HDB launched the HDB Flat Eligibility Letter (HFE Letter) on Tuesday, May 9, and will now obtain the personal data of HDB applicants directly through the Government's MyInfo website for eligibility assessment.

The income assessment period for applicants will be extended from three or six months prior to application to 12 months.

As for the change in the way the Home Purchase Allowance is paid, most potential buyers believe that whether two applicants are required to share the allowance equally will have little impact on them.

The HDB has also introduced several changes to its HDB housing policy to coincide with the launch of the Notice of Eligibility to Purchase, and members of the public planning to purchase a flat generally welcomed the change in the income assessment period to 12 months.

Local citizen Xiao Lihe (31, insurance practitioner) and his permanent resident wife tried to apply for a HDB flat earlier this year, but were unsuccessful as their monthly household income for the previous six months exceeded the $14,000 ceiling set by the HDB.

He said that now that the assessment period has been lengthened from three or six months to 12 months prior to filing the application, they will not be prevented from applying for a HDB flat because of the extra income they earned during a certain period.

HDB has adjusted the income assessment period for home buyers and changed the eligibility for the Home Purchase Allowance to one based on the main family nucleus, making it easier for those in genuine need to buy a HDB flat.