While the removal of the 15-month wait-out period provides greater flexibility for private homeowners, some stakeholders express concerns about potential unintended consequences. The increased mobility may result in heightened competition for HDB resale flats, potentially driving up prices in the short term, especially for popular flat types and locations.
Additionally, the requirement to sell private property within six months may be challenging in a cooling property market, putting financial pressure on homeowners who may struggle to find buyers promptly. This could lead to distress sales or market imbalances if not carefully managed.
Critics also point out that the policy change might benefit higher-income groups more, as larger, more expensive flats may see increased demand, potentially impacting housing affordability for middle-income buyers. Therefore, continuous monitoring and potential policy adjustments remain essential to ensuring equitable access to public housing.
Overall, while the removal of the wait-out period addresses market conditions, stakeholders recommend cautious implementation and close observation of its effects on both the housing market and socio-economic equity.