SELECTION CRITERIA OF NEW AND RESALE HDB FLAT OCCUPIERS

Abstract

Public Housing is an important housing choice for many people as more than four-fifths of the population is housed in HDB flats. This dissertation attempts to examine the differences in the selection criteria of the HDB new and resale flat occupiers by means of a survey of randomly selected residents in Hougang New Town. Such information can serve as a basis for the evaluation and improvement of the quality of future flats. 25 factors were divided into 4 main aspects: environmental; locational; physical and individual factors. In general, the most important factor influencing the selection are peacefulness, cost, and proximity to place of work. Similar findings have been recorded by numerous other studies done on private residential units. Differences in response between HDB new and resale flat occupiers are obtained for the following factors: (1) Proximity to place of work (2) Proximity to relatives (3) Proximity to public transportation (4) Newness of unit (5) Knowledge of the estate (6) Renovation of flat (7) Certainty of delivery

The analysis of householders' selection pattern based on different income groups and ethnic groups also showed significant differences between them.