Average waiting time for BTO flats is 32 months

Average waiting time for BTO flats is 32 months
By Satish Cheney | Posted: 11 January 2011 2145 hrs

SINGAPORE : A typical Build-To-Order (BTO) project comprising five blocks of not more than 20 storeys took an average 32 months to complete in the last two years.

Based on this, the HDB is confident that its contractors will be able to build and deliver most of the flats in about 2.5 years or 30 months, without compromising quality and structural safety.

This is according to National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan who was responding to MP Ho Geok Choo who asked if HDB is confident it can complete the construction of flats.

In his written statement, Mr Mah said: "Construction may also take longer if it is affected by factors such as poor soil conditions, site constraints or complex design features. The longest construction time for a typical BTO project over the last 20 BTO projects has been 42 months while the shortest was just 26 months."

Mr Mah said HDB is also working with contractors and suppliers to shorten the construction period.

He said this is being done by increasing resources, enhancing and streamlining work processes, and raising site productivity.

The estimate is that buyers of typical BTO projects launched from mid-2011 will generally need to wait 30 months to collect their keys after booking their flats.

- CNA /ls

- wong chee tat :)