Challenges in Ramping Up HDB Flat Supply

Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2017.

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Chong Kee Hiong asked for more resources to speed up HDB flat construction for young couples and the challenges faced by HDB.
Lawrence Wong said helping young couples is a priority, that BTO supply ramp-ups between 2011-2014 have cleared most first-timer demand, and that waiting times have been reduced by calling tenders earlier and using productivity measures like precast technology.
The main challenges for ramping up supply include securing immediate site availability and ensuring infrastructure capacity for new developments.
HDB is studying ways to build some BTO projects ahead of sales launches to shorten waiting times for couples with urgent needs, though this is not feasible for all projects due to land constraints and over-supply risks.

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Chong Kee Hiong

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for National Development whether more resources can be allocated to expedite the construction of HDB flats for young couples and what are the challenges, if any, HDB faces in ramping up new flat supply.

Lawrence Wong

Helping young couples own their first home is one of our key priorities. The ramp-up of Built-To-Order (BTO) flat supply between 2011 and 2014 has helped to clear the first-timer demand backlog. Most first-timers are now able to select a flat within their first or second application, and definitely on their third try. We will monitor the market closely and calibrate our flat supply to be responsive to the housing needs of Singaporeans.

To shorten waiting time for flat buyers further, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has since 2011 been calling tender for many projects as soon as designs are ready, instead of the previous practice of doing so only after 70% of flats have been booked. Hence, waiting time today is mainly down to construction time. In this regard, HDB has also adopted various productivity measures in the design and construction phases, such as the use of precast technology, to expedite construction.

In terms of challenges in ramping up new flat supply, immediate site availability is one, as time is often needed to ensure that existing encumbrances and uses on the sites are cleared. There is also a need to ensure that there will be sufficient infrastructure capacity, such as transport, sewerage and drainage, to support the new housing developments.

Nonetheless, we recognise that some young couples want a new home as quickly as possible. HDB is studying how we can advance the construction work of some BTO projects and build them ahead of their sales launches. While it is not feasible to do so for the entire flat supply due to land constraints and risk of over-supply, we can potentially do this for some projects every year. This will provide some flats with a shorter waiting time to cater to couples who need a new BTO flat more urgently.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Chong Kee Hiong asked for more resources to speed up HDB flat construction for young couples and the challenges faced by HDB.
Lawrence Wong said helping young couples is a priority, that BTO supply ramp-ups between 2011-2014 have cleared most first-timer demand, and that waiting times have been reduced by calling tenders earlier and using productivity measures like precast technology.
The main challenges for ramping up supply include securing immediate site availability and ensuring infrastructure capacity for new developments.
HDB is studying ways to build some BTO projects ahead of sales launches to shorten waiting times for couples with urgent needs, though this is not feasible for all projects due to land constraints and over-supply risks.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Challenges in Ramping Up HDB Flat Supply | PAPERCUTS

Challenges in Ramping Up HDB Flat Supply

Debated in Parliament on 9 Jan 2017.

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Chong Kee Hiong asked for more resources to speed up HDB flat construction for young couples and the challenges faced by HDB.
Lawrence Wong said helping young couples is a priority, that BTO supply ramp-ups between 2011-2014 have cleared most first-timer demand, and that waiting times have been reduced by calling tenders earlier and using productivity measures like precast technology.
The main challenges for ramping up supply include securing immediate site availability and ensuring infrastructure capacity for new developments.
HDB is studying ways to build some BTO projects ahead of sales launches to shorten waiting times for couples with urgent needs, though this is not feasible for all projects due to land constraints and over-supply risks.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Full Transcript

Chong Kee Hiong

Lawrence Wong

Summary written by AI (learn more)

Chong Kee Hiong asked for more resources to speed up HDB flat construction for young couples and the challenges faced by HDB.
Lawrence Wong said helping young couples is a priority, that BTO supply ramp-ups between 2011-2014 have cleared most first-timer demand, and that waiting times have been reduced by calling tenders earlier and using productivity measures like precast technology.
The main challenges for ramping up supply include securing immediate site availability and ensuring infrastructure capacity for new developments.
HDB is studying ways to build some BTO projects ahead of sales launches to shorten waiting times for couples with urgent needs, though this is not feasible for all projects due to land constraints and over-supply risks.

Questions identified by AI (learn more)

Challenges in Ramping Up HDB Flat Supply

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Chong Kee Hiong

Lawrence Wong

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Challenges in Ramping Up HDB Flat Supply

Summary

Questions Identified

Full Transcript

Chong Kee Hiong

Lawrence Wong

Summary

Questions Identified