Housing & estates — Topics

10 Oct 2016

Ownership of HDB Flats of Deceased Singaporeans with Foreign Spouses and Children

Darryl David asked what happens to HDB flats when a Singaporean with a foreign non-PR/citizen spouse passes away, especially if there are Singaporean minor children.
Lawrence Wong stated a non-citizen spouse can keep the flat if they become a Singaporean or PR within one year, or if a Singaporean/PR family member aged 21 or above takes over the flat.
If the foreign spouse has Singaporean minor children, HDB may allow a Singaporean/PR trustee to hold the flat until the children turn 21.

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10 Oct 2016

Preserving our Heritage, Culture and History – Conserving Dakota Crescent

Lim Biow Chuan argued for preserving Dakota Crescent to maintain Singapore’s collective memory and identity, highlighting its historical significance as one of the first public housing projects and its unique architectural features, while acknowledging the need for balanced development.
Kok Heng Leun supported the motion, citing international examples where heritage sites were adaptively reused to enrich communities, and emphasized that conservation and development can coexist through cultural planning and ground-up initiatives like the Dakota Crescent proposal.
Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee affirmed the government’s commitment to heritage conservation, explaining the rigorous evaluation process for preserving buildings and noting that NHB and URA are open to engaging with the community’s proposals for Dakota Crescent’s future.

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13 Sep 2016

Rationale for Administrative Fee for Temporary Extension of Stay for Sellers of Resale HDB Flats

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong questioned why HDB charges a $20 administrative fee for a temporary extension of stay for resale flat sellers, which is a private agreement, and sought recourse for sellers if buyers terminate the extension prematurely.
Lawrence Wong explained that the fee covers processing costs and the extension is optional, requiring buyer agreement, and sellers should secure their next home before the sale to avoid homelessness.
Wong added that the extension agreement is separate from the resale contract and cannot be regulated as part of it because not all sellers or buyers need or can accommodate such arrangements.

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13 Sep 2016

Anti-slip Treatment for Bathroom Tiles under Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong asked about the anti-slip treatment under HDB's EASE programme, including the number of households benefiting, government costs, treatment lifespan, and response to complaints.
Lawrence Wong responded that about 70,000 households have benefited since 2012, with over $10 million spent on subsidies, and the treatment typically lasts up to five years depending on usage and cleaning.
HDB investigates complaints and advises on proper cleaning if slip-resistance deteriorates due to dirt or soap residue, while contractors rectify issues within the one-year defects liability period.

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13 Sep 2016

HDB Void Decks with Accessibility Issues Due to Difference in Height between Void Deck and Surrounding Pavement

Leon Perera raised concerns about HDB void decks being raised platforms that create accessibility barriers for wheelchair users and those with mobility devices, and asked for statistics, modification progress, future plans, and safety assessments.
Lawrence Wong explained that raised void decks are found mainly in older HDB blocks to prevent rainwater wetting, while newer blocks do not have them, and the government has been proactive with barrier-free accessibility programs since 2006.
He noted that the Barrier Free Accessibility Programme and Lift Upgrading Programme have retrofitted estates with ramps and handrails, but some locations remain challenging due to technical or site constraints, and further improvements can be made through Town Council works or renewal programs.

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13 Sep 2016

Best Practices in Managing Disamenities from Disruptive Technology Like Airbnb

URA guidelines prohibit short-term rentals of private residential properties for less than six months to prevent disamenities such as privacy and security concerns for neighbours, with enforcement actions taken against violations.
URA investigates reports from management corporations and issues enforcement notices to cease unauthorised short-term rentals, while continuing a public consultation and review process started in 2015.
The Ministry is carefully studying international practices and regulations on short-term rentals to balance homeowner interests and potential impacts on residents before deciding on any changes.

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13 Sep 2016

Covered Linkways as a Compulsory Feature in All New HDB Developments

The Minister for National Development confirmed that HDB already incorporates covered linkways as a standard feature in new public housing developments, connecting residential blocks to nearby bus stops and other precinct amenities.
New connectivity features in upcoming developments like Punggol North, Tampines North, and Bidadari will include enhanced pedestrian walkways with landscaping and routes lined with shops and social facilities.
For existing estates, connectivity upgrades such as new walkways, covered linkways, cycling and park connectors are being implemented through rejuvenation programmes like the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and Remaking Our Heartland to improve first- and last-mile journeys.

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13 Sep 2016

Chances of First-time Couples Applying for and Securing an HDB BTO Flat

Most first-timer families applying for HDB BTO flats in non-mature estates should secure a unit within their first or second application, and definitely by the third try, as these estates have lower application rates and are more affordable.
First-time applicants have higher chances in non-mature estates, which are planned with good amenities and transport links, and may receive up to $40,000 in Special CPF Housing Grant for 4-room or smaller flats.
To improve success, buyers should check the application rates for each town on the HDB InfoWEB during the application period, as these are regularly updated.

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13 Sep 2016

Update on Iskandar Malaysia Project

The Minister provided an update on the 10-year collaboration between Singapore and Iskandar Malaysia, noting infrastructure and economic progress but highlighting concerns over an oversupply of residential properties in Johor.
Despite the lower ringgit, there has not been an increase in Singaporean property purchases in Iskandar Malaysia; transaction volumes have dropped significantly, and the Johor housing market has slowed.
The Minister advised that overseas property investments carry risks such as over-supply, foreign exchange fluctuations, and regulatory changes, and encouraged Singaporeans to use the Council of Estate Agents' checklist before purchasing.

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13 Sep 2016

HDB's Mechanised Parking System at Three Sites

The average utilisation rate for the HDB Mechanised Parking System at the three sites during peak periods is about 80%.
Motorists take an average of five minutes to park or retrieve vehicles during off-peak periods, and between 10 to 15 minutes during peak periods, which is faster than the previous system where queuing took over 30 minutes.
The breakdown rate over the past six months is 0.02% (11 incidents out of 54,000 transactions), mainly due to user issues, and maintenance costs range from $60 to $100 per lot per month.

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13 Sep 2016

Complaints of Foul Smell during Rubbish Collections

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about resident complaints on foul smells during rubbish chute collections, the resolution of such complaints, and plans to introduce the Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System (PWCS) to Sembawang GRC.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB has not received any such complaints over the past three years and that Town Councils manage rubbish chutes, regularly cleaning them and covering bins during transport to minimise odours.
HDB has implemented PWCS in selected new developments like Tampines North and Punggol, and will study its feasibility for other new estates.
For existing estates, PWCS is challenging and costly due to extensive excavation work, and HDB will assess the Yuhua test-bed results before deciding on broader rollout.

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13 Sep 2016

Purchase of Second Property for HDB Flat and Private Property Owners

Zainal Sapari questioned why HDB flat owners can buy a private property without selling their flat, but private property owners must sell within six months to buy a resale HDB flat.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB flats are for owner-occupation, so both HDB and private property owners face the same five-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) rules and cannot own private property during that time.
He emphasized that after fulfilling the MOP, all HDB flat owners—including those who previously owned private properties—are allowed to purchase a private property.
The policy aims to dampen demand for resale flats from buyers without urgent housing needs and reinforce the principle of owner-occupation.

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13 Sep 2016

Use of CPF Savings for Housing Loan for Flats with Less Than 60 Years Lease

The CPF Board and HDB have multiple measures—including online calculators, e-brochures, FAQs, and financial plans—to inform buyers about CPF usage limits for flats with leases under 60 years.
For resale flat buyers, HDB requires a Resale Checklist and allows consultation with salespersons to ensure awareness of CPF limitations.
HDB may provide temporary assistance for buyers facing short-term financial difficulties in paying their housing loan in cash on a case-by-case basis.

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13 Sep 2016

Formula Used in Deriving New Public Parking Rates

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked how the new public parking rates effective from 1 December 2016 were tabulated and derived.
Lawrence Wong stated that car owners bear the full cost of parking, with charges set to cover the building, operating, and maintaining of HDB car parks to avoid subsidizing car owners.
He noted that parking charges remained constant for 14 years while core inflation and costs increased by about 30% and 40% respectively, justifying the review.
The new rates differentiate HDB season parking charges, with lower rates for residents' first car and higher rates for subsequent cars or non-residents to reflect full cost recovery.

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13 Sep 2016

Financial Deficits in HDB Car Park Operations

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh raised four questions about the sharp worsening of HDB car park finances, including reasons for the projected deficits, cost savings from outsourcing, current space utilisation, and potential savings from recalibrating car park numbers.
Lawrence Wong explained that while car park charges have remained unchanged for 14 years, costs have risen due to inflation, construction, maintenance, ageing infrastructure, and new amenities, leading to projected deficits of $80 million this year and $100 million next year.
The Electronic Parking System (EPS) has reduced some operating costs by about 25%, but savings are insufficient to offset overall cost increases, and HDB expects deficits to continue even after recent fee revisions.
HDB car parks are generally well-utilised, with average season parking take-up rates above 70% islandwide, and there are limited cost savings from reducing existing parking spaces due to sunk costs, though some spaces have been converted to other uses.

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13 Sep 2016

Considerations behind Decision to Convert Coupon Parking to Electronic Parking Systems in Housing Estates

The Minister explained that the electronic parking system (EPS) was first rolled out at commercial car parks to manage high demand and has been effective, prompting its expansion to residential areas.
EPS offers a fairer per-minute charging model compared to half-hour coupon blocks, provides real-time availability updates, and is more convenient for drivers.
Despite higher upfront setup costs, EPS reduces daily operating expenses by about 25% compared to coupon parking, making it a cost-saving solution for HDB in the long term.
HDB plans to implement EPS in all feasible residential car parks due to these benefits in efficiency, fairness, and cost savings.
The decision follows deliberations on balancing initial investment against long-term operational savings and improved user experience for motorists.

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13 Sep 2016

Benefits and Allowances for Grassroots Leaders and Advisers

The Government recognizes the contributions of grassroots leaders (GRLs) and facilitates their community work through various benefits, including special parking labels for engaging residents and conducting activities.
Eligible GRLs can apply for Primary 1 registration for their children in constituency schools and for Build-To-Order flats or Executive Condominiums under HDB schemes to support community building.
Grassroots Advisers (GRAs) may apply for the special parking label but are not eligible for the P1 registration or HDB schemes available to GRLs.

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13 Sep 2016

Action against Anti-social Neighbours

Darryl David inquired about actions to address HDB residents who consistently engage in noise pollution, hoarding, cluttering public areas, poor hygiene, and disrupting peace.
Lawrence Wong outlined a tiered approach: for clear breaches like corridor obstruction or littering, residents should report to Town Councils, NEA, or HDB for enforcement; for private disputes, he encouraged direct communication, then mediation by grassroots leaders, and last resort to the Community Mediation Centre or Tribunals.
The Minister emphasized that individuals should take ownership and resolve issues amicably where possible, with escalating interventions to prevent conflicts from worsening.

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16 Aug 2016

Rationale for Pricing of 2-Room HDB Flexi-flats on Short Lease

Sylvia Lim questioned why first-timer singles, divorced, or widowed applicants under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme pay more for 2-room HDB flexi flats on short lease compared to other schemes.
Lawrence Wong explained that heavily subsidized new flats are primarily reserved for first-timer families and joint singles, who pay the same price, while single applicants under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme pay a $15,000 price difference for 99-year leases, prorated for short leases for those aged 55 and above to ensure equitable subsidy distribution.
Singles who later marry can access the CPF Housing Top-Up Grant to enjoy subsidies equivalent to those for families.

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16 Aug 2016

HDB Blocks without Fire Engine Access Roads

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for National Development about the number of HDB blocks without fire engine access roads, how older blocks are ensured to have such access or alternatives, the existence of maintenance guidelines, and how regular maintenance is guaranteed.
Lawrence Wong responded that all HDB blocks now have either a fire engine access road or access to a fire rising mains breeching inlet, as fire safety provisions have been enhanced over the years.
He noted that Town Councils are responsible for maintaining these access roads as part of common property, in accordance with the Fire Code.

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