Housing & estates — Topics

6 Feb 2017

Difficulty in Selling HDB Flats Due to Ethnic Integration Policy

Two MPs raised concerns about HDB flat owners struggling to sell their homes due to the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) quotas, requesting either financial assistance or a review of the policy's flexibility.
The Minister for National Development defended the EIP as a long-standing and necessary policy for racial harmony, stating that most sellers can find eligible buyers and that market conditions, not just the EIP, affect sale prices.
In response to a suggestion to review the EIP at a cluster level instead of per block, the Minister emphasized that the policy's core objectives remain relevant and that flexibility is already exercised case-by-case, with some appeals succeeding.

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10 Jan 2017

Repairs for Spalling Concrete, Ceiling and Sewage Pipe Leaks beyond Defects Liability Period

Muhamad Faisal Abdul Manap asked the Minister for National Development about the number of HDB repair cases for spalling concrete, ceiling and sewage pipe leaks beyond the defects liability period over the past three years.
Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee stated that post-defects liability period cases are small, at about one to two per 10,000 units per year, and HDB assesses each case, offering cost-sharing under the Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme for wear-and-tear issues.
Muhamad Faisal argued that residents believe HDB should fully cover repair costs for recurring defects within a short period after the defects liability period, especially due to poor workmanship or oversight.
Desmond Lee reiterated that if a leak recurs due to workmanship, the contractor will rectify it even after the defects liability period.

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9 Jan 2017

Number of HDB Blocks Qualified for Home Improvement Programme

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked for the total number of HDB blocks qualifying for HIP, how many were selected by December 2016, and whether HDB can announce precincts for 2017 and 2018 by the first quarter of 2017.
Lawrence Wong stated that HIP was introduced in 2007 with about 3,000 eligible blocks built up to 1986 that had not undergone the Main Upgrading Programme.
Over 2,000 blocks have been announced for HIP to date, with the next nomination exercise scheduled for early financial year 2017.
HDB plans to select HIP projects for both 2017 and 2018 simultaneously to help residents make better-informed renovation plans.

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9 Jan 2017

Raising Income Cap of $1,500 for Public Rental Housing

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the Ministry of National Development would raise the current $1,500 income cap for public rental housing, citing rising costs and higher income ceilings for other subsidies.
Lawrence Wong explained that income ceilings for government subsidies vary by purpose and that HDB periodically reviews eligibility criteria to prioritize rental flats for low-income families without support or other housing options.
Wong noted that HDB has exercised flexibility to allow some families with higher incomes to access rental flats if their circumstances warrant assistance.

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9 Jan 2017

Factors Determining Number and Capacity of Senior Activity and Care Centres in HDB Towns

The ministries determine senior activity and care centre capacity by factoring projected elderly populations in rental blocks, utilisation patterns, user feedback, and demographic and disability incidence data.
Planning parameters are regularly reviewed and adjusted based on updated information to ensure seniors' social and care needs are adequately met.
There are five Senior Activity Centres in the Bedok planning area, including one in Bedok South, and five Senior Care Centres serving about 300 seniors daily, with an additional day centre opening in 2017.

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9 Jan 2017

Upcoming Home Improvement Programme Plans for HDB Flats in Nee Soon

The Home Improvement Programme (HIP) for Nee Soon GRC is expected to complete selection of the remaining 8,000 eligible flats by financial year 2018, with the next nomination exercise scheduled for early FY2017.
Repair of air-conditioner duct timber panels is not included in HIP's scope, as they are common property; residents can seek help from Town Councils or arrange to seal them individually.
HIP was introduced in 2007 and has been announced for about 220,000 flats out of approximately 300,000 eligible flats nationwide.

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9 Jan 2017

Encouraging Building Owners and Developers to Adopt Solar Energy Technology

Lawrence Wong outlined plans to increase solar generation capacity to 350 MWp by 2020, representing 5% of peak electricity demand, and highlighted the SolarNova programme that has installed solar panels on about 1,000 HDB blocks with a goal to expand to 5,500 blocks and 100 government buildings.
The Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Scheme awards points to buildings for sustainable features like solar panels, with over 100 developments committed to adding about 20 MWp of solar capacity.
Private landed home owners can install solar panels and offset electricity bills by selling excess power back to the grid, with guidance provided by the Energy Market Authority and Singapore Power.
The government will continue to explore incentives, research and development, policy enhancements, and user engagement to further encourage solar energy adoption.

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9 Jan 2017

Challenges in Ramping Up HDB Flat Supply

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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10 Nov 2016

Decisions on Tree-cutting and Replanting Activities within Estates

NParks makes tree-cutting and replanting decisions based on tree health, public safety, development needs, and site conditions, with arborists assessing whether to save or transplant trees before removal.
Replanting choices consider factors like space constraints, landscaping schemes, and species suitability, including biodiversity, shade, privacy, and urban resilience, with resident feedback sought during estate upgrades or large projects.
When replacing trees, species selection may change due to resident feedback, maintainability, biodiversity needs, and urban stress factors, though formal consultation occurs mainly during landscaping rejuvenations.
HDB and NParks collaborate on tree management in estates, with Town Councils advised to consult HDB and NParks when addressing issues like tree roots damaging car parks in mature estates.

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9 Nov 2016

Budget for Estate Upgrading Programme for Private Estates

The Minister of State confirmed that there is no fixed budget or schedule for the Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP) for private estates, with projects rolling out based on resource availability and each costing about S$20 million.
The Ministry works primarily with Citizens' Consultative Committees (CCCs) for nominations and will inform Members of Parliament when projects are ready or, upon request, during the call for projects.
While the Ministry aims to upgrade as many estates as possible, it considers factors like estate age, physical characteristics, and ongoing works rather than prioritising solely based on age, and no specific timeline was set for older estates.

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8 Nov 2016

Housing and Flat Rental Assistance for Single Unwed Moms

Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin raised concerns about housing and financial trade-offs for single unwed mothers who are caught between qualifying for rental flats and affording home ownership.
Minister Tan Chuan-Jin stated that HDB and MSF collaborate to provide tailored assistance, emphasizing home ownership as a long-term solution for stability and asset building, while offering public rental as temporary support.
He explained that rent in public rental flats is progressive based on income, and HDB provides flexibility by waiving rent increases for up to four years to allow tenants time to improve their income without immediate financial penalty.
The Minister highlighted that using CPF for mortgage payments is more beneficial than cash rentals, helping families manage cash flow while working toward eventual home ownership.
Residents facing difficulties are directed to seek help from Social Service Offices or Family Service Centres for comprehensive support.

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8 Nov 2016

Concrete Slabs Covering Water Tanks at Roof-tops of HDB Flats

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether HDB could explore building concrete slabs over water tanks and pipes on rooftops of old flats to prevent water from becoming too hot due to sun exposure.
Lawrence Wong explained that water tanks in older HDB blocks are housed indoors and not directly exposed to sunlight, so the issue likely stems from outdoor distribution pipes being heated by the sun.
He noted that adding concrete slabs may not solve the problem and could strain the building structure, suggesting alternatives like installing PVC pipe covers or using reflective paints.
Town Councils are encouraged to consider these feasible measures to insulate pipes and reduce water temperature issues during hot weather.

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8 Nov 2016

Extension of Home Improvement Programme to Flats Built after 1986

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked whether the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) could be extended to flats built after 1986 when they reach 30 years old, citing resident comparisons and concerns about design issues like noise and clothes drying poles.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that HIP currently covers flats built up to 1986, with completion of eligible flats targeted by FY2018, and any extension would depend on fiscal sustainability and budget availability due to the long-term, costly nature of the programme.
The Minister acknowledged feedback on design improvements and safety concerns, noting that future upgrades would consider such issues, while also noting potential economic benefits from awarding contracts during downturns.

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7 Nov 2016

Provision of Parking Lots in Proposed BTO Development in Kaki Bukit

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked about the number of parking lots in the new Kaki Bukit BTO development and whether more could be built to ease shortages at nearby car parks.
The Minister confirmed the BTO development will have 66 car park lots and 34 motorcycle lots.
He stated that car parks B45 and B48 at Bedok North Street 3 currently have enough lots for residents' season parking but face high short-term demand due to local amenities.
Due to site constraints, no new lots can be added, but HDB will reconfigure B45 to provide more loading and unloading bays to ease congestion.

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7 Nov 2016

Planning Process for Installation of Mobile Phone Base Stations

The Minister for National Development explained that while new buildings should have adequate mobile coverage, current practices involve installing base stations on HDB rooftops before residents move in, with potential delays due to construction issues.
HDB, together with Town Councils, the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA), and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), is working to expedite approval processes and incorporate MNO requirements early in the planning phase of new HDB developments to speed up installations.
The Ministry of Communications and Information and IDA are considering amendments to the Telecommunications Act to allow using rooftops of one building to provide coverage for adjacent buildings, enhancing mobile coverage flexibility.
The Ministry believes that mandating mobile coverage as a Temporary Occupation Permit condition for each building may not be necessary, as effective stakeholder cooperation is more critical for timely and adequate coverage.
The response emphasizes ongoing efforts to improve the planning process without necessarily making mobile coverage a mandatory compliance for building permits.

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7 Nov 2016

Lifts for Private Buildings More than Three Storeys in Height

Melvin Yong asked about the number of private buildings above three storeys without lifts and plans to encourage lift installation for accessibility, while Lawrence Wong explained that only buildings five storeys and above are required to have lifts, with about 370 low-rise private buildings currently without them, and the government offers incentives through an Accessibility Fund to co-pay up to 80% of lift installation costs, which has supported 79 developments and was extended until March 2022.

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7 Nov 2016

Ramps for HDB Flats with Steps at Entrances

Melvin Yong asked about the number of HDB flats with multi-step entrances, the possibility of subsidised ramps for accessibility, and the earliest timeline for installation given Singapore’s ageing population.
Lawrence Wong explained that over 100,000 older HDB flats built in the 1970s–80s had multi-step entrances for privacy and security, but these now pose challenges for elderly and wheelchair users.
He noted that any solution must be customised to each block’s configuration, corridor space, and fire safety requirements, and may be rolled out under the Enhancement for Active Seniors scheme or other programmes.
Wong said HDB is exploring financial assistance options with other agencies for low-income families and is working to streamline the application process for residents who want to install ramps privately.
In the meantime, residents can approach HDB branches for help with ramp installation and may seek financial aid from voluntary welfare organisations or community advisers.

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7 Nov 2016

Extent of HDB's Authority in Water Leakage Repair Incidents where Homeowners are Uncooperative

HDB requires flat owners to maintain their flats and jointly addresses ceiling leaks between upper and lower floors through the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme, which covers half the repair cost while owners share the remainder.
When upper-floor owners refuse to cooperate, HDB first engages them directly and involves grassroots leaders to persuade them; if these efforts fail, HDB may seek a court order to compel repairs, with non-compliance risking fines or jail.
As a last resort, under the Housing and Development Act, HDB can obtain a warrant to enter a flat and conduct urgent repairs, using this power sparingly after all other options are exhausted to address serious leakage cases.

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7 Nov 2016

Service Standards for HDB's Replies to Residents

HDB sets up Building Service Centres during the one-year Defects Liability Period for residents to report defects and schedule joint inspections with contractors on the spot.
For feedback via email or letters, HDB contacts residents within three working days to arrange inspections and aims to complete rectification within 14 working days, with updates for complex cases.
Extended warranties cover ceiling leakages and external seepage for five years and spalling concrete for 10 years beyond the initial one-year period.
For issues after the Defects Liability Period, HDB contacts residents within three working days and takes follow-up action based on the defect's nature and complexity.
After rectification, a joint inspection ensures the work is satisfactory before closing the case.

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7 Nov 2016

Contingency when Lift Companies Exit Singapore's Market

The Minister for National Development explained that Singapore has a competitive lift market with over 100 registered contractors, ensuring lift owners can engage other companies if one exits.
He noted that concerns about proprietary parts can be managed by sourcing from OEMs overseas, finding compatible local suppliers, or modifying lifts to use available parts.
For public housing estates, HDB and Town Councils will coordinate to bring in an interim lift contractor for smooth transition and maintenance until a new tender is awarded.
The Ministry will also assist Town Councils in locating appropriate replacement parts if needed during the transition period.

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