The Housing Board (HDB) cannot meet all expectations of home buyers even though the standard of housing has increased over the years, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan.

Addressing Parliament on 23 November, he said some buyers seemed to have unrealistic expectations.

Although new HDB flats are”going to be even nicer over time… certain expectations we cannot meet”, he said.

HDB cannot build flats only in mature estates, or flats that are only in high floors, he pointed out.

“I need to have flats on the second floor and third floor as well. And who is going to live on these floors?

“So I think our commitment is that we will build and make available flats to young couples at affordable prices.”

The minister was responding to Nominated MP Viswa Sadasivan, who had wondered why –despite the measures for adequate and affordable housing –“there appears to be a groundswell of discontent that first-time buyers are not able to buy the flats”.

Replying, Mr Mah shrugged off the suggestion that there is a groundswell or discontent.

However, feedback from the ground has shown that home buyers “ would like HDB to provide ready-made flats in good locations at cheaper prices, faster, better… and this is the reason why I think we have to better communicate our policies, said Mr Mah.

“But I dare say that there is also a mis-match of expectations, that there is an element of unrealistic expectations.”