Housing & estates — Topics

16 Aug 2016

Recovering Revenue from Motorists who Evade Car Park Charges

The Minister for National Development acknowledged the challenges in recovering lost revenue from evaded parking charges, noting that it requires significant time and resources, but HDB will use technology like CCTV to aid in tracking and recovery while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
HDB plans to implement new measures to prevent parking evasion, such as installing physical deterrents like humps, posting warning signs, and potentially banning motorists with unpaid charges from using car parks.
Enforcement actions have been strengthened, with amendments to the Parking Places Rules allowing immediate action against deliberate evaders and stiffer fines of up to $2,000 for repeat offenders to deter future evasion.

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16 Aug 2016

Leasing of Homes for Short-term Stays

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Ministry for National Development about the number of homeowners found illegally leasing properties for short-term stays in the past two years, actions taken, and an update on URA's policy review.
The URA took enforcement action against 103 cases of unauthorized short-term subletting in private residential properties between 2014 and the first half of 2016.
URA issues enforcement notices to cease unauthorized use, and most offenders comply, with no further action needed in most cases.
The URA's public consultation on short-term rentals concluded in April 2015, but the review remains ongoing, with careful consideration of impacts on neighboring residents.
The existing URA requirement for a minimum six-month tenancy duration for private residential rentals continues to apply during the review.

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16 Aug 2016

Height and Weight Allowance for Local Mixed Breed Dogs Kept in HDB Flats

Louis Ng asked whether the Ministry will consider increasing the height and weight limits for local mixed breed dogs in HDB flats to help more shelter and street dogs qualify for adoption under Project ADORE.
Lawrence Wong explained that the current limits of 50 cm in height and 15 kg in weight are set to match approved dog breeds and are considered manageable in HDB spaces like lifts.
The Ministry supports the objective of rehoming more local mixed breed dogs but must balance it with concerns from HDB residents about larger dogs in shared living environments.
Any changes to Project ADORE will involve engaging more partners and residents to ensure broad acceptance before adjusting criteria.
The Ministry emphasizes that reforms should not be rushed to ensure the project's success and resident comfort.

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16 Aug 2016

Extending Enhancement for Active Seniors Programme to Seniors Living in Private Estates

Joan Pereira asked if the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme can be extended to seniors in private estates who lack support and savings.
Lawrence Wong responded that there are no immediate plans to extend EASE to private estates.
The Ministry will continue to study the possibility of such an extension in the future.

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16 Aug 2016

Appropriate Disposal of Renovation Debris and Bulky Items at HDB Estates

Zaqy Mohamad inquired about stronger measures to ensure contractors comply with debris disposal rules in HDB estates, enforcement resources in new BTO projects, and penalties for illegal dumping.
Lawrence Wong explained that Town Councils have the statutory responsibility to manage debris disposal and can impose penalties for violations, while HDB requires contractors to register and adhere to proper disposal terms, with site inspections in new BTO estates.
HDB conducts inspections, issues reminders to residents and contractors, and places notices in lift lobbies, with penalties for non-compliance including fines up to $3,000 or debarment for up to three years.
Town Councils are encouraged to provide haulage services, debris removal, or skip tanks, especially in new BTO precincts, to support proper disposal and reduce cleanup costs.

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16 Aug 2016

Review of HDB's Joint Singles Rental Scheme to Prevent Violent Disputes

Dr Lily Neo raised concerns about violent disputes under the Joint Singles Rental Scheme and asked for a review to improve it.
HDB does not track specific dispute records but noted that in 2014 and 2015, there were 235 change-of-tenant requests due to disputes among 12,000 households in the scheme.
HDB refers unresolved disputes to mediation bodies and allows tenants to apply for separate rentals if needed, but has no plans to review the pairing requirement as it helps more singles with limited housing resources.

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16 Aug 2016

Support of Community Integration Activities at Condominiums

Miss Cheryl Chan inquired about increased support for community integration activities at condominiums due to more rentals and permanent residents.
Chan Chun Sing stated that the People’s Association promotes social cohesion across all estates, including private condominiums, by facilitating the formation of Neighbourhood Committees, which have grown from 112 in 2011 to 183.
Neighbourhood Committees organize activities, form interest groups, and run the OneConnect Programme for resident suggestions and community solutions, such as tackling dengue breeding spots.
The People’s Association also offers community programmes and courses at Community Clubs/Centres, welcoming all residents, including those in condominiums, to participate and connect with neighbours.

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15 Aug 2016

Food Centre and Market at Block 511 Bedok North Street 3 after Expiry of Lease in October 2017

The Bedok North Street 3 food centre and market was upgraded in 2004 under the Hawker Centres Upgrading Programme, which ended in 2014, and no further upgrades are planned.
The Town Council is responsible for maintenance and cyclical repairs, such as repainting and fixture replacements, and has been doing so in a timely manner.
The Minister confirmed that no renovations are scheduled after the lease expiry in October 2017, as the centre is not eligible for further government upgrades.

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15 Aug 2016

Use of CPF Ordinary Account by HDB Lessees to Service Home Loans

Lim Swee Say explained that the Valuation Limit (VL) policy encourages prudent property purchases by restricting CPF Ordinary Account use beyond the VL, though flexibility is allowed on appeal for those facing difficulties in cash repayment.
Currently, over 500,000 HDB lessees use CPF for home loans, with about 15,000 having reached their VL and 60 having reached the Withdrawal Limit (WL), while 2,500 cannot use CPF beyond the VL due to insufficient Basic Retirement Sum.
In 2014 and 2015, the CPF Board received around 6,000 appeals to use CPF beyond the VL, with the majority from single property owners being successful, though the general emphasis remains on prudent housing decisions to secure retirement savings.

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15 Aug 2016

Approval Process for Flat Owner Subsidies under HDB's Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme

The Minister explained that flat owners are responsible for interior maintenance and repair costs, but can seek assistance under the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme for wear-and-tear issues, where HDB covers 50% of repair costs.
The GRA scheme is national, with Government-appointed Advisors assisting in outreach, ground assessment, and verifying flat eligibility for repairs.
HDB welcomes feedback from Members of Parliament on cases among their residents, indicating a role for MPs and grassroots advisors in supporting the process.

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15 Aug 2016

Update on Implementation and Take-up Rate of Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme

About 1,860 families have benefited from the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme since its launch in January 2013, with 630 of them having moved to new HDB flats.
Almost no families co-share flats under the scheme, with only 16 families having taken up the co-sharing option since November 2014.
Twenty-eight families have appealed for rental reductions, of which HDB assisted 22 through measures like transfers to lower-rent flats or Interim Rental Housing, while six remained in their current flats.
The supply of PPHS flats was increased by about 800 from June 2015, bringing the total to approximately 1,950 flats, with the supply reviewed regularly and deemed sufficient to meet demand.

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15 Aug 2016

Complaints of Second-hand Smoke from Neighbours at HDB Flats

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for the number of complaints about second-hand smoke from neighbours at HDB flats over the past five years and whether the National Environment Agency (NEA) has plans to address the issue.
The Ministry highlighted that smoking is prohibited in common areas like corridors, with offenders facing fines up to $1,000, and noted a decline in feedback cases from 2013 to 2015 for both residential premises and common corridors.
While smoking inside one's private residence is allowed, the Ministry encourages considerate behaviour to avoid disturbing neighbours and suggests mediation through the Community Mediation Centre for unresolved issues.

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15 Aug 2016

Construction of Portable Ramps at Entrances to Old HDB Flats

Mr Ang Hin Kee proposed renting portable ramps or retrofitting permanent ramps for older HDB flats with multi-step entrances, and decentralizing approval processes to local branches or CDCs.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that older HDB flats were designed with steps for privacy and security, but solutions must be customised, avoid maintenance issues, and not obstruct fire escapes.
HDB is studying tailored solutions, considering expansion through EASE or other programmes, and exploring financial assistance for low-income families.
Residents can currently approach HDB branches for approvals to install private ramps, and financial aid may be available from welfare organisations or local advisers.

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15 Aug 2016

Coordination of Works Required for Telephony, Gas and Utilities Supply Services under Estate Upgrading Programme

Dr Tan Wu Meng sought better coordination and faster execution of telephony, gas, and utility works under the Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP).
Lawrence Wong stated that efforts are made to coordinate EUP works with other public projects, like PUB’s drainage upgrades, and that PUB engages residents and service providers to reduce disruptions.
He added that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) coordinates sequential road works by external providers to speed up projects and minimise road occupation and inconvenience.
The Building and Construction Authority/EUP consultant acts as overall coordinator, alerting relevant parties and managing overlapping works during EUP projects.
The Minister acknowledged that while inconvenience is minimized, some disruption to residents is unavoidable during works.

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15 Aug 2016

Estate Upgrading Programme for Private Estates

The Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP) for private estates has selected 63 estates across nine batches since 2000, benefiting over 46,000 households, with Batch 9 implementation underway and Batch 10 nominations to open soon.
Selection for EUP projects prioritizes older estates based on age and physical condition, with an average of seven estates chosen per batch to maximize improvements.
Resource allocation between public and private estate upgrading depends on available resources and industry capacity, with coordination among agencies to minimize resident inconvenience.

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15 Aug 2016

Factors Determining Increase in HDB and URA Car Park Charges

The Minister explained that car park charges are revised to ensure car owners bear the full cost of ownership and usage, preventing non-car owners from subsidizing parking.
HDB and URA car park charges have remained unchanged for 14 years, but costs have risen by about 40% due to higher construction overheads, capital expenditures, and maintenance for aging facilities.
Without the fee increase, HDB and URA face significant deficits; HDB alone expects a $100 million annual deficit from next year onward even after the revision.
Season parking rates for HDB have been differentiated, with lower rates for residents' first car and higher rates for subsequent cars or non-residents to reflect full cost recovery.
The adjustments align with Singapore's goal to become a more "car-lite" society by ensuring parking fees appropriately manage demand and cover operational costs.

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15 Aug 2016

Reasons for Increase in Rates at HDB and URA Car Parks

The government justified the increase in HDB and URA car park rates by citing that charges had remained unchanged for 14 years while maintenance and operational costs, driven by rising construction overheads, capital expenditures for upgrades, and repairs for ageing facilities, had risen significantly.
The new differentiated season parking charges for second cars affect approximately 31,500 HDB households, or about 12% of HDB car-owning households, with higher rates set to achieve full cost recovery for non-first cars.
The Minister confirmed there are no current plans to provide additional assistance or subsidies for older vehicle owners facing difficulties with the increased parking charges.

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11 Jul 2016

Development Plans for Wet Market and Hawker Centre at Block 511, Bedok North Street after Expiry of Lease

The wet market and hawker centre at Block 511, Bedok North Street will continue operating after its lease expires in October 2017.
Stall-owners can continue their businesses, with previously subsidised ones paying current subsidised rent and others paying market rent or tendering for vacant stalls.
The NEA is studying alternative management models that maintain the objectives of providing affordable and hygienic food.
The Town Council remains responsible for maintenance, including repairs and redecorations.

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11 Jul 2016

Typical Lifespan of HDB Lifts and Their Replacement

The typical recommended lifespan for HDB lifts is 28 years, as a guide for Town Councils' planning and budgeting.
HDB does not track statistics on lifts replaced before the end of their recommended lifespan, as maintenance and replacement are the responsibility of Town Councils.
HDB also does not have specific data on how many replacements were due to unavailability of spare parts, as this falls under the purview of the Town Councils.

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11 Jul 2016

Relaxation of Rules for Sale of HDB Flats to Singles with Relatives in Mature Estates

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether HDB will allow singles with relatives in mature estates to buy flats there.
Lawrence Wong noted HDB policy currently limits flats for families in mature estates, with singles aged 35+ only able to buy subsidized 2-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates.
Singles aged 55+ may apply for short-lease 2-room Flexi flats in both mature and non-mature estates for ageing-in-place needs.
Younger singles can live in mature estates by applying with parents or buying resale flats with a $10,000 Proximity Housing Grant.

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