In response to an inquiry from MediaCorp's English news network CNA, HDB said that technical issues with HDB's online platform also prevented a small number of buyers from accessing the applications, but these were resolved earlier this month.

Earlier, buyers interviewed by CNA said they had to wait for a long time, up to 31 working days, to apply for a Notice of Eligibility to Purchase (NOEP), while some complained that after submitting their applications, the forms disappeared into thin air and could not be accessed.

HDB has been requiring all HDB flat buyers to apply for a Notice of Eligibility (NOE) since May 9th. The authority said it takes up to 21 working days to process the applications. If there is a peak period, the waiting time could be even longer.

HDB did not disclose how many buyers had to wait more than 21 days, but said that some applicants in the sales campaign launched in May had longer-than-usual waiting times due to system malfunctions, and resources needed to be mobilized to fix the problem. HDB has also been progressively informing applicants from the 20th of this month that the authority will take longer to process applications for Notices of Eligibility to Purchase (NOEPs). However, the authority has assured these applicants that it will approve their Notice of Eligibility to Purchase (NOEP) applications before they book an appointment to apply for an HDB flat.