Housing & estates — Topics

3 Apr 2017

Baseline Functionalities in Design of HDB Estates

In new HDB estates, a network of covered linkways is provided to connect residential blocks with amenities, though the route may balance shelter with aesthetics rather than taking the most direct path.
HDB typically engages private consultants to design and supervise construction using the Quality-Fee Method, which prioritizes quality criteria like track record and design proposals over cost in tender evaluations.
HDB has a quality management system to ensure design compliance, including reviews and audits at various stages before construction, and collaborates with consultants and contractors to rectify any serious design shortfalls.

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3 Apr 2017

Equipment for Fitness Corners at HDB Estates

Leon Perera asked about the criteria for selecting fitness corner equipment in HDB estates, how many are designed for National Servicemen’s IPPT training, and whether they also serve other residents like the elderly, teenagers, and children.
Lawrence Wong explained that new HDB developments since the mid-2000s include 3G Family Playgrounds with fitness stations for adults and the elderly, selected by consultants to meet safety standards and cater to different fitness needs.
He noted that IPPT exercises—push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2.4km run—do not require special equipment and can be done at fitness corners or at home, so existing facilities are not specifically designed for IPPT.

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3 Apr 2017

Causes for Popping or Cracking Tiles in HDB Flats

HDB received about 2,000 cases of dislodged floor tiles per year in the past two years, averaging 0.2% of units annually.
Causes include wear and tear such as differential thermal expansion and contraction, and natural deterioration of the bond between tiles and screed.
Flat owners are responsible for repairs, but HDB offers goodwill repairs for tiles originally provided by them for up to 15 years.
For flats older than 15 years, HDB assists with inspections and disposal of affected tiles and provides a list of registered contractors for private engagement.

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3 Apr 2017

Deployment of Technicians to HDB Car Parks During Breakdown of Electronic Parking System

The Minister explained that HDB’s electronic parking system is managed by 10 decentralised service providers, each with a 24-hour call centre to assist motorists via intercoms at car park entrances and exits.
Service providers are required to deploy a response officer to the site within 10 minutes if issues cannot be resolved remotely, under normal traffic and weather conditions, with liquidated damages imposed for non-compliance.
The Minister noted that the current decentralised system allows for immediate assessment and deployment, and did not indicate plans for further decentralisation beyond the existing provider structure.

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3 Apr 2017

Enforcement Actions against Illegal Subletting or Overcrowding in HDB Flats

In the last three years, HDB took enforcement action against 70 cases of unauthorised subletting and overcrowding, using public feedback, random checks, and inter-agency collaboration with Police, ICA, and MOM.
HDB conducts regular random checks and responds to public feedback to investigate suspected breaches, but does not disclose the frequency of surprise checks to avoid compromising operations.
The Ministry is reviewing rules on the maximum number of occupants and the duration of short-term stays, considering suggestions to address high tenant turnover and disamenities in HDB estates.

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3 Apr 2017

Availability of 2-room BTO Flats

The Minister confirmed that while 2-room BTO flats are in high demand, HDB has significantly increased supply and allocates flats with priority for elderly singles and families, and singles can also use resale grants for more options.
A follow-up question highlighted cases where singles and retirees have applied unsuccessfully multiple times, seeking priority or alternative support.
The Minister acknowledged that non-elderly singles face high application rates (about 7:1) due to backlog, and efforts are focused on ramping up supply to clear it over the next two years.

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10 Mar 2017

HDB Lifts Able to Accommodate Standard-size Ambulance Stretchers in Emergencies

Mr Ong Teng Koon asked if there are plans to ensure all HDB lifts can accommodate standard-size ambulance stretchers during emergencies.
Minister Lawrence Wong stated that most HDB lifts meet the minimum internal dimensions set by the Building and Construction Authority, but older blocks may have smaller lifts.
Some smaller lifts in older HDB blocks can accommodate wheelchairs but not ambulance stretchers in an inclined position.
HDB will collaborate with Town Councils to explore possible improvements for these older lifts.
The response acknowledges the current limitations and outlines a collaborative approach to address the issue.

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10 Mar 2017

Town Councils (Amendment) Bill

The Bill introduces stricter governance, transparency, and accountability measures for Town Councils, including mandatory reporting and government intervention powers to protect residents' interests.
It establishes a dedicated Lift Replacement Fund (LRF) requiring Town Councils to allocate a minimum percentage of income, supported by government grants to help cover future lift replacement costs.
The government will provide substantial financial support, including a $450 million Lift Enhancement Programme and additional matching grants, while emphasizing shared responsibility for long-term maintenance.
Opposition MPs raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, the role of civil servants in investigations, and the appropriateness of MND as regulator, but the government defended the framework as necessary after past governance issues.
The Bill was passed with dissent recorded from several MPs, primarily over Clause 24, which relates to the powers and oversight mechanisms in the new legislation.

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10 Mar 2017

Town Councils (Amendment) Bill

The government introduced amendments to the Town Councils Act to strengthen governance, financial management, and oversight, citing the need to protect public funds and residents' interests as Town Councils manage larger assets and face higher public expectations.
The opposition Workers' Party supported improved governance standards but opposed the enhanced regulatory powers granted to the Ministry of National Development (MND), arguing they could be politically misused against opposition-led Town Councils and proposing independent oversight instead.
Debate arose over the handover process between Town Councils, with PAP MPs highlighting operational difficulties during transitions, while opposition MPs defended their management and called for fairer systems and dispute resolution mechanisms.

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7 Mar 2017

Committee of Supply − Head T (Ministry of National Development)

Minister Lawrence Wong announced measures to reduce the waiting time for BTO flats to about two and a half years, lower rental rates for the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme, and improve the resale flat transaction process.
The government outlined plans for the "Farm Transformation Map" to enhance local food production through technology and international partnerships, while also establishing a Real Estate Industry Transformation Map to boost productivity and skills.
MPs raised concerns about housing affordability for vulnerable groups, including single parents and divorcees, with the Ministry highlighting case-by-case flexibility and support through schemes like the Fresh Start Housing Scheme.

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3 Mar 2017

Personal Explanation

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah clarified her visit to a new BTO development in Nee Soon South in 2017.
She stated that the visit was part of her duties as an MP for the constituency.
She emphasized her role in visiting all new BTOs in her neighbourhood when completed.
She declared that she was the Qualified Person for the project.
The personal explanation was made to set the record straight regarding her actions.

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1 Mar 2017

Income Eligibility Criterion for Rental Housing

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the Ministry of National Development would review rental housing eligibility criteria to consider household or per capita income, possibly setting per capita income at $650 similar to ComCare standards.
The Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong, stated that HDB regularly reviews eligibility criteria and exercises flexibility to assist families who do not meet income ceilings, especially larger households.
Louis Ng further inquired whether HDB officers proactively inform applicants about waiver options and suggested tying future rental flat supply to demand projections based on ComCare recipients.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that appeals for rental flat rejections are publicly known and accepted, and noted that the supply of rental flats is being increased to meet demand.

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20 Feb 2017

Proportion of Unsuccessful First-Time HDB BTO Flat Applicants after Fifth Attempt

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about the proportion of first-time HDB BTO applicants who remain unsuccessful after five or more attempts and the reasons for this.
Minister Lawrence Wong stated that most first-timer families secure a flat within one to three tries, especially in non-mature estates.
Those unsuccessful after five or more attempts typically apply for flats in mature estates or Sale of Balance Flats (SBF), which have high application rates and lower success chances.
The minister encouraged first-timer families to apply for BTO flats in non-mature estates to increase their chances of securing a home sooner.

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20 Feb 2017

Updates on New and Innovative Technologies for HDB Residents with Lift Access Problems

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked for updates on new technologies to help HDB residents in units with difficult lift access and the proportion of such units.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that the Lift Upgrading Programme has helped most of the original 5,300 blocks without full lift access, with only about 150 blocks still unsolved.
Innovative solutions like machine room-less elevators and bubble lifts have been tried, but recent pilots such as pneumatic vacuum and vertical platform lifts were deemed unfeasible for residential use.
Less than 1% of sold HDB flats lack direct lift access, and residents with urgent medical or disability needs can seek case-by-case assistance from HDB.

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20 Feb 2017

Repair of Lifts that Break Down Repeatedly

Ms Tin Pei Ling questioned the Ministry of National Development about plans to fix newly installed lifts that break down repeatedly despite recommissioning, and whether the increased maintenance costs over a "lemon" lift's life would be less than replacement costs.
The Ministry responded that HDB takes lift safety seriously, with a thorough commissioning process including independent audits and stress tests, and noted that a batch of 469 Sigma lifts in Ms Tin's ward had higher breakdown rates due to door and sensor misalignment.
HDB is working with Sigma on improvement works like modifications and replacements to enhance door operations, and a separate team is conducting 100% checks on all 469 lifts to ensure sustained performance.
The Ministry emphasized that HDB will continue to hold Sigma responsible for corrective actions to meet required performance standards.

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20 Feb 2017

Indiscriminate Pasting of Advertisements at Public Places

Darryl David proposed banning the indiscriminate pasting of advertisements in HDB estates, similar to regulations enforced by agencies like LTA on public spaces.
Lawrence Wong explained that Town Councils already have the authority to set by-laws and impose fines for unauthorized pasting on common property.
Town Councils can take action against offenders, including issuing warnings, removing materials, or requiring advertisers to do so.
Residents affected by stickers on their doors or gates can seek assistance from their Town Councils for resolution.
The existing framework empowers Town Councils to manage the issue without the need for new national-level prohibitions.

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20 Feb 2017

Engineering Advancements in HDB Flats

HDB has incorporated higher-grade concrete and structural health monitoring sensors to improve structural integrity and prevent issues like water leakage.
Urban environmental modelling is used to enhance ventilation, reduce noise, and mitigate heat by optimizing building layout, greenery placement, and orientation in BTO projects.
HDB collaborates with research institutes to develop advanced materials and design solutions, such as noise-reducing underlayments, while considering factors like road proximity and building facing in estate planning.

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7 Feb 2017

Number of Complaints of Defects and Design Flaws for New Executive Condominiums

Mr Png Eng Huat asked for the number of defects and design flaw complaints received for new executive condominiums (ECs) over the past five years and the role of HDB in resolving such issues.
The Senior Minister of State replied that the Ministry does not track such feedback because EC buyers purchase directly from private developers, who are contractually responsible for defects during the 12-month Defects Liability Period and must address all buyer concerns.
Mr Png followed up by noting that public housing rules like the Minimum Occupation Period apply to ECs and suggested HDB should assist residents in addressing defects, especially design flaws, given ECs are part of HDB’s housing options.
The Senior Minister of State clarified that while ECs are designed as an affordable pathway to private housing with certain restrictions, HDB will convey EC buyers' concerns to developers for action but does not have a direct role in resolving defects.

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7 Feb 2017

Number of Occupants in Senior Group Homes

Denise Phua raised concerns about three occupants in Senior Group Home rental units compared to the standard two in typical HDB rentals, citing crowding issues, especially with wheelchairs and shared facilities.
The Minister explained that three occupants allow for better mutual support among frail seniors, but the model is new and open to review based on feedback and operational experience.
Phua suggested extending the Senior Group Home scheme to adults with special needs, and the Minister responded positively, noting willingness to explore such models while highlighting current limitations like lack of round-the-clock supervision.
Both speakers acknowledged the need for ongoing review of the scheme's popularity and effectiveness, with the Minister emphasizing flexibility and openness to adjustments as the population ages.

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7 Feb 2017

Rate and Reasons for Rejection by Applicants Invited to Select Flats in BTO or Sale of Balance Flats Exercise

Between 2012 and 2016, about 40% of applicants invited to select a BTO or Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) flat did not proceed to book a unit.
The top three reasons for rejection were that preferred units were taken, applicants wanted to apply in other sales exercises, or they changed their minds about housing options.
The average time to complete selection was six months for BTO and 10 months for SBF, with unbooked flats consolidated for future SBF exercises.
HDB does not allow unsuccessful applicants to stay in the queue, as it leads to longer waits without certainty; instead, they are informed promptly to make alternative plans.

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