Housing & estates — Topics

12 Feb 2015

Extending More Government Benefits to Single Parents and Single Male Parents

Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked for statistics on the gender ratio of single parents with custody, details on which tax benefits and assistance schemes are available to single male parents, and whether more support schemes can be extended to single parents.
Minister Chan Chun Sing noted that in 2013, 47% of civil divorces and 63% of Muslim divorces involved dependent children, but the Ministry lacks detailed custody data; joint custody is commonly awarded to prioritize children’s interests.
Divorced parents, including fathers with custody and care control, continue to receive benefits like tax relief, healthcare and education subsidies, Medisave grants, Baby Bonus, preschool subsidies, and childcare leave.
For housing, a divorced parent with custody and care control is treated like a married household, though within three years of divorce, only one party can own a subsidised flat unless the ex-spouse consents or the divorcee has full custody of all children under 18.

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12 Feb 2015

Auditor-General's Report on Audit of Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC)

The Minister for Law accused the AHPETC Town Councillors of serious fiduciary breaches, including unlawful payments to a related party, FMSS, without transparency and at inflated rates, resulting in significant financial loss to residents.
In response, the Workers' Party MPs rejected these allegations, defended their actions, and challenged the accuracy of the data presented, while committing to answer residents' questions during house visits.
The debate highlighted unresolved issues regarding the disclosure of conflicts of interest, the approval process for contracts, and the reliability of the Town Council's financial records, with calls for a forensic audit to determine the exact loss.

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12 Feb 2015

Auditor-General's Report on Audit of Aljunied Hougang Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC)

The Workers' Party MPs acknowledged the audit findings and outlined corrective actions, such as rectifying Sinking Fund transfers and improving oversight of related-party transactions, while emphasizing no evidence of deliberate malpractice or loss of public funds.
They detailed specific lapses, including errors in the EMSU contract due to urgency and calculation mistakes, and clarified that most payments to the Managing Agent were pre-approved contract sums, with segregation of duties later implemented.
The debate highlighted tensions between the government and opposition, with the Minister criticizing AHPETC's governance and conflicts of interest, while WP MPs defended their transparency and commitment to addressing the issues raised.

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12 Feb 2015

Auditor-General's Report on Audit of Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC)

The Minister for National Development highlighted severe financial mismanagement at AHPETC, including failures in accounting systems, lack of oversight on related-party transactions, and improper use of public funds, as detailed in the Auditor-General's report.
The Workers' Party acknowledged the findings and committed to addressing the issues, but pointed out challenges in attracting managing agents due to political bias and called for a depoliticized transition process for opposition-run town councils.
The Minister announced plans to amend the Town Councils Act to strengthen accountability, impose stricter penalties, and enhance regulatory oversight to prevent similar issues in the future.

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12 Feb 2015

Update on HDB Sale of Balance Flat Exercises

HDB currently has about 10,000 balance flats, with approximately 3,000 in mature estates and 4,000 being 3-room or smaller units, to be released in two batches of 5,000 each to enhance choice and applicant success.
The government plans to release these flats in two annual batches rather than quarterly to consolidate a larger pool, which provides more options per exercise and supports a stable housing market.
HDB will continue to review and fine-tune its marketing plan to complement BTO exercises and improve applicant planning, though quarterly sales are not currently feasible due to the need for a sufficient number of units per exercise.

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12 Feb 2015

Singaporean and PR HDB Flat Owners Renting out Flats

Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for National Development for the number of HDB flat owners renting out their flats or rooms and a breakdown by Singaporean and Permanent Resident households.
As of January 2015, 87,900 households rented out their flats or rooms, with 92% being Singaporean and 8% Permanent Resident, and SPRs are no longer allowed to sublet entire flats since 2013.
Mr Png raised concerns about ensuring rentals comply with legal limits on occupants and tenancy duration to prevent flats from becoming "mini motels."
The Minister responded that HDB requires registration of tenants, conducts spot checks, and relies on grassroots feedback to monitor and enforce regulations.
Both sides emphasized a two-pronged approach of active enforcement and community vigilance to uphold HDB rental rules.

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12 Feb 2015

Potential HDB Flat Buyers Curbed by Loan Eligibility Rule

Mr Zainal Sapari asked if HDB could refund deposits or allow purchase completion based on the first loan assessment for buyers who failed the second HLE check in 2013 and 2014.
The Minister of State explained that HDB conducts a second credit assessment to ensure buyers can still afford repayments, and 51 buyers in those years could not take possession, forfeiting 5% of the purchase price unless hardship was proven.
HDB may refund the forfeited amount in genuine hardship cases and offer assistance, such as suggesting a cheaper flat, to help families achieve sustainable housing.
The Minister emphasized that completing purchases for those who cannot service loans would risk future defaults and create further problems for families.
HDB works with affected buyers individually to find sustainable options, including potentially waiving forfeitures to help them rebuild finances for future flat purchases.

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12 Feb 2015

Waiting Time for BTO Flats for Singles

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the number of single applicants still waiting for 2-room BTO flats and the estimated waiting time, to which the Minister of State replied that about 9,300 singles have not yet secured a flat and waiting time statistics are not available due to varying factors.
The Minister of State stated that HDB has increased the supply of 2-room BTO flats from 2,600 in 2013 to about 5,000 in 2014, and application rates have fallen, indicating improved availability for singles.
For 2016, HDB plans to launch 16,500 BTO flats, with about 5,000 being 2-room flats, and approximately 30% of these reserved for singles, though leftovers from other applicants may also be allocated to singles.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah suggested increasing the quota for singles, and the Minister of State responded that while the quota is currently 30%, about 77% of 2-room flats were allocated to singles recently, and the quota may be reviewed if demand from first-time families decreases.
Gan Thiam Poh asked if unsuccessful applicants could get an extra chance, and the Minister of State said HDB treats all applicants fairly and considers case-by-case assistance for those with repeated failures, with expectations that pent-up demand will ease over time.

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12 Feb 2015

Unused Senior Activity Centre Space

David Ong asked why some Senior Activity Centres (SACs) at HDB rental flats and Studio Apartments were delayed last year, and the Minister of State explained that three out of 11 SACs faced operator delays due to manpower and resource constraints, with openings planned for April or May 2015.
The Ministry emphasized close coordination between HDB and MSF to ensure timely handovers and operational SACs, with assurances that delays are addressed to maintain social engagement and safety for seniors.
Baey Yam Keng raised concerns about outreach challenges in rental blocks, and the Minister agreed to explore HDB-facilitated communication to residents while protecting confidentiality, in collaboration with MSF.

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30 Jan 2015

Compulsory Fire Insurance for Residential and Commercial Properties

Baey Yam Keng questioned why fire insurance is not compulsory for all property owners, citing potential strain on relations and third-party impacts during fire incidents.
The Minister of State explained that fire insurance is not mandated, but HDB loan-takers and strata developments have specific requirements, while encouraging voluntary uptake.
Over 80% of HDB flats have basic fire insurance, with many owners opting in voluntarily; HDB promotes this through reminders and affordable premiums for basic coverage.
The Minister highlighted that HDB's basic insurance covers structural elements, while owners can seek additional coverage for personal properties and renovations if needed.

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20 Jan 2015

Making HDB Flats Accessible to Wheelchairs and Ambulance Stretchers

Zaqy Mohamad questioned whether newer HDB flats have lifts designed for wheelchair and ambulance stretcher access, what proportion of existing flats cannot accommodate stretchers or moving the deceased, and if regulations will be enhanced for future upgrades.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that regulations require at least one lift per building to meet minimum dimensions for wheelchair access, and newer HDB lifts are larger and can accommodate wheelchairs or inclined stretchers.
However, current regulations do not require lifts to fit stretchers in a flat-lying position, and about 15% of lifts in HDB blocks cannot accommodate inclined stretchers, though some lifts in those blocks are large enough.
The Ministry noted that enlarging lifts beyond current standards is limited by the size of existing lift wells.

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20 Jan 2015

Higher Interest Rate for Home Owners who Take Third Housing Loan from HDB

Mr Zainal Sapari questioned the rationale for higher interest rates on a third HDB housing loan, the income profile of such applicants, and whether rates could be equalised across loans.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that HDB offers up to two concessionary loans at below-market rates, with a third loan granted only in exceptional cases at market rates to discourage resale flat churning.
He noted that third loans are typically for those in urgent housing need with poor credit but steady income, though HDB may consider concessionary rates for genuine hardship cases.

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20 Jan 2015

Implication of Huge Net Deficit in HDB Budget

The HDB net deficit of $1.97 billion in FY2013/2014 is a deliberate outcome of government policies to provide affordable public housing, mainly from subsidies to flat buyers and CPF housing grants.
The deficit spike is due to a ramp-up in flat construction and upgrading programmes, and will remain high in the coming years as these projects are completed, though future levels depend on housing demand, policies, and costs.
The deficit is expected and managed through a deficit financing model, where the Ministry of Finance provides a grant to balance HDB’s accounts, and the current high building pace of 25,000 units per year is being tapered down.

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20 Jan 2015

HDB Flats That Have Been Compulsorily Acquired

From January 2012 to December 2014, HDB compulsorily acquired 202 flats, primarily due to major lease infringements like unauthorized subletting or persistent mortgage arrears despite assistance.
HDB intervenes early with measures such as loan rescheduling, reduced repayment schemes, deferrals, and counseling to help families resolve arrears before considering compulsory acquisition.
Affected families are provided alternative accommodation, including help to purchase smaller flats with potential loans or allocation to rental flats if they cannot afford another home.
HDB collaborates with other agencies to address underlying issues like medical problems, job loss, or credit card debts, offering holistic support beyond housing solutions.
A formal notice of intention is issued before acquisition, with the process often taking many months to over a year to allow for resolution efforts with the families.

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19 Jan 2015

Extension of Period to Sell off Existing Flat upon Possession of New HDB Flat

Zainal Sapari requested an extension of the deadline to sell an existing HDB flat from six months to one year due to challenging property market conditions.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that the six-month period is generally sufficient for owners to sell their old flat while renovating and moving into the new one.
He added that HDB will consider extending the deadline on a case-by-case basis for those with special circumstances.

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19 Jan 2015

Payment of Service/Conservancy Charges by New BTO Flat Owners

Patrick Tay asked when new BTO flat owners must start paying service/conservancy charges, the rationale for that timing, and whether charges can be waived or reduced while flats are unoccupied.
Khaw Boon Wan replied that owners begin paying from the day they complete the flat purchase and collect keys, as this marks when they assume full ownership, with HDB covering charges before key collection.
He noted that Town Councils can vary, remit, or refund charges, including waivers or reductions for unoccupied flats, but doing so would effectively mean occupied residents subsidizing unoccupied ones.

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19 Jan 2015

Waiving Car Park Charges for HDB Car Parks on Saturdays

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin proposed waiving car park charges for HDB car parks on Saturdays as it is a non-working day for many residents.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that HDB car parks primarily serve residents and extending free parking to Saturdays would increase competition for parking spaces with visitors.
The current Free Parking Scheme already covers Sundays and public holidays, and HDB prefers to maintain the status quo.
HDB has no plans to extend free parking to Saturdays due to the trade-offs between resident and visitor interests.

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19 Jan 2015

HDB Rental Flats for Low-income Families Waiting for Their New BTO Flats

Gerald Giam asked if low-income families with a $1,500 monthly income who have booked a BTO flat and are waiting for its construction are eligible to rent an HDB flat under the Public Rental Scheme.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that such families can be considered for rental, but they must compete with other needy applicants.
Priority will be given to applicants with no other housing options and no family support.
Khaw suggested that one alternative is for them to rent under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme, especially if they do so jointly with another family to reduce rental costs.
The government's approach balances assistance with competition and prioritizes the most vulnerable applicants.

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19 Jan 2015

Review of Income Criteria for Subsidised Rental Flat from HDB

Ms Lee Li Lian asked about the review of income criteria for HDB rental flats and when the last review was conducted.
The Ministry reviews eligibility criteria periodically to ensure rental flats benefit low-income households without family support or other housing options.
The current income ceiling of $1,500 per month remains appropriate as it aligns with the 20th percentile of household income.
HDB exercises flexibility to assist families with higher incomes in deserving circumstances.
The last review timeframe was not specified in the response.

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19 Jan 2015

Impact of Increasing Fines System in Housing Estates with Insufficient Car-parking Facilities for Residents

Alvin Yeo questioned how the escalating fines for repeat illegal parking would be enforced in residential areas with insufficient parking for residents.
Lui Tuck Yew stated that illegal parking threatens safety and traffic flow, and from 1 January 2015, repeat offenders within 12 months will face higher fines on all public roads, including private estates.
He noted that parking issues in private estates can be addressed through community engagement with the Land Transport Authority to discuss appropriate schemes.
The increased fines aim to serve as a stronger deterrent against repeat illegal parking offences.
The policy applies uniformly across public roads, including those within private residential areas.

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