Housing & estates — Topics

14 Jul 2015

Measures to Help Residents Whose Flats Do Not Enjoy Direct Lift Access

The Ministry of National Development is piloting two new lift solutions—the Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator and the Vertical Platform Lift—to provide direct lift access for HDB blocks that are not eligible for the Lift Upgrading Programme due to technical or cost constraints.
HDB assesses each case of residents needing lift access on an individual basis, offering assistance such as housing and financing support, especially for those with medical conditions or mobility issues.
While 98% of HDB flats have been upgraded with lifts, about 200 blocks remain ineligible due to high costs or technical challenges, and the Ministry is exploring ways to address these, including evaluating new lift technologies and considering alternative solutions for high-rise segmented blocks.

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13 Jul 2015

Abuse of Rooftop Gardens in HDB Estates

Mr Zaqy Mohamad raised concerns about security, abuse, and noise issues in HDB rooftop gardens near residential units, suggesting limited resident-only access and CCTV installations with police cooperation.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that HDB designs these gardens to provide greenery and recreational space, placing noisy facilities away from flats and ensuring plants address privacy, while keeping them open and communal for all residents.
HDB collaborates with the Singapore Police Force for neighborhood safety, and while no universal CCTV plans exist, installations will be considered for security concerns, with Town Councils able to liaise with police for localized assessments.

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13 Jul 2015

Conserving Flats in Dakota Crescent

Lim Biow Chuan asked if HDB could conserve the Dakota Crescent flats built by the Singapore Improvement Trust instead of demolishing them.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the 1950s-era flats are being vacated to allow higher-density housing development near an MRT station.
He stated that as the area is redeveloped, efforts will be made to study ways to retain some of its distinctive identity and character.

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13 Jul 2015

Disbursement of Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) Funding to Town Councils

Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development how much CIPC funding has been extended to each Town Council via their respective CCCs from May 7, 2011.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that CIPC funding supports HDB estate improvement projects like covered walkways and playgrounds, and is disbursed through CCCs to identify community-focused projects.
The CIPC allocates its budget to CCCs yearly based on HDB residential units in each Town, with CCCs prioritizing projects based on local needs.
Town Councils can approach their CCCs for enquiries or proposals regarding CIPC-funded projects.

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13 Jul 2015

Purchase of Resale HDB Flats by Private Property Owners

Mr Zainal Sapari questioned whether private property owners should be allowed to purchase resale HDB flats given current market conditions.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that private property owners are already permitted to buy resale flats but must sell their private property within six months.
This policy reinforces that HDB flats are for long-term owner-occupation.
The rule aims to reduce speculative demand from buyers who do not have an urgent housing need.
The six-month disposal period ensures that HDB flats serve primarily as homes rather than investment properties.

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13 Jul 2015

Approved Purpose-built Dormitories for Foreign Workers in Services Sector

Mr Zainal Sapari asked whether the Ministry for Manpower can allow foreign workers in the services sector to live in approved purpose-built dormitories, similar to those available for the construction and marine sectors.
Lim Swee Say clarified that commercial purpose-built dormitories managed by BCA, HDB, and JTC already allow Work Permit holders from all industrial sectors, including services, to occupy up to 25% of each dormitory’s capacity.
Businesses with specific housing needs can approach the relevant dormitory overseeing agencies to arrange accommodation for their foreign workers in these facilities.

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13 Jul 2015

BTO Flats to be Built in 2016

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development for the total number of BTO flats to be built next year, broken down by flat types.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that after a significant ramp-up, the first-timer demand backlog has been cleared and the resale market is moderating, allowing BTO supply to be tapered.
The BTO supply for the current year is settled at about 15,000 flats, and the details for 2016 are being studied and will be announced when ready.

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13 Jul 2015

Rebates on Service and Conservancy Charges for Yuhua Residents Involved in Green and Energy-saving Initiatives

Mrs Lina Chiam asked the Ministry for National Development when it would consider reducing service and conservancy charges for Yuhua residents who participated in HDB’s Greenprint energy-saving initiatives since 2012.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan replied that the decision rests with the local Town Council, which must weigh net savings from Greenprint against rising operational costs.
He noted that while Greenprint generates some savings, it represents only a small portion of the Town Council’s total annual expenditure.

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13 Jul 2015

Improving Design of Service Yards in HDB Flats

Ang Wei Neng asked if HDB will improve service yard designs after a toddler’s head got caught between a ledge and a laundry pole.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that service yards are semi-open spaces with features like water, electricity, and washing machine space, and their design includes safety measures such as a 1.1m parapet height and lockable doors.
He noted that residents can apply to install additional safety features like window grilles with HDB’s approval.

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13 Jul 2015

Sale of HDB Flats upon Full Settlement of Mortgage

Gan Thiam Poh asked for statistics on HDB flat owners who fully paid their mortgage in the last 10 years, including how many kept the flat versus sold it to upgrade before ages 40, 45, 50, and 55.
Khaw Boon Wan replied that from 2005 to 2014, 59,100 first-time owners fully paid off their loans, with 85% retaining their flats.
About 5% sold their flats to upgrade before age 55, with specific counts provided for those upgrading before ages 40, 45, 50, and 54.

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13 Jul 2015

Revising Eligibility Criteria to Move Unsold Executive Condominium Units

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the current availability of unsold Executive Condominiums (ECs), the possibility of raising the income ceiling for first-time buyers like newly-weds, and the average waiting time for new EC applicants.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that there are about 2,230 unsold EC units and that applicants wait around three years from sales launch to Temporary Occupation Permit issuance.
The Ministry last raised the income ceiling for ECs in 2011 to $12,000 and is currently reviewing it again.
The debate highlighted concerns about helping the sandwiched group of buyers, such as newly-weds, through potential policy adjustments.
The responses indicate ongoing government evaluation of EC eligibility criteria to address market conditions and buyer needs.

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13 Jul 2015

Removing Income Eligibility Criteria for Married Couples to Purchase HDB Resale Flats near Parents

Pritam Singh proposed removing the income eligibility criteria for married couples purchasing HDB resale flats near their parents to allow more access to the CPF Housing Grant.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the current income ceiling of $10,000 for first-timer families ensures housing subsidies target those who need more help, with a higher $15,000 ceiling for extended families living together.
The Minister noted that flexibility is already exercised case-by-case for families exceeding the income limit but still needing subsidized housing.
While acknowledging that rising incomes are prompting a review of the income ceiling, Khaw Boon Wan emphasized that priority must always be given to those who need assistance most.

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13 Jul 2015

Changes to Land Use Plan for Parcels Surrounding Recently Sold or Completed BTO Flats

The Ministry monitors changes to land use around BTO flats, with HDB sales brochures informing buyers of surrounding land uses based on the prevailing Master Plan at the time of purchase.
URA reviews proposed land use changes for compatibility with existing developments, particularly in residential areas, and publishes notices for public inspection before amending the Master Plan.
The initiating agency informs MPs and constituency advisors of proposed developments to address community concerns, but no specific additional measures are mentioned for directly informing flat owners.
Public consultations occur through the official notice and feedback process, but there is no mention of advance consultations specifically with flat owners affected by negative valuation impacts.

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13 Jul 2015

New Features for Rat Attack Programme to Support Community Measures to Prevent Infestation of Rats

The Ministry has revised the Rat Attack programme to shift its focus from treating rodent burrows to culling rodents in bin centres and bin chutes, where their food sources are located.
Fifteen Town Councils have joined the programme since 2011, and details of the revised programme will be announced by the end of the month.
The Ministry is providing co-funding for rodent control measures and encourages all Town Councils to sign up for the enhanced programme to effectively reduce the rodent population in public housing estates.

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13 Jul 2015

Complaints over Quality of Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) Flats

Several MPs raised concerns about defects and poor workmanship in DBSS flats, questioning whether the scheme delivers on its promise of higher quality and whether there are gaps in quality audits and developer accountability.
The Minister of State explained that HDB oversees BTO flats directly and ensures quality, while for DBSS, private developers are responsible but HDB intervenes when complaints arise and encourages developers to rectify defects within the Defects Liability Period.
There was discussion about whether HDB should take a stronger role in mediating disputes, extending defect liability periods, or adopting measures like escrow payments to ensure timely rectification of defects in both BTO and DBSS projects.

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11 May 2015

Complaints of Low Water Pressure from HDB Flat Dwellers

PUB received about 100 pieces of feedback monthly over the past five years on low water pressure in HDB units, primarily due to partially closed valves, pump stoppages, and pipe chokages.
The issue is addressed through collaboration with Town Councils and building owners, with solutions like reopening valves, restarting pumps, or advising pipe replacements, often resolved within the day.
The Code of Practice for Water Services does not specify minimum pressure for individual HDB units, as flow rates vary based on fixtures, unit layout, and concurrent usage, a practice aligned with countries like England, Wales, and Hong Kong.
PUB is currently reviewing the need for minimum pressure standards in residential units, noting that any changes will involve stakeholder consultation and not be rushed.

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11 May 2015

Purchase of Subsidised 2-, 3- and 4-room BTO Flats by Singaporeans

Gan Thiam Poh asked how many Singaporeans purchased subsidized 2-, 3-, and 4-room BTO flats at specific price thresholds over the past three years.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that from 2012 to 2014, 47 households bought 2-room flats for under $40,000 (3 for under $20,000), 283 bought 3-room flats for under $120,000 (27 for under $100,000), and 1,721 bought 4-room flats for under $250,000.
The figures reflect prices after subsidies, including up to $40,000 in Additional CPF Housing Grant and $20,000 in Special CPF Housing Grant.

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11 May 2015

Rental of Properties by Foreign Workers

Seah Kian Peng raised queries on regulations for foreign workers renting properties, including the powers of public officers to enter premises, enforcement statistics, eviction numbers, and measures for reporting suspected overcrowding.
Lim Swee Say explained that property owners and employers must comply with guidelines from URA, HDB, and MOM, including occupancy limits and fire safety standards, with agencies empowered to conduct inspections and investigations even after denied entry.
HDB and URA investigate and enforce rules on illegal rentals and overcrowding, while MOM holds employers accountable, and residents are encouraged to report suspicions to relevant authorities for action.

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11 May 2015

Reviewing and Uplifting Conditions of Foreign Worker Dwellings in Geylang

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef queried whether there is a comprehensive, multi-agency plan to improve foreign worker housing conditions in Geylang’s Lorongs 1 to 42.
The government confirmed existing rules regulate rental properties to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety, with penalties for violations under the Planning Act and Fire Safety Act.
Employers must house foreign workers in compliant conditions under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act, with penalties for breaches.
Agencies like MOM, SCDF, SPF, and URA conduct joint inspections in Geylang, having checked over 600 units recently, and will continue targeted enforcement.
Public awareness efforts include notices in Geylang and advisory letters to employers to promote compliance with housing rules.

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13 Apr 2015

Licensing Requirements for Spa Operators in HDB Estates

The government requires spa operators in HDB estates to obtain CaseTrust accreditation as part of a licensing framework that categorises Massage Establishments (MEs) to prevent illicit vice activities and social problems.
Category I MEs, which have the highest operating standards and must be CaseTrust-accredited, are allowed to operate in HDB estates, while Exempted MEs can also operate there under stricter conditions like no partitions and visible massage areas.
The Ministry maintains that there is no distinction in licensing based on whether establishments claim to serve only male or female clients.

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