Recently, the old arguments of balloting vs walk-in selection for buying of properties have been reignited again.
Personally, I prefer walk-in selection than balloting. The reason is very simple. When you buy a flat during walk-in selection (no balloting), you know what you're getting, and you can confirm the buy on the spot.
Balloting? First you have to "register" your ballot. Later on, you'll get a "lucky draw" number. If you see the number in the realm of 4 digits, you give up and you try another. If not, you'll take leave to make a trip down to see if you can get the flat that you're eyeing at.
To me, that's a complete waste of time. Sometimes after all these hassle, you can't get anything! All those arguments about first-timer getting how many extra chances, family with kids, etc etc hold no water with me. Why? A hint... You're not the only person with the extra chances.
There are also many people who enter many ballots at the same time. In Singapore lingo, tikam tikam. See which queue number is shorter. This actually makes the balloting more tedious because you have many people in the queue who are not serious in buying the flat. They are just trying their luck. Recently, HDB tried to stop it with extra rules. However, the rules came a little too late (property down-turn), so it's hard to see if its effective.
Walk-in selection of course have their own cons. People queuing up for 2-3 days, need to know what are the upcoming properties so you can be the first in the queue, etc...
Personally, I'm anti-balloting. Complete waste of time, and a waste of $10. However, you have no choice in the matter, unless you're rich enough to buy private flats.
I just wonder if there are any ways to stop people from putting so many ballots at the same time. Hmm...
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