2.2 first-timer applicants for each unit in latest BTO sales exercise SINGAPORE: Application rates for first-timers rose marginally in the latest Build-To-Order flats sales exercise, the first BTO offering this year. Applications close at midnight but overall as of 5pm, there were 2.2 first-timers applying for each new unit. This is higher than the 1.8 in the previous exercise in November last year. It is also the first time since March last year that the application rate for first-timers has gone above two. The application rate then was 2.2. A total of 3,346 new flats in six BTO projects were offered in the sales exercise. The projects are in both the mature towns of Ang Mo Kio, Kallang-Whampoa and Tampines as well as in non-mature towns Choa Chu Kang, Hougang and Yishun. Observers said the increase in first-timer application rates could be due partly to the introduction of the new Parenthood Priority Scheme. Under the scheme, married couples with children under the age of 16 have priority when they apply for new flats for the first time. 30 per cent of flats are set aside for them. From Channelnewsasia