Housing & estates — Topics

1 Mar 2016

Government Land for Landed Housing Development to Meet Demand

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the Government plans to release land for landed housing developments in the next three years to meet demand.
Lawrence Wong stated there is currently a substantial supply of about 2,300 landed housing units in the pipeline, with most still unsold.
The Government has no immediate plans to provide land for new landed housing developments until the existing unsold inventory is cleared.
Once the unsold units are cleared, the Government will consider releasing more land for new landed housing developments to meet the needs of Singaporeans who prefer landed homes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Mar 2016

Monitoring Performance of Contractors Managing Maintenance Works in Private Estates

Cheryl Chan asked whether there are controls to monitor contractors managing maintenance works in private estates, given the lack of an equivalent to Town Councils.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that the National Environment Agency (NEA) oversees public area cleanliness, including private estates, which are cleaned at least three times a week based on ground conditions.
NEA uses regular audits, inspections, sensors, and mobile cameras to monitor contractor performance, with default points and financial penalties for service lapses.
The minister urged collective public responsibility for maintaining cleanliness, beyond relying solely on cleaners.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

1 Mar 2016

HDB Rental Flats for Displaced and Homeless Individuals

MP Faisal asked for statistics on homeless displacement periods, the percentage of unsuccessful rental flat applications, and measures to flag at-risk cases at application, with the Ministry responding that they supported over 900 homeless individuals and families from 2013 to 2015.
The Ministry stated that about half of those assisted applied for a rental flat, with about half of those applications successful, and that unsuccessful applicants often had other housing options, while agencies work together to explore alternatives.
The Ministry explained that HDB considers case-by-case flexibility for vulnerable families and that agencies coordinate to identify and support those at risk, but it could not comment on future homelessness trends, assuring continued close collaboration with community partners.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Stateless People Living in Public Rental Flats

Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for National Development for the number of stateless people living in public rental flats as of January 2016.
The Minister reported 613 stateless persons living in HDB public rental flats as of that date.
Most of these stateless individuals live with Singapore Citizen family members or another SC single.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Flats Available under HDB's Interim Rental Housing Scheme

The Interim Rental Housing Scheme currently provides about 500 flats, accommodating around 1,000 families through flat-sharing arrangements.
HDB has increased its public rental flat supply from 42,000 units in 2007 to 53,000 units, with a target of 60,000 by 2017, to ensure sufficient availability.
Applications are carefully evaluated to prioritize rental flats for lower-income and vulnerable households, ensuring adequate housing for those in need.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Applications by Homeless Singaporeans for HDB Rental Flats

From 2013 to 2015, 400 homeless Singaporeans applied for HDB public rental flats, with about half of these applications being successful, and those who were unsuccessful often had other housing options or existing housing arrangements.
The government provided shelter to around 900 individuals and families through MSF during this period, and those without a place to stay are assisted by social service agencies with temporary shelter while seeking alternative accommodation.
HDB, MSF, and social service agencies collaborate to address underlying causes of housing instability, offering counselling, financial assistance, employment support, and flexible housing options for deserving cases.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

HDB Flats Eligible for Neighbourhood Renewal Programme

Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development about the number of flats eligible for the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) per Town Council and whether HDB plans to speed up the programme.
The NRP was launched in 2007 and will benefit about 200,000 eligible flats, with eligibility extended in 2014 to include blocks built up to 1995, adding another 100,000 flats.
HDB has informed all Town Councils of the eligible blocks, and the pace of NRP depends on funding availability and the Town Councils' capacity to implement and manage the projects effectively.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Upgrading under Home Improvement Programme

Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development about the number of flats not yet announced for upgrading under the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) per Town Council and whether HDB is on track to announce all eligible flats by 2018.
Minister Lawrence Wong responded that HIP, introduced in 2007, covers about 300,000 eligible flats, with over 200,000 announced to date and around 100,000 remaining.
Wong stated that Town Councils are aware of blocks meeting HIP criteria, and HDB aims to complete selections for all remaining flats by financial year 2018, subject to fiscal conditions and budget availability.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Implementation of Reverse Mortgages for HDB Flats

Dr. Lee Bee Wah asked about the progress and benefits of a reverse mortgage scheme for HDB flats and whether it could be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Ministry of National Development completed its study, noting that reverse mortgages are complex with risks like growing loan balances and potential property value shortfalls, and past offerings had low uptake.
The Ministry highlighted existing alternatives like the enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme, Silver Housing Bonus, and subletting options, which are better suited for elderly flat owners.
Consequently, the Ministry has no plans to introduce reverse mortgages for HDB flats and will continue reviewing existing schemes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Change in Income Profile and Consumption of Public Utilities by Housing Type

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development for data over the past 10 years on changes in average household and per capita income, as well as average water and electricity consumption, across various housing types including 2-room, 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room or more in public, private, and landed properties.
Lawrence Wong responded that the Department of Statistics data shows changes in average monthly household income per housing type, presented in Table 1, and changes in average monthly per capita household income, presented in Table 2.
The Household Expenditure Survey provides average consumption data for water and electricity by housing type, shown in Table 3, though it does not account for government rebates that reduce utility expenditures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Monitoring Lift Maintenance and Repair

Sun Xueling asked what recourse residents have beyond calling the Essential Maintenance Services Unit for frequently breaking lifts and whether maintenance can be increased with performance monitoring to restore confidence.
Lawrence Wong explained that Town Councils are statutorily responsible for lift maintenance in HDB estates, and residents may also contact their Town Council directly for breakdowns.
He noted that while regulations require lifts to be maintained at least monthly, Town Councils can review and increase maintenance frequency for problematic lifts using data from the Tele-Monitoring System.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Update on HDB's Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme

From 2013 to 2015, HDB assisted with about 22,900 ceiling leak repairs under the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme, which covers 50% of the repair cost while the remaining 50% is shared equally between upper- and lower-floor flat owners.
The GRA scheme was introduced to lessen the financial burden on lower-floor flat owners who face leaking ceilings and to help expedite repairs.
Lower-floor lessees who prefer not to use the GRA scheme can choose to approach their upper-floor neighbours to make their own arrangements for repairs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Non-citizen Single Parents with Singaporean Children in HDB Rental Flats

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar inquired about the number of non-citizen single parents with Singaporean children renting HDB flats and their available housing options.
Minister Lawrence Wong stated there are 31 such tenants, and non-citizen widows/widowers can retain their flat if their Singaporean spouse was the original tenant.
Single parents who are widowed or divorced with an SC child may buy a flat from HDB or a resale flat if they meet eligibility criteria.
Unmarried single parents can access housing options similar to singles, such as buying a 2-room flexi flat or resale flat with grants, if eligible.
Single parents in hardship with no other options may rent an HDB flat on a case-by-case basis.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Feb 2016

Review of Requirement for Joint Tenancy for Singles in Public Flat Rental Scheme

HDB registered 2,184 rental applications in 2015, with 398 under the Joint Singles Scheme, and reported 235 disputes among 12,000 JSS households over the past two years, with mediation provided for unresolved cases.
The Ministry of National Development and HDB have no plans to allow singles to rent flats alone, but since 2015, have offered 1-room rental flats with partitions to provide more privacy, with 94 such flats allocated in Sengkang, Yishun, and Sembawang.
Exceptions for single occupancy are granted on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances like medical grounds, with 42 such cases allowed from 2013 to 2015, but HDB does not plan a pilot scheme for smaller solo rental flats.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Jan 2016

Resale Levy on New HDB Flat Buyers

Minister Lawrence Wong explained that the resale levy ensures fair distribution of housing subsidies between first- and second-timer households, with 7,900 second-timer households paying the levy from 2010 to 2015.
Over that period, HDB received about 3,500 requests for full waiver and 4,100 for partial waiver of the resale levy, with HDB assessing each case on its merits.
HDB does not allow full waivers, but accedes to about one-third of partial waiver requests, usually for second-timers facing financial hardship, and may incorporate the levy into the purchase price for instalment payment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Jan 2016

Installation of Gondolas in High-rise Residential Developments

Mr Zainal Sapari questioned whether BCA approves gondola points in private flat areas and what recourse homeowners have for safer alternatives, while the Senior Minister of State clarified that BCA does not regulate gondola systems, developers provide them for maintenance, and safety is governed by MOM's Workplace Safety and Health Act with a hotline for reporting issues.
The Ministry stated that developers inform buyers of gondola points in Sale and Purchase Agreements, and any changes are contractual matters to be settled with the developer or Management Corporation, with homeowners advised to raise concerns at AGMs or EGMs.
Mr Sapari raised concerns about generic clauses in agreements and potential disputes, to which the Ministry responded that mediation may be available through the Singapore Mediation Centre, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority can facilitate discussions between developers and residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Jan 2016

Construction of Ramps at Main Entrances of Selected HDB flats

Patrick Tay asked if HDB can include constructing ramps at main entrances with multiple steps under the EASE funding scheme.
The Minister explained that EASE already covers ramps for single-step entrances but multi-step entrances require customised solutions due to technical and space challenges.
HDB allows flat owners to choose from commercial ramp options and assists with implementation through agencies and VWOs.
Financial aid for ramps is available through ComCare, SG Enable, and other voluntary welfare organisations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

29 Jan 2016

Recourse for Defects in BTO HDB Flats

HDB implements a multi-step quality control system for BTO flats, including onsite supervision, material checks, sample unit approvals, and pre-handover inspections, followed by a one-year Defects Liability Period where contractors must rectify issues and Building Service Centres are established for resident feedback.
Residents dissatisfied with defect rectification can approach HDB for case review, and the ministry uses industry-standard CONQUAS scores to benchmark and improve flat quality over time.
For ongoing defects reported within the DLP, HDB assesses each case individually and may extend the period if necessary, while contractors are expected to fix issues within 14 days, with HDB monitoring compliance and increasing BSC staffing to handle resident concerns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

28 Jan 2016

Upgrading Programme to Replace Lifts in HDB Estates

Ms Tin Pei Ling inquired about a new programme to replace ageing lifts prone to breakdowns in HDB estates, but the Minister clarified that Town Councils are already responsible for lift maintenance and cyclical replacement.
The government has previously invested in lift upgrading programmes, including the Lift Upgrading Programme and the Selective Lift Replacement Programme (SLRP), which targets lifts installed between 1987 and 1997 for replacement due to their age and lack of modern safety features.
The SLRP covers about 750 old lifts across Singapore, selected based on their installation period rather than estate age, which has raised questions about the consistency of selection within HDB estates built at the same time.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

28 Jan 2016

Success Rates for First-timer and Second-timer HDB BTO Applicants

Between 2013 and 2015, about nine in 10 first-timer families and seven in 10 second-timer families were successful in their BTO applications for flats in non-mature estates.
The Minister stated that HDB has been tapering BTO supply from 22,400 flats in 2014 to 15,100 flats in 2015, but application rates for first-timer families remain stable at about 1.6 times.
Most applicants with multiple unsuccessful applications had applied for flats in limited supply and high demand, such as those in mature estates and balance flats.
HDB plans to offer about 18,000 flats in 2016 to meet new demand from recent policy changes and will continue to monitor the market to ensure sustainable supply levels.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source