Studies on Maintenance Complexities and Costs of Super-tall HDB Blocks

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the Ministry has conducted comparative studies between super-tall HDB blocks and mid-rise HDB blocks on (i) life-cycle maintenance and operating costs borne by Town Councils and (ii) complexity and cost of implementing upgrading programmes and facade repairs; and (b) whether current funding and maintenance frameworks remain adequate to support Town Councils managing these taller HDB blocks over time.

Maintenance and life-cycle considerations are taken into account upfront in the design of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) developments, including lift provisions, facade design and choice of materials, to ensure long-term maintainability of the blocks.

While taller blocks may incur higher maintenance and inspection costs due to their scale and systems, these developments also house more units. The larger number of households contributing Service and Conservancy Charges (S&CC) helps to support the maintenance needs of such developments.

Town Councils fund their operations, including maintenance works, primarily through S&CC collections, and are supported by over $280 million a year in Government grants. In addition, HDB co-shares 50% of the costs for facade repairs under the Facade Repairs Co-payment Scheme. The Government will continue to monitor the Town Councils' finances, including the maintenance demands of taller blocks, and assess whether further funding support is required.