Written answer by Ministry of National Development on annual number of HDB BTO ballot errors and actions taken

Oct 16, 2024

Question No: 6217

Question by: Ms He Ting Ru

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) for each year of the last five years, how many HDB BTO applications were allocated a wrong ballot number due to the system categorising applicants in the wrong priority category; (b) how many flat bookings were allocated to such applicants; (c) how many of such flat bookings were subsequently cancelled; and (d) what recourse or assistance was made available to applicants who were affected and find themselves having to re-ballot for flats in later BTO exercises although it was not their mistake.

Answer:

Over the past five years, HDB processed and balloted close to 370,000 Build-To-Order (BTO) flat applications. Of these, less than 0.1% had their balloted queue positions subsequently revised. These revisions typically arose from the applicants' request, such as withdrawals from priority schemes, or when applicants were found to be ineligible for the priority schemes that they had applied for based on the documents subsequently submitted to HDB.

Only a very small fraction of revisions was due to erroneous processing. Since the implementation of the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter process in May 2023, 23 cases out of approximately 55,000 applications balloted fell into this category. In such instances, HDB corrected the queue positions to ensure fairness to all applicants. Of the 23 cases, one applicant had already booked a flat when the error was identified during HDB’s counter-checking process. HDB subsequently sought the applicant’s’ understanding, cancelled the booking and refunded the option fee.

Despite the low incidence of such cases, HDB treats these matters seriously. To minimise future occurrences, HDB has implemented additional safeguards, including system enhancements and reviews of operating procedures. These measures are part of HDB’s ongoing commitment to ensure a fair and accurate allocation process for all applicants.