Housing & estates — Topics

11 Jul 2016

Land Earmarked for HDB Development

The Minister for National Development reported that approximately 20% of land earmarked for HDB residential development by 2030 remains undeveloped.
Slightly less than half of the current land used for HDB residential development is occupied by flats built in 1986 or earlier.
The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary query regarding the state of land designated for HDB housing.
The information addresses the proportion of undeveloped residential land and the age distribution of existing HDB flats.

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11 Jul 2016

Appeals Made to HDB for Flexibility in Application of Ethnic Integration Policy

Pritam Singh asked for statistics on appeals made to HDB over the past three years requesting flexibility in applying the Ethnic Integration Policy in resale transactions, including the number of rejections and the grounds for such rejections.
Lawrence Wong revealed that between 2013 and 2015, HDB received about 1,200 appeals for a waiver of the Ethnic Integration Policy, with four out of five appeals not successful.
Most unsuccessful appeals lacked cited reasons or cited grounds like financial difficulty or divorce, which were deemed insufficient to justify waiving ethnic limits aimed at maintaining a good mix of residents in public housing estates.

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11 Jul 2016

Additional Ballot Chance for Unsuccessful First-timer BTO Flat Applicants for Mature Estates

Sitoh Yih Pin proposed extending HDB’s additional ballot chance scheme for first-timer BTO applicants from non-mature estates to include mature estates.
The current scheme prioritizes families with urgent housing needs and is limited to non-mature estates due to limited supply and high demand in mature estates.
Alternative options for first-timer families in mature estates include priority schemes like Married Child Priority or applying for resale flats with grants of up to $90,000.

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11 Jul 2016

Statistics on HDB Studio Apartments Sold by Families upon Demise of Lessee

Gan Thiam Poh inquired about the number of HDB Studio Apartments sold by families after the lessee's death since 1998 and whether sale proceeds were released to beneficiaries like children or relatives.
Lawrence Wong explained that Studio Apartments are leased for 30 years to seniors and cannot be resold on the open market, with the lease passing to the estate upon the lessee's death.
If eligible family members cannot continue living in the unit, HDB can take back the apartment and reimburse the residual lease value to the deceased's estate for distribution to beneficiaries.

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11 Jul 2016

Listing of Completed Estate Upgrading Programme and Interim Estate Upgrading Programme Projects in Aljunied GRC

Sylvia Lim requested an updated list of completed Estate Upgrading Programme and Interim Estate Upgrading Programme projects in Aljunied GRC, including commencement and completion dates and descriptions of the works.
Lawrence Wong stated that three estates in Aljunied GRC were selected for EUP, with upgrades completed in 2004, 2006, and 2014, and that works included park facilities and public infrastructure improvements.
He also confirmed that all I-EUP works in Aljunied GRC were finished by March 2016 and comprised items like footpath lightings, notice boards, and rain shelters.

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11 Jul 2016

Take-up Rate for 2-room HDB Flats

As of June 2016, there are about 2,200 unsold 2-room Flexi flats and studio apartments, with 40% completed and 60% under construction, representing 7% of all such units offered by HDB.
Since the introduction of 2-room Flexi flats in November 2015, 70% of sold units were on 99-year leases and 30% on short leases.
No 2-room Flexi flats on short leases have been returned, but about 540 studio apartments were returned, mainly due to the owner's death or moving to live with family.

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11 Jul 2016

Home Protection Scheme for All HDB Flat Owners with Outstanding Home Loans

The Minister confirms that HDB flat owners using CPF to service loans must take up the Home Protection Scheme (HPS), covering 60% of such owners.
Among the remaining 40% who don’t use CPF, 43% have voluntarily adopted HPS, with others possibly using private mortgage insurance.
MND and MOM are reviewing whether to make HPS mandatory for all HDB flat owners with outstanding loans, focusing on affordability and premium payment lapses.

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11 Jul 2016

Enforcement Actions against Cluttering of Common Space at HDB Flats and Estates

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about national-level plans to address cluttering in common spaces of HDB flats and estates.
Lawrence Wong explained that Town Councils enforce by-laws on common areas, guided by fire safety guidelines, and that HDB and Town Councils conduct public education on the risks of clutter.
Residents are encouraged to keep common areas clean and clutter-free to ensure a safe living environment for all.

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11 Jul 2016

Coverage for Third-Party Claims under HDB Fire Insurance Scheme

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Ministry would consider making it mandatory to include third-party claims coverage under the HDB Fire Insurance Scheme.
Lawrence Wong explained that the current scheme only covers the reinstatement cost of building structures and fixtures to keep premiums affordable and aligns with market practice for private properties.
The scheme does not cover third-party liability or renovations, but flat owners have the flexibility to purchase additional coverage from insurers of their choice.

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11 Jul 2016

Measures to Address Recent Spate of Lift Breakdowns at HDB Blocks

Members of Parliament raised concerns about recurring lift breakdowns, suggesting stricter penalties for contractors, mandatory certification of workers, common parts for lifts, and financial support for Town Councils to replace or upgrade old lifts.
The Minister acknowledged the issues and outlined measures including tighter maintenance standards, enhanced audit checks, sectoral plans for workforce development, and procurement reviews to ensure quality and competition.
The government will focus on proactive maintenance, consider safety enhancements for older lifts, and require Town Councils to set aside more funds for lift replacement, while studying financial assistance options.

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9 May 2016

Utilisation Rate of HDB Community Spaces

Leon Perera asked whether there have been studies on the utilisation rate of HDB community spaces and if the Ministry would consider renting selected spaces to private property owners for funerals with higher charges and usage limits.
Lawrence Wong responded that HDB community spaces are designed as public spaces for free use by all residents, making it impractical to track utilisation rates.
Town Councils may issue permits and impose charges for social or communal functions like weddings or funerals at void decks and open spaces, with applications processed by Town Councils considering residents' needs and potential disamenities.

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9 May 2016

Fire Safety Provisions for Coffeeshops Located in HDB Blocks

In the last three years, 33 fires occurred in coffee shops in HDB blocks with residential units above, with no spread to the residential units.
The Fire Code requires fire safety measures such as ventilation openings, fire-resistant kitchen walls, or fire-extinguishing systems to mitigate fire risks.
The SCDF and HDB work together to ensure compliance, and the SCDF takes a risk-based approach, assessing the benefit of additional measures like automatic sprinkler systems.

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9 May 2016

Schedule for Repainting of HDB Multi-storey Car Park Buildings

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about the repainting schedule for HDB multi-storey car park buildings and whether it aligns with the repainting of nearby flats.
HDB currently follows a seven-year cycle for repainting car parks, while Town Councils manage residential block repainting.
HDB is open to coordinating with Town Councils to synchronize repainting works, offering to fund them to carry out the work for a more unified appearance and less inconvenience.
Some Town Councils have already adopted this arrangement, and HDB encourages more to do so.
The goal is to achieve a coordinated look for the precinct and minimize disruption to residents.

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9 May 2016

Fencing Up of Open Fields in HDB Estates

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh asked whether decisions to fence open fields in HDB estates were made with resident input, what the utilisation rates are on weekdays versus weekends, and if fields can be opened during off-peak periods without booking.
Chan Chun Sing explained that fields managed by the People's Association are for community use, and fencing decisions are made with grassroots organisations based on safety, security, noise, and maintenance, citing Punggol's field as an example of resident-requested fencing.
Utilisation rates are higher on weekends and school holidays, and residents can book fields through grassroots organisations for community activities.

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9 May 2016

Recent Spate of Fires at Coffee Shops

Yee Chia Hsing raised concerns about recent HDB coffee shop fires and requested potential warranties for floor tiles in affected residential units above.
The Senior Minister of State for National Development explained that SCDF investigates fire causes and HDB holds tenants liable for negligence-related damage, requiring them to handle repairs.
Yee followed up by asking which agency ensures exhaust system maintenance and whether residents could claim for delayed tile damage, to which Desmond Lee clarified tenant responsibility and noted that claims depend on warranty periods and causes.

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9 May 2016

Approval for Subletting of HDB Flats within Minimum Occupation Period

Over the last three years, HDB approved an average of 785 cases annually for subletting within the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), with each approval typically lasting one or two years, and about 110 cases were granted extensions each year.
The Minister explained that approvals are assessed case-by-case for specific reasons like overseas work assignments or compassionate grounds, with owners required to make up the subletting period later to fulfill the MOP.
Dr. Lim raised concerns about potential flouting of MOP rules, such as units being rented out from day one, and asked about enforcement actions, to which the Minister urged residents to report suspected infringements to HDB for investigation.

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11 Apr 2016

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

The debate centered on enhancing housing affordability and accessibility, with the government announcing a new Fresh Start Housing Scheme to help second-timer families in rental flats purchase 2-room flexi flats with grants and concessions, while emphasizing stable BTO supply and the need for financial prudence.
Parliament discussed urban planning and infrastructure, including developing future towns like Tengah, rejuvenating mature estates, and expanding cycling and pedestrian networks to create a more car-lite and connected city, alongside upgrades to public spaces and community facilities.
Issues like municipal services coordination, construction productivity, and support for vulnerable groups were raised, with the government outlining measures such as the OneService app for feedback, grants for farmers, and flexible policies for elderly monetizing flats or facing homelessness.

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6 Apr 2016

Mortgage Assistance Plan for Retrenched Flat Owners

HDB provides financial counselling and explores options like subletting spare bedrooms for retrenched flat owners, with referrals to job placement and financial aid agencies.
Flat owners facing short-term mortgage difficulties may receive temporary reductions or deferments, while long-term solutions include right-sizing to a more affordable flat or including working adult children as joint owners.
For those unable to afford another flat with no family support, HDB may offer public rental flats, though it cannot directly assist with bank loans but helps restructure HDB mortgages and directs owners to social support agencies.

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6 Apr 2016

Town Councils with Largest Number of Flats Eligible for Upgrading

Pritam Singh asked which three Town Councils have the most flats eligible for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP).
Desmond Lee identified Aljunied-Hougang, Jurong-Clementi, and Nee Soon as having the largest numbers of HIP-eligible flats.
He confirmed that HDB aims to complete selecting all remaining HIP-eligible flats by FY2018, working with all Town Councils including the three named.
Pritam Singh sought clarification on whether more nominations would be allocated to the three Town Councils due to their high number of eligible units.
Desmond Lee reiterated that the completion target for all remaining HIP-eligible flats, including those in the three Town Councils, is set for FY2018.

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5 Apr 2016

Deferment of Collection of Keys for BTO Flats

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development about the number of Singaporeans who deferred collection of keys for BTO flats in the last 12 months, the proportion due to inability to sell existing flats, and government assistance for such cases.
Minister Lawrence Wong reported that in 2015, about 300 flat buyers deferred key collection, with less than 200 due to unsold existing flats, representing under 1% of the 22,000 buyers that year.
HDB allows flexibility for extensions and may provide temporary loans to buyers who need cashflow help while awaiting the sale of their existing flat, but holding completed BTO flats indefinitely is not feasible due to holding costs.

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