Debated in Parliament on 5 Apr 2022.
Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development whether the Government will consider increasing the average size of HDB flats across flat types in view of changing societal trends and work norms.
HDB flats are designed to provide a living environment that is functional and comfortable. For instance, bedrooms are built with large windows to optimise natural lighting and ventilation, while kitchens are designed to be open to increase the sense of spaciousness. HDB flat sizes have not changed since 1997, but average household sizes have decreased.
HDB flats are also designed to give residents flexibility to reconfigure spaces in their homes to meet their needs, including working from home. For example, columns in new flats are pushed to the edges wherever possible, to better accommodate changes in layout. Many homeowners have personalised their homes through renovation and creative furnishing.
Given Singapore’s land constraints, HDB has to strike a balance between the size of HDB flats and the supply of flats. We will continue to gather views and ideas to improve the design of public housing to better meet residents’ needs.
PAPERCUTS