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<p><span>SINGAPORE : The government announced on Friday the immediate withdrawal of the Deferred Payment Scheme (DPS) for property purchases in view of the strong economic and property market conditions. <br/><br/>In October 1997, the government allowed developers to offer to purchasers of uncompleted private residential and commercial properties the option to defer part of the progress payments due, after the initial 20 percent downpayment, to a later stage. <br/><br/>In November 2001, the government further allowed developers to defer up to half of the initial 20 percent downpayment up to the issue of Temporary Occupation Permit or any time before that. <br/><br/>The DPS was introduced at a time when the property market was lacklustre and the economy was in recession. <br/><br/>The property market has since recovered and has been growing strongly in the last few years, driven by economic fundamentals, including robust economic growth and a rise in wages. <br/><br/>In view of the current buoyant property market, the government has decided to withdraw the DPS for the sale of uncompleted private residential and commercial properties with effect from 26 October 2007. <br/><br/>The removal of the DPS will also encourage greater financial prudence, as buyers will have to ensure that they have sufficient funds or are able to secure adequate loans from banks before they commit to buying a property. - CNA/ch</span>
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