HDB: Divorcee should be able to get loan‏

Nov 8, 2009

YOUR LETTERS

HDB: Divorcee should be able to get loan

We refer to the letter from Ms Norliah Abu, 'Divorced and can't afford a flat' (Oct11).

We have looked into Ms Norliah's circumstances. She has enjoyed housing subsidies in the form of a Central Provident Fund (CPF) housing grant and HDB concessionary loan. She transferred her executive flat to her ex-husband in December 2007.

Based on her CPF savings and her monthly salary, she should be able to obtain a bank loan to purchase a flat.

Ms Norliah and her two children are currently living with her brother. She has applied for a four-room flat in Jurong West under our Sale of Balance Flats exercise.

The average purchase price of a four-room flat in Jurong West is about $260,500.

Based on the Housing Board's preliminary assessment, she will need a bank loan of about $140,000 for the intended flat purchase. She can pay her monthly instalments solely using her monthly CPF contributions.

She can also consider buying a more affordable flat to minimise her loan.

Ms Norliah is not eligible to apply for a subsidised rental flat, as it is meant for the needy who have no other housing options.

If she is unable to obtain a bank loan, she may contact the HDB on 6490-3827 for assistance.

Tay Koon Quie
Deputy Director (Sales)
Housing & Development Board