Housing & estates — Topics

7 Nov 2016

Quality Control for Lift Installation and Maintenance

HDB employs a stringent two-stage lift procurement process with a Price-Quality Method and conducts additional audits and stress tests before commissioning, while also imposing a one-year Defects Liability Period with penalties for contractors who fail to meet breakdown limits.
For persistent lift faults, HDB addresses root causes like renovation damage rather than automatically replacing lifts, and it has launched a Lift Surveillance System in new blocks to monitor contractor behavior and enhance safety.
The Town Councils are responsible for maintenance agreements post-DLP, and the Competition Commission is investigating anti-competitive behavior to ensure third-party contractors can access essential spare parts.
HDB previously tested designating a lift for renovation and moving but found it increased average waiting times, so such a design change is not being pursued at this time.
All stakeholders—HDB, Town Councils, and residents—must collaborate to maintain lift reliability and safety, with ongoing efforts to tighten standards and processes.

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7 Nov 2016

Inclusion of Slightly Older Lifts in Lift Enhancement Programme

Pritam Singh asked if the Lift Enhancement Programme would allow lifts slightly older than the 18-year threshold to qualify for the programme.
Lawrence Wong stated that the programme is a significant effort to modernise lifts with an estimated cost of $450 million and will be implemented over several years.
He explained that HDB intends to apply the programme to lifts that have been in operation for 18 years or less, as older lifts should be fully replaced by Town Councils.
HDB is still finalising the implementation details, including eligibility criteria, and will inform Town Councils in a few months.

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7 Nov 2016

Regulations for Motorcyclists Riding in HDB Void Decks and other Public Spaces

Darryl David asked about laws governing motorcycle riding and shortcuts in HDB void decks, pedestrian pathways, and parks.
Lawrence Wong explained that Town Councils manage and enforce by-laws prohibiting unauthorized off-road riding in common areas and can impose penalties.
The Police may investigate and take action against motorists involved in rash acts that endanger safety in these spaces.

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7 Nov 2016

Ensuring Quality of Elder-friendly Features in Studio Apartments

Png Eng Huat asked how HDB ensures elder-friendly features in studio apartments are built to specification before residents move in, and who fixes inherent defects after the defects liability period.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB follows BCA’s accessibility code, uses consultants to oversee construction, and conducts supervision, testing, audits, and inspections to ensure quality, requiring contractors to fix defects before residents move in.
After move-in, HDB assists with reported defects; during the one-year defects liability period, contractors are arranged to repair, while after that, HDB investigates and repairs safety-related design or installation issues.

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7 Nov 2016

Tighter Regulation of Home Renovation Contractors

The Minister explained that HDB already requires renovation contractors to register under the Registered Renovation Contractors Scheme with criteria like minimum capital, experience, and training, while BCA focuses on structural safety but does not regulate work quality or schedules.
He noted that quality and scheduling issues are contractual matters between homeowners and contractors, and encouraged engaging accredited contractors such as those under the CASE-SRCMA scheme, which requires a performance bond for dispute coverage.
The debate highlighted current regulatory focus on structural integrity and entry standards, with no plans for a mandatory bond for all contractors, leaving some quality assurance to market mechanisms and consumer choices.

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7 Nov 2016

Inspections of HDB Buildings for Structural Integrity and Design

The Minister confirmed that buildings undergo Periodic Structural Inspections every 10 years for residential blocks, with additional voluntary checks by HDB for older estates, including five-year and annual facade inspections.
Town Councils are responsible for regular visual facade inspections, supported by HDB which co-pays 50% of facade repair costs, and HDB supplements this with stricter checks for mature estates.
Investigations into the Tampines sunbreaker and Circuit Road cladding incidents are ongoing, with priority given to checking similar buildings by the same contractors for safety risks.
The Ministry is reviewing building safety policies, focusing on facade inspections and benchmarking against other cities, while emphasizing a shared responsibility with residents to report defects.
No specific age cut-off defines "older blocks"; HDB assesses risk based on materials and conditions, with ongoing efforts to improve design guidelines and use durable materials.

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7 Nov 2016

Benefits and Allowances for Grassroots Leaders and Advisers

Mr Png Eng Huat asked about the criteria, usage, and details of the special HDB scheme for grassroots leaders (GRLs), which allows them to apply for BTO flats and ECs in their served constituencies after three years of active service.
The Minister responded that an average of 28 GRLs per year (less than 0.1% of all GRLs) have used the scheme over the last decade, with priority balloting handled computerized like other schemes.
Mr Png questioned the uniqueness of the "special" scheme since GRLs follow the same rules as other Singaporeans for purchases and loans, to which the Minister clarified it is one of various priority schemes recognizing GRL service.

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10 Oct 2016

Use of Equivalent-luminance Yellow Light-emitting Diodes in Public Housing Estates and Spaces

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Ministry for National Development to study using equivalent-luminance yellow LEDs instead of conventional white LEDs in public housing estates and common spaces, citing recommendations from Swiss and American health authorities to reduce blue light exposure at night.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that HDB sets lighting standards for new public housing developments while Town Councils manage existing estates, with both following International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards that address light color and human health impacts.
The Minister noted that recent reports highlight risks of prolonged exposure to high-intensity white or blue LED light but do not prohibit its use in public spaces, and HDB is working with SPRING to review these reports against IEC standards.

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10 Oct 2016

Free Sunday Parking for Residents of New Estates

Ms Sun Xueling asked when residents of new estates can expect free Sunday parking, noting the typical response to wait for parking demand to stabilise.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB monitors parking needs for about six months after new developments open to assess demand as residents move in.
Free Sunday parking is only considered once HDB determines residents' parking needs are met, and monitoring may extend if car park provisions change in the area.
The approach aims to holistically assess demand and avoid unhappiness from withdrawing free parking after it has been introduced.

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10 Oct 2016

Options for Executive Condominium Owners Who Have Not Met Minimum Occupation Period

Miss Cheng Li Hui inquired about the sale and accommodation options for Executive Condominium owners who divorce before completing the five-year Minimum Occupation Period, especially those with children.
Lawrence Wong explained that one party may retain the EC unit if eligible, such as by having children under their custody or including parents or a new spouse as co-owners.
If neither party is eligible to retain the unit, HDB may permit sale before the MOP is met based on case merits, allowing the parties to seek alternative housing like resale flats or rental options.

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10 Oct 2016

BTO Flats Returned for Failing to Meet Key Collection Conditions

Zainal Sapari asked about the number of BTO flats returned to HDB due to failure to meet key collection conditions over the last two years and whether HDB could allow sellers to exceed the racial quota for existing flats to take possession of new ones.
Lawrence Wong stated that about 700 BTO buyers per year in 2014 and 2015 failed to collect keys due to eligibility or payment issues, representing roughly 3% of annual buyers.
He explained that HDB cannot waive the Ethnic Integration Policy limits to help sellers sell existing flats above racial quotas, as the policy ensures neighborhood diversity and many sellers find eligible buyers.

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10 Oct 2016

Success Rates for Applicants for HDB's Fresh Start Housing and Two-Room Flexi Schemes

Mr Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the number of successful applicants for HDB's Fresh Start Housing and Two-Room Flexi schemes, the age distribution of unsuccessful Two-Room Flexi applicants, and potential supply increases.
Minister Lawrence Wong reported that nearly 7,800 Two-Room Flexi flats have been offered since November 2015, with about 3,700 booked and over 70% of applicants for the first exercise being below 55 years old.
Among unsuccessful Two-Room Flexi applicants, about 90% are aged below 55 and mostly singles, while those 55 and above mostly opt for short-lease flats.
HDB will monitor demand and adjust flat supply accordingly, and the Fresh Start Housing Scheme is targeted to open for applications by end-2016.

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10 Oct 2016

Price Difference between BTO and Resale Flats

The Minister explained that BTO flat prices are based on comparable resale prices with adjustments for location and attributes, plus a discount for affordability, and noted the average price gap between BTO and resale flats in non-mature estates ranged from $108,000 for 3-room to $71,000 for 5-room flats over the past year, though direct comparisons are not meaningful due to differences in age, design, and amenities.
First-timer families can receive up to $80,000 in housing grants for BTO flats and up to $90,000 for resale flats, which include various CPF Housing Grants, Additional CPF Housing Grant, Special CPF Housing Grant, and Proximity Housing Grant.
Price differences between BTO flats in non-mature and mature estates exist, with mature estates generally pricier due to proximity to the city and higher demand; for example, the average price difference for 4-room BTO flats between Sengkang (non-mature) and Ang Mo Kio (mature) was $162,000 in the past year.

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10 Oct 2016

Criteria for Priority under Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme

Joan Pereira inquired about the criteria HDB uses to prioritize housing blocks for redevelopment under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme when their qualifying characteristics are similar.
Lawrence Wong explained that SERS selection is highly selective and based on site-by-site evaluation, including economic viability, availability of suitable rehousing sites to preserve community ties, and sufficient financial resources.
He noted that blocks with similar qualifying characteristics are assessed carefully and announced for SERS on a progressive basis.

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10 Oct 2016

Review of Heavy Vehicle Season Parking Scheme

The government has sufficient heavy vehicle parking spaces island-wide, with 43,785 spaces for 33,760 vehicles, but demand mismatches exist near residential areas, where providing more spaces is challenging due to space constraints and resident disamenities like noise and fumes.
Business owners are responsible for their vehicles' parking and must collaborate with drivers on transport options, especially for early morning operations, rather than relying solely on government solutions.
URA and HDB allocate season parking on a first-come-first-served basis to residents or businesses near public heavy vehicle parks, with transfers or mutual exchanges allowed subject to availability.
There are about 1,640 public heavy vehicle parking spaces near Tampines Road and Sengkang, currently fully allocated, and no plans to build additional carparks in these areas for residents of Hougang, Compassvale, Rivervale, Anchorvale, and Fernvale.

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10 Oct 2016

Penalty for Dislodged Air-conditioning Units

In the past five years, three cases were recorded where air-conditioning units fell off flats, with homeowners issued composition fines under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act for improper maintenance.
The Building and Construction Authority can issue notices for improvement works and take enforcement actions, while new buildings are required to have safe designs like concrete ledges or steel casings for air-conditioning units.
Installation of external air-conditioning units must be done by trained installers to comply with safety regulations, and the government has partnered with Town Councils to educate residents on maintenance responsibilities.
The government emphasises that homeowners should check their units every six months for loose or corroded parts, acknowledging that while incidents are rare, continued vigilance is essential for public safety.

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10 Oct 2016

Review of Grant Amount to Town Council Given Additional Maintenance Cycles

Zainal Sapari requested that the government increase grants for Town Councils to cover additional cyclical maintenance costs funded through the Sinking Fund.
Lawrence Wong explained that Town Councils primarily rely on Service and Conservancy Charges and an annual $98 million operating grant from the Ministry of National Development.
He emphasized that Town Councils must manage finances prudently by setting aside more in their Sinking Funds, tightening expenditures, and adjusting S&CC rates if needed.
The Ministry is implementing measures like a higher Sinking Fund contribution rate, a new Lift Replacement Fund, and a $450 million Lift Enhancement Programme to support Town Councils.
The Ministry stressed that Town Councils remain ultimately responsible for planning and financing their cyclical maintenance and replacement works.

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10 Oct 2016

Solar Panels for HDB Flats under SolarNova Tender

Pritam Singh requested data on the number of HDB blocks selected for solar panels under each Town Council and those shortlisted for the 2016 SolarNova tender.
Lawrence Wong stated that around 6,000 HDB blocks islandwide are suitable, with progressive installation planned under SolarNova.
To date, about 1,800 blocks have been selected across all Town Councils, including Aljunied-Hougang, for installation or ongoing work.
For the 2016 tender, 600 blocks in Ang Mo Kio and Marsiling-Yew Tee Town Councils have been selected.
The selection is based on roof design, space availability, and solar irradiance potential.

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10 Oct 2016

Reconstruction of Apron Drains and Uneven Void Deck Floors in Neighbourhood Renewal Programme

Pritam Singh asked whether HDB will allow Town Councils to reconstruct apron drains and re-screed void decks under block-related works in the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that since September 2014, the programme’s scope has been expanded to include such repairs for projects selected from FY2015 onward.
He added that HDB had informed all Town Councils of this expanded scope in September 2014.

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10 Oct 2016

Success Rate of Applicants Getting BTO Flats under Married Child Priority Scheme

Since the Married Child Priority Scheme was launched in 2014, over 1,600 BTO flat applications were successful in 2015 alone, with success rates of about 85% in non-mature estates and 47% in mature estates, both higher than rates for public applicants.
The government reserves up to 45% of public flat supply for MCPS applicants and offers unsuccessful applicants another chance to ballote with the general public to ensure families can live near each other for mutual support.
Additional schemes like the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme, 3Gen flats, Proximity Housing Grant, and higher income ceilings for extended families further help families live together or in proximity.

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