Raise en-bloc consent ratio to 99%

ST, Forum, April 19, 2008

WHEN the Land Titles (Strata) Act was amended, the majority required to approve a collective property sale was changed from 100 per cent to 80 per cent on the following basis:

A small minority (as we understand it) in places like Kim Lim Mansion blocked sales from going through;
The change to the law was meant to facilitate redevelopment in very run-down condos; and
The law was meant to allow intensification of land use in prime areas.
These original intentions have changed radically in that:

Now more than 20 per cent have to oppose the sale process in order to save their homes;
Condos in good condition have too often gone under the en-bloc hammer; and
Condos in non-prime areas are going en bloc, and not always with the intensification previously envisaged.
Since thousands of homes have gone en bloc and there is now talk of collective sales in too many condominiums, can the Government consider raising the ratio to 99 per cent consent?

With the proliferation of resistance to collective sales in condos in Botanic Gardens, Bayshore Park, Clementi Park, Green Lodge, Dairy Farm Estate, Mandarin Gardens and more, each with its own website, there is obviously a growing sentiment in favour of staying put.

Susan Prior (Ms)