But at prices of $500,000 to $730,000, the Design, Build and Sell Scheme units don't come cheap
By
Joyce Teo, Property Correspondent
Some 4,500 people turned up last month at the launch of The Peak @ Toa Payoh, a project built under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS). Prices at the 1,203-unit go up to $722,000. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM
ACCOUNT manager Samuel Lee and his wife were among those who bought a five-room flat at Parc Lumiere in Simei.
Although the recently launched condo- style HDB project offers something more than a regular HDB flat, its location - more than anything else - was what sealed the $477,000 deal for Mr Lee, 27.
'Facilities-wise, it can't beat The Peak and Natura Loft,' he said, referring to two similar projects.
'It's the location. It is literally just across the road from my in-laws'.'
Thanks to buyers like him, Parc Lumiere is nearly sold out, even though its first-come, first-served sale method meant that many buyers had to brave the heat and queue for hours before they got to book a unit.
However, those keen on a condo-style HDB flat - or what HDB terms a Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) flat - need not fret because there are still units available.
The 360-unit Parc Lumiere, for instance, has 30 five-room units left for sale, while the 480-unit Natura Loft in Bishan has more than 100 five-room units left.
DBSS projects are designed, built and sold by private developers.
They are ungated and are subject to public housing rules, such as the $8,000 household income ceiling, ethnic quota and a five-year minimum occupation period.
But unlike regular HDB flats, they offer condo-style fittings and layouts.
