I REFER to the letter, 'Geylang Serai flats too small' (ST, Nov 10), by Mr Abdul Rahim Mydin.
HDB offers a wide range of flat sizes and designs to meet the needs of small and large families. In addition, our new flats are designed for more efficient use of space. New four-room flats, like those on offer in Geylang Serai, have a floor area of about 90 sq m. These flats have three bedrooms in addition to living/dining rooms and kitchen, and are large enough for most families. For larger families, HDB also offers new five-room and executive flats with floor areas of 110 sq m and above under its Walk-in Selection exercises in towns such as Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jurong West, Punggol, Sembawang, Sengkang and Woodlands. HDB has adjusted the size of new flats over the years, in line with decreasing household size. Nevertheless, the flat sizes are still comparable to those of many private apartments, and larger than most apartments in other Asian cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong and Seoul.
The five-room flats at Redhill Close offered under the August 2006 Balloting Exercise were priced to reflect their choice location, floor area, and their proximity to facilities and amenities, while offering buyers a significant subsidy below their market valuations. The overwhelming response attests to their affordability and appeal.
Kee Lay Cheng (Ms)
Deputy Director
(Marketing & Projects)
For Director
(Estate Administration & Property)
Housing & Development Board
