Figures released by the HDB show that as at 11am today, the number of applicants for three-bedroom HDB flats or larger reached nearly 12,500, 38 per cent fewer than in February 2020, while the number of first-time buyers fell by almost half to more than 7,500.

HDB said initial indications are that the application rate for pre-purchase HDB flats is declining and stabilising.

Applicants are being encouraged to consider applying for pre-purchase HDB flats in non-established HDB areas or projects with a lower take-up rate to improve their chances of getting a flat.

Information shows that almost all first-time buyers who apply for projects in non-established HDB areas are invited to buy a HDB flat within three chances.