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Public housing policy: The gradual privatization of the HDB (Housing and Development Board) mortgage loan

David Kim Hin Ho (Department of Real Estate, School of Design and Environment, National University of Singapore, Singapore)
Eddie Chi Man Hui (Department of Building and Real Estate, Faculty of Construction and Land Use, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China)

Property Management

ISSN: 0263-7472

Article publication date: 27 June 2008

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the merits of a full privatization policy of the HDB concessionary rate mortgage loans. It is believed that price competition among domestic banks will be infused and sustained, resulting in improved efficiency for the banking sector and the economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first compares the loan interest rates of the domestic banks for HDB flat buyers to the HDB concessionary interest‐rates. Then it investigates the performance of the HDB, by assessing whether its mortgage yields are able to meet the requirements set forth by means of HDB's hurdle rates.

Findings

The findings suggest that HDB's mortgage yields are insufficient in meeting the performance standards set by the HDB, reflected by the hurdle rate. In conclusion, it is recommended that the HDB should further delegate this part of business to the private sector, where better financial performances are expected among domestic banks under competitions.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is confined to mortgages subject to constant interest rates over time, despite, firstly, the availability of floating‐rate mortgages on the market, and, secondly, the quarterly revised fixed rate mortgages offered by the HDB.

Originality/value

While sharing some structural similarities with the USA on mortgage finance, disparities in the degree of government involvement in the mortgage market of Singapore makes it worth studying. Also, it sheds light on further studies on other nations with similar features, such as the presence of strong government support in the mortgage finance sector.

Keywords

Citation

Kim Hin Ho, D. and Chi Man Hui, E. (2008), "Public housing policy: The gradual privatization of the HDB (Housing and Development Board) mortgage loan", Property Management, Vol. 26 No. 3, pp. 152-170. https://doi.org/10.1108/02637470810879215

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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