Change in Proportion of HDB Flats, Private Flats and Landed Properties

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development (a) in the last 10 years, what is the percentage change in the number of HDB flats, private flats and landed properties in relation to the total number of dwelling units in Singapore; and (b) what is the projected proportion of HDB flats to non-HDB flats for 2020.

Madam, between 2006 and 2016, the number of HDB flats increased from 880,000 to 1,011,000 units. The number of private properties, inclusive of landed properties, increased from 243,000 to 372,000 units.

Consequently, the proportion of HDB flats out of the total dwelling units in Singapore decreased from 78% to 73%, while the proportion of private properties increased from 22% to 27%. This is between the period of 2006 and 2016.

Over the coming years, the proportion of HDB flats to non-HDB flats is projected to remain stable. Our projections are that in 2020, the proportion of HDB flats out of the total dwelling units in Singapore will remain at around 72%.

I thank the Minister for the reply. Would the Minister consider keeping this ratio for the long term? I understand it used to be 80:20; now, it seems to be 70%-72%. So, is there a threshold that the Government would consider to maintain for this ratio, this proportion?

Madam, I should clarify that the ratio I indicated earlier refers to the ratio of dwelling units, not the proportion of households who live in public housing. The proportion of households who live in public housing remains at 80% today. But the physical dwelling units, as I mentioned earlier, over that period of 2006 and 2016, have varied − more private housing and, therefore, the proportion decreased from 78% of public housing dwelling units to 72%.

As I have mentioned, over the next few years, we think that this will remain stable. In the longer term, how will this vary? I think it is very hard to project what demographic trends there will be. But our commitment, clearly, is to make sure that we continue to provide stable and affordable public housing for Singaporeans.