The supply of new build-to-order flats will dip to 17,000 next year, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said in his latest blog post on Dec 14. “We are gradually tapering supply but still ensuring a healthy pipeline to meet demand,” wrote Wong. It is a drop from the 18,000 BTO units launched this year, and from the high of 25,000 released annually between 2011 and 2013.

To help reduce the wait times for new BTO flats, Wong has tasked HDB to plan and prepare for new sites. The minister says these units will be made available by 2018. The move will benefit younger couples, who have been giving feedback to Wong about the need to shorten wait times.