@AfricanSkies - That would be wonderful news to hear then if its true.
When I did my interview, I was also told last year in Nov that we would either opt for a company rental or take the allowance. I am joining in December this year and my friends who are in the middle of their training had to take a mandatory company living and they could opt out but there is a long que for that. This would be a good news if its confirms true. I will get more info on it around November to confirm the same.