SINGAPORE: Action has been taken against property agents since January 2022 for marketing vacant HDB flats that had not been lived in, the Council of Estate Agencies (CEA) said on Thursday (Oct 12). The action taken includes fines and letters of censure.
CEA found two property agents flouted rules and regulations and broke the Code of Ethics and Professional Client Care (CEPCC). An agent who marketed a vacant HDB flat at Yishun Street 51 was fined S$1,000 (US$730) and censured. Another agent who marketed an HDB flat at Depot Road was fined S$500 and also censured.
HDB said it will repossess the two HDB flats, reported Channel NewsAsia.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) requires flat owners to physically occupy the property and complete a minimum occupation period before selling their home. However, there were reports last year of HDB flats being marketed on property portals as brand new and never lived in.
“HDB takes the violation of MOP rules seriously and will not hesitate to carry out enforcement actions. Should investigations conclude that a flat was not owner-occupied during the MOP, HDB may compulsorily acquire the flat, impose a financial penalty of up to S$50,000, or issue written warnings,” said HDB.
Owners whose flats are compulsorily acquired by HDB will not be allowed to buy a subsidised flat or rent a public rental flat from HDB.