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SINGAPORE: Parliament has approved changes to the Housing and Development Bill for the new design, build and sell scheme.

Under the amended bill, the private sector will be allowed to step into HDB's shoes to build and sell HDB flats.

Under the design, build and sell scheme, developers will bid for the land through open tender.

The successful tenderer will also have the flexibility to decide on the design of the flats, the flat mix and their pricing.

However, HDB will remain the lessor and administer the leases, while Town Councils will manage and maintain the common areas.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said the scheme would allow greater scope for market forces to work.

He said: "This new scheme will enable the private sector to play a bigger role in the public housing market.

"Our public housing programme will be more responsive to the needs and aspirations of Singaporeans.

"Market competition will also benefit HDB flat buyers by injecting fresh ideas into the design of public housing, giving them a wider choice of flats and better value for money."

And since the scheme is new, Mr Mah said, HDB would move cautiously and carry out some pilot projects first, to test the scheme's various features. - CNA/ir