Mr Lim Chong Leong suggests that the Housing Board allow successful Build-To-Order (BTO) flat applicants who are affected by construction delays to opt for resale flats without forfeiting their deposit (Let those affected by BTO delay buy resale flats without penalty, May 18).

Anyone who is allowed to cancel the sales agreement in this way should be considered a second-time applicant if he applies for another BTO flat in the future.

This would make it fairer to other eligible applicants.

Implementing Mr Lim's suggestion would also mean a surge in demand for resale flats, increasing their price and potentially putting them out of reach of buyers who are eligible to buy only resale flats.

Ng Choon Lai