detect, say property experts.
Married couples applying previously for a flat for the first time had four ballot chances under the Married Child Priority Scheme. Second-time HDB flat buyers get two chances.
Now, married couples who are first-time HDB flat buyers get six ballot chances instead of four if they choose to live with, or within 2km of their parents, while second-timers get three chances.
Experts said applicants might claim to live together but rent a unit or live elsewhere. Occupants would also be likely to come up with excuses to back up their claims.
The Straits Times also reported that the chances of the scheme being abused would possibly be higher in applications for popular areas such as estates near a good transport network, or with better amenities.
HDB typically conducts random checks to verify that residents are conforming to these rules, and can impose a financial penalty if there is proof that the system has been abused. But issues of sensitivity and intrusion will then be raised.
The new scheme will kick off this month with the launch of Build-To-Order flats.
