Housing & estates — Topics

27 Jan 2016

New Technologies in Home Team to Detect and Deter Crime

The Home Team is deploying police cameras in HDB blocks and carparks to deter crime and assist investigations, with completion of 10,000 blocks targeted this year and more cameras being studied for other public areas.
Technology initiatives include the Police@SG app for crowdsourcing evidence, the Vehicle on Watch Scheme for in-car cameras, and redesigned police posts with automated services to free up officers for frontline duties.
Next-generation vehicles and drones are being equipped with advanced analytics and surveillance technology to improve situational awareness and dynamic resource deployment.
The Ministry will study expanding camera angles to staircase entries and adjusting bin sizes in response to residents’ concerns about security and crime prevention.
Data analytics and video-trawling technologies will be integrated to aggregate and analyze real-time information, enhancing threat detection and investigative efficiency.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

27 Jan 2016

Impact of Construction Materials Used for HDB Flats on Noise Transmission

The Ministry of National Development notes that HDB flats are built with reinforced concrete according to building codes, though there are no specific standards for acoustic performance.
HDB is mindful of resident concerns and surveys show high satisfaction with noise insulation, but it continues to explore practical noise mitigation measures.
Complete soundproofing is not feasible in high-density HDB environments with natural ventilation, so residents are encouraged to practice considerate behaviour to minimise noise.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

15 Jan 2016

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry will continue to prioritize inclusive homeownership, with schemes to help first-timer families, second-time buyers, singles, seniors, and vulnerable groups like divorcees and low-income households.
Efforts will focus on nurturing cohesive communities through shared spaces, inter-generational bonding facilities, and revitalized heartland shops to foster a vibrant "Kampong Spirit."
Singapore's sustainability goals include expanding green spaces, promoting energy-efficient buildings, increasing local food production, and developing walkable, cycling-friendly towns to enhance livability.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Aug 2015

Qualifying Criteria for Occupiers of HDB Flats under Public Rental Scheme to Purchase New 2-Room BTO Flat

Member of Parliament Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked how many public rental households qualify to buy a new 2-room BTO flat and why some choose not to do so.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that while public rental households are generally eligible to buy flats, many are not financially ready or cannot afford it, with some preferring to stay due to old age or familiarity with their current environment.
He noted that HDB actively encourages financially stable tenants to buy flats and use housing grants, with about 1,700 ex-rental tenants becoming homeowners in the last three years and 2,600 rental tenants having booked ownership flats as of June 2015.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Aug 2015

Priority for BTO 2-room Flats for Singaporeans with Foreign Spouses

Gan Thiam Poh proposed giving priority to Singaporeans married to foreign spouses who are childless for 2-room BTO flats.
The Minister explained that HDB considers housing needs, demand, and supply when assigning priority.
Low application rates for 2-room BTO flats by families allow more support for singles, with half the supply in non-mature estates reserved for them.
Singaporeans with foreign spouses and no children are treated the same as singles in this allocation process.
This approach ensures fairness while addressing the housing needs of different applicant groups.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Aug 2015

Double-Glazed Windows for HDB Flats near MRT Lines, Expressways or Busy Roads

Arthur Fong proposed that HDB consider installing double-glazed windows for new and existing flats near noisy areas like MRT lines, expressways, or busy roads, and include such retrofitting in improvement programs.
The Minister for National Development responded that HDB currently has no plans to retrofit double-glazed windows, as single-glazed windows are sufficient when closed, and HDB's planning already mitigates noise through building orientation and buffers.
Residents can apply to HDB for double-glazed window installation, but it will not be added to the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) options at this time.
The government is exploring other noise mitigation measures, such as LTA-installed noise barriers, though their effectiveness may be limited for high-rise flats.
A multi-agency effort continues to address noise concerns in housing estates, with ongoing trials and studies.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

18 Aug 2015

HDB Loans for Studio Apartments

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether HDB would grant loans to seniors buying Studio Apartments with personal guarantees and servicing by their children.
The Minister replied that Studio Apartments are for elderly owners right-sizing and can be paid with sale proceeds, leaving funds for retirement, so loans are not needed.
HDB does not accept guarantor arrangements for housing loans to maintain prudence and prevent disputes in case of default.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Aug 2015

Complaints from BTO and DBSS Flat Owners

Yee Jenn Jong asked for the number of complaints per 100 units of BTO and DBSS flats completed over the past years.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that on average, about one-third of new BTO residents approach the Building Service Centre for assistance after collecting their keys.
DBSS projects are developed by private developers with varying fixtures and standards, making it not meaningful to compare complaint rates across projects.
Residents of DBSS flats should report quality issues directly to the developer's Building Service Centre during the one-year Defects Liability Period.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Aug 2015

Season Parking Area for NEA-licensed Mobile Snack Food Vendors

Zainal Sapari proposed that HDB allocate season parking areas for NEA-licensed mobile snack vendors to help them sustain their livelihood and manage costs.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that HDB car parks are intended primarily for resident parking, not commercial activities.
He argued that allowing vending in car parks could compromise safety, cause disamenities to residents, and disrupt the primary use of the space.
Khaw emphasized that HDB has no plans to enable mobile vendors to operate in its car parks.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Aug 2015

Exemption from Mandatory Pre-packed Material Requirement for Home-owners Renovating BTO Flats

Ms Tin Pei Ling requested an exemption for MacPherson Residency homeowners renovating BTO flats from the mandatory pre-packed material requirement, noting many secured units before the 2014 rule introduction and staggered key collections delayed renovations.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated the pre-packed material requirement has been in place since 2001 for wet areas and was extended to dry areas in 2014 to improve quality, cleanliness, productivity, and reduce waste.
Contractors were informed of the change in June 2014 and given a year to adjust before implementation, and the rule applies uniformly to all renovations in existing and new HDB flats regardless of key collection dates.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Aug 2015

Raising Quota under Married Child Priority Scheme for Mature Estates

Tin Pei Ling proposed increasing the quota under the Married Child Priority Scheme for mature estates to help young couples care for elderly parents living there.
Khaw Boon Wan noted that HDB already allocates 30% of flat supply in mature estates for first-time buyers under the scheme, with priority given to families living together or near each other.
He encouraged considering HDB resale flats near parents to access a higher $40,000 CPF Housing Grant and mentioned ongoing efforts to further support such arrangements.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Aug 2015

First-time Applicants Successful in Securing BTO Flats

Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that about 100,000 first-time applicants, including families and singles, have successfully secured HDB flats through BTO or Sale of Balance Flats exercises since 2008.
Of these successful applicants, approximately 50,400 have collected their keys, 6,700 are expected to collect them in 2015, 31,100 in 2016–2017, and 11,800 after 2017.
Additionally, 38,400 first-time applicants have received housing grants for purchasing resale HDB flats over the same period.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Aug 2015

Flats that have Benefited from Home Improvement Programme

Mr David Ong asked about the proportion of eligible flats that have completed the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and any changes to implementation dates for the remaining flats.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that HIP was introduced in 2007 with about 300,000 eligible flats, and to date, HIP has been announced for 140,000 flats.
Works have been completed in 41,000 flats, with works ongoing for another 66,000 flats.
Last year, the annual HIP ramp-up increased from 35,000 to 50,000 flats, and an additional 100,000 flats were selected for implementation in 2015 and 2016.
With the ramp-up, the Housing and Development Board expects to complete selection of all eligible flats by 2018.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Aug 2015

Dispute Resolution for Tenants in HDB's Joint Singles Scheme

David Ong asked the Minister for National Development how disputes among tenants in HDB's Joint Singles Scheme can be resolved quickly and what help is available for those who cannot co-rent their flat.
Khaw Boon Wan emphasized the need for mutual tolerance among tenants and stated that HDB advises them to settle disputes amicably, with mediation support from Residents Committees or the Community Mediation Centre if necessary.
HDB encourages tenants to choose co-renting partners they know and provides lists or introductions to other single applicants to facilitate mutual agreements.
In extenuating circumstances such as medical conditions, HDB may allow a tenant to rent a flat alone.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Aug 2015

Aligning Issuance of Temporary Occupation Permit with Building Standards Compliance

Zainal Sapari inquired about BCA's role in mediating disputes over design or construction defects in private housing and whether the issuance of Temporary Occupation Permits can be tightened to ensure higher building standards.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that permits depend on compliance with regulations from multiple agencies, and defect disputes are governed by sale agreements, with BCA facilitating meetings but not intervening directly.
He noted that buyers can use mediation services from REDAS or the Singapore Mediation Centre to resolve disputes with developers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jul 2015

Childcare Places in Mature Estates under Remaking Our Heartland Programme

Mrs Lina Chiam inquired about meeting childcare demand in mature estates under the Remaking Our Heartland programme, where limited land makes new facilities challenging.
Tan Chuan-Jin explained that ECDA monitors existing and projected childcare demand in mature estates.
If capacity needs expansion, ECDA may collaborate with HDB and operators to extend existing centres or find alternative sites like retail malls or co-located facilities.
For new BTO developments in mature estates, ECDA works with HDB to pre-build childcare facilities based on anticipated demand.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jul 2015

Conversion of HDB Void Deck Spaces for Specific Uses

Mrs Lina Chiam proposed a policy to consult residents and conduct polls before converting HDB void decks for use by VWOs, grassroots organisations, Town Councils, or constituency offices.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that void decks are deliberately designed as communal spaces and are assessed for suitable facilities like childcare or senior care centres through community feedback, but formal polls are impractical as facilities serve the wider neighbourhood.
He noted that Town Council offices may be placed in void decks if no commercial premises are available, while constituency offices are currently located in Community Centres/Clubs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jul 2015

Helping Self-employed Persons to Buy Homes

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked if self-employed persons could channel excess CPF contributions beyond the Medisave ceiling to their Ordinary Account for housing, or opt out of Medisave contributions if they have substantial medical insurance.
The Minister for Manpower explained that excess Medisave contributions are automatically transferred to the Special or Retirement Account for higher returns, and voluntary CPF contributions for housing are already allowed with tax relief.
The Minister clarified that Medisave is essential for covering healthcare expenses and family medical needs, so self-employed persons cannot opt out even with other insurance, as Medisave provides guaranteed lifelong coverage and broader family support.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jul 2015

Senior Group Homes Model for Elderly Singaporeans in Public Housing Estates

The Senior Group Homes model, launched in 2012, provides shared flats in rental blocks for frail seniors, offering coordinated care services and mutual support, with 14 homes planned to accommodate 250 seniors.
The Minister noted that the government is exploring ways to extend this model beyond rental flats and to younger persons with special needs, emphasizing a needs-based approach rather than age-based criteria.
Ongoing reviews will assess the model’s scalability and potential integration into mainstream housing, while alternative support systems for persons with disabilities are also being considered.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Jul 2015

Eligibility of First-time HDB Applicants with Foreign Spouses for Married Child Priority Scheme

The question was raised on whether first-time HDB applicants with foreign spouses can qualify for the Married Child Priority Scheme.
The Minister clarified that such applicants are indeed eligible under the scheme.
The eligibility is conditional on having at least one child who is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
This confirmation provides clarity for couples with mixed nationality backgrounds seeking housing support.
The policy balances family cohesion and national priorities by linking eligibility to the child's residency status.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source