Debated in Parliament on 2 Feb 2021.
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he can provide an update on the remaining number of HDB blocks that are not eligible for the Lift Upgrading Programme; (b) whether HDB will inform residents that it has made its final decision on each of these blocks; and (c) for those who choose to take up the Lift Access Housing Grant, what assistance will HDB be providing to owners who have difficulties selling their existing flats.
HDB has implemented the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) for over 5,000 blocks.
There are about 150 blocks where it is not feasible to implement LUP due to high cost, or existing technical or site constraints. For such blocks, HDB will continue to explore new technical methods to bring down LUP costs and to improve accessibility for residents living in flats without direct lift access. Hence, we need not make a "final decision" on LUP at this point.
In the meantime, residents living in these blocks who are in urgent need of direct lift access due to medical conditions or mobility reasons will be eligible for the Lift access Housing Grant (LHG) of up to $30,000 when they buy another flat with direct lift access. All flat owners who have taken possession of another flat are given a grace period of 6 months to dispose of their existing flat. This also applies to those who have purchased another flat with the LHG.
For flat owners who face difficulties selling their existing flat, HDB can grant an extension of time on a case-by-case basis. Flat owners who need further assistance can approach their HDB Branch for a discussion, and HDB will see how best to assist them.
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