URA's reply, 30 Jan 2015

Show-flats should accurately depict units

We thank Ms Tsang Ngai Wing Guen for her feedback ("Stricter rules on show-flats needed"; last Saturday).

It is important for developers to be transparent by providing accurate upfront information on housing units in sales documents, and we require them to do so. Since May 2012, we have required developers to provide more comprehensive information on residential properties to home buyers, including a scaled floor plan and a breakdown of the unit's floor area by spaces such as bedrooms, living room, balcony, planter box, air-conditioner ledge and so on.

We encourage home buyers to look through this information carefully before deciding on their property purchase. It will help them make better-informed decisions.

Later this year, we will introduce mandatory guidelines requiring developers to accurately depict units in their show-flats. For instance, developers will be required to clearly mark out and label any non-structural walls that have been removed.

Ling Hui Lin (Ms)
Controller of Housing
Urban Redevelopment Authority

Letter, 24 Jan 2015, The Straits Times

Stricter rules on show-flats needed

I bought a condominium unit and collected my keys last month.

When I saw the actual unit, I was disappointed as it was very different from the show-flat in the developer's sales office.

Some walls were not displayed in the show-flat, so the sitting room was smaller than I thought as part of it turned out to be balcony space.

Also, some doors were not included in the display unit. In my apartment, the junior master bedroom door swings into the frame of the adjoining bathroom door.

When I pointed out this design flaw to the developer, I was told there was nothing to be done about it except install a stopper.

Another major problem was that the developer had laid marble tiles for the washbasin and shower areas in the bathroom of the master bedroom.

Considering how the bathroom will get wet when one is using it, there is always the risk of slipping on the marble floor.

I asked the developer if this was safe, and was told it had been approved by the Government.

Despite my complaints, the developer said it would not change the tiles. Instead, it suggested I use anti-slip mats or hire a contractor to roughen the floor.

This is on top of the smaller issues, such as uneven floor tiles on the balcony and uneven timber flooring.

I bought the unit as I thought the developer was reputable and produced high-quality units. I was clearly wrong.

I hope there will be stricter rules on show-flats, and that home buyers will be more cautious before purchasing a home.

Tsang Ngai Wing Guen (Ms)