It is heartening to read that the Government will launch more HDB Build-To-Order flats over the next two years to meet demand for public housing (Supply of BTO flats to be increased over next 2 years, Dec 17).

It may be timely to consider the construction of build-to-rent units as well, an idea raised in March by Nominated MP Cheng Hsing Yao and a model adopted in some countries.

Exorbitant rentals may precipitate high asset inflation of properties.

I fully support any large-scale plans to build build-to-rent flats, preferably with HDB remaining as the institutional landlord for the sake of uniform administration.

The build-to-rent concept could also be synergised with future prime location public housing flats in a 50-50 ratio in the same housing project. This could bring about more vibrancy and social osmosis.

Having a sufficiently large supply of build-to-rent flats might help to stabilise excessive speculation on the resale market by giving Singapore residents more options and flexibility.

When renting a build-to-rent flat, young families and middle-aged couples could better allocate their resources instead of directing substantial financial resources to paying for 25-year to 30-year mortgages.

Sum Kam Weng

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-time-to-consider-build-to-rent-model