Housing & estates — Topics

7 Oct 2014

Building of New Flats under Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme

Christopher de Souza asked about ensuring new SERS flats are similar in size to the original ones.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that a wide range of flat types are built, considering functionality, lifestyle, land availability, and affordability.
He added that SERS residents can choose replacement flats based on their preferences, with flat types finalized after their indications.

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7 Oct 2014

Flat Owners with More than Two Loans from HDB

From January 2013 to June 2014, 1,312 HDB households were granted an additional loan despite already having two prior loans.
These exceptions are assessed case-by-case for buyers with steady income and urgent housing needs who cannot secure bank financing due to poor credit.
The Minister did not provide a specific number of flat owners with more than two loans, only the exceptional cases from the given period.

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7 Oct 2014

Link between Retirement Provision Adequacy and Low Take-up Rate for Lease Buyback Scheme

Gerald Giam questioned whether the low take-up rate for the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) indicates seniors are adequately supported or reflects flaws in the scheme's design or awareness.
Tan Chuan-Jin stated that most seniors have multiple income sources, including CPF payouts, family support, and housing equity, which may reduce the need for LBS.
The government has enhanced LBS features, such as extending it to 4-room flats and allowing more flexibility, to address feedback and better suit seniors' needs.

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7 Oct 2014

Secured Bicycle Parking Facilities in HDB Estates

Ong Teng Koon asked if there are plans to install more secured bicycle parking facilities in HDB estates to support cycling towns.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that new HDB developments since 2014 include dual bicycle racks at void decks, with one rack for every six units to deter theft and save space.
For existing estates, secured racks will be added at commercial clusters and park entrances, and Town Councils can install more under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, which has expanded coverage and funding.
HDB will collaborate with agencies to make HDB towns more bicycle-friendly.

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7 Oct 2014

Providing Direct Lift Access to Flats Not Eligible for Lift Upgrading Programme

Png Eng Huat asked for an update on new technologies to provide direct lift access to flats not eligible for the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) and whether there will be a specific LUP exercise for about 200 such flats.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that HDB is piloting two new lift solutions (Vertical Platform Lift and Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator) at non-residential sites, with completion expected by year-end, after which they will be tested and refined before potential residential use.
If the residential pilot is successful, these solutions could be offered to more low-rise blocks currently ineligible for the LUP, though some blocks may remain unsuitable and HDB will explore other measures to improve direct lift access.

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7 Oct 2014

Findings of Greenprint pilot programme in Jurong East

The HDB Greenprint pilot in Jurong East is testing sustainable initiatives like rainwater harvesting and solar panels, with completion expected by end of next year and potential extension to another pilot town for further feedback.
The rainwater harvesting system is primarily for non-potable uses like washing and irrigation, and while not viable as a standalone flood mitigation measure due to space and construction constraints, HDB is exploring integration with detention tanks in new estates.
The $1 million Greenprint Fund has awarded $350,000 to five innovative proposals, including community farming and solar-powered lighting, with projects now in various stages of construction and installation.

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7 Oct 2014

Enhancing Security at New BTO Flats

The Minister confirmed that the Police will install cameras at all 10,000 HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks by 2016, with installation already one-third complete and design integration for new blocks to expedite the process.
In response to concerns about timing, it was explained that while new BTO flats completed in the next two years will have cameras installed, the rollout is transitional and full in-tandem installation with new developments will occur after 2016.
The Minister noted that camera placement considers local crime trends, community feedback, and Town Council inputs, and that Police work with HDB on crime prevention advisories and resident engagement events.
A member raised that extending CCTV coverage to bicycle bays had reduced theft, and the Minister responded that further expansions would be considered based on local priorities and community feedback.
The debate highlighted coordination between MHA, HDB, and Town Councils to enhance estate security through cameras, advisories, and community partnerships.

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7 Oct 2014

Valuation of Lease in Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme

Chen Show Mao suggested tweaking the Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme to let children buy back the remaining lease at the original price after their parents pass away, to address bequest motives.
The Minister explained the scheme allows elderly homeowners to bequeath any remaining lease to beneficiaries, who can either continue living in the flat or return it to HDB for its residual value.
Whether children can repurchase the lease sold to HDB depends on their eligibility to own an HDB flat, such as not already owning another flat, and any transaction would occur at the prevailing market price.

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7 Oct 2014

Age Requirement of Couples in Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme

David Ong questioned why the Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme requires both spouses to be at least 63 years old, arguing it penalizes couples with large age differences and asked for a review.
The Minister for National Development explained that the age requirement aligns with the CPF draw-down age to ensure participants can immediately receive monthly payouts under CPF LIFE after using the scheme's proceeds.
For households not meeting the age criterion, the Minister suggested alternative options such as subletting the flat, moving to a smaller flat, or buying a Studio Apartment with the Silver Housing Bonus.

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9 Sep 2014

Window Grilles for HDB Rental Flats

HDB does not provide window grilles as a standard feature in rental flats, but tenants may install their own, and HDB assists on a case-by-case basis for those unable to afford it or with safety concerns, especially for families with young children or medical conditions.
Approximately 74% of existing rental flats already have window grilles due to past upgrading, and about 15% of tenants are families with children under 12, with HDB offering grilles for deserving households since April 2014.
HDB reviewed the policy in 2007 and 2014, balancing safety needs with tenant feedback that grilles can feel restrictive, resulting in a targeted approach rather than universal provision.

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9 Sep 2014

Housing Grants for Married Children to Buy HDB Flats Near Parents

The Minister outlined six current schemes supporting families living near each other, including priority ballot schemes, multi-generation flats, and higher housing grants for resale flat buyers near parents or children.
A Member highlighted challenges in mature estates with limited space for new flats and asked if redevelopment could be done locally to avoid relocating elderly residents; the Minister acknowledged the difficulty but cited ongoing BTO launches and resale options.
Another Member suggested financial incentives for parents to move from mature estates to new towns; the Minister noted the high cost of such incentives and encouraged openness to new environments, while emphasizing continued efforts to meet family living aspirations.

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9 Sep 2014

Appeals from Senior Citizens Not Eligible for GST Vouchers Due to Their Residential Address

Mr David Ong asked about the number of appeals from seniors who meet income and property ownership criteria but are denied GST Vouchers due to the high annual value of their residential address.
The Senior Minister of State explained that about 120 appeals per year come from seniors aged 65 and above who live in properties with annual values exceeding $21,000, which represent the top 15% of owner-occupied homes, and noted the scheme's criteria and the rationale for its current structure.
Mr Ong highlighted that many seniors feel unfairly excluded because they live with their children and do not own property, and asked if the benefit could be extended to such cases.
The Minister reiterated that appeals from seniors in financial difficulty are carefully reviewed and encouraged MPs to submit cases for consideration, assuring that deserving cases will receive assistance.

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8 Sep 2014

Extension of Land Lease of St John's Home in Sennett Estate

Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether the land lease of St John's Home in Sennett Estate can be extended beyond the current three-year offer when it expires in December 2015.
Chan Chun Sing explained that St John's Home is on a 30-year lease ending 31 December 2015 and that the Government supports a three-plus-three-year tenancy to provide continuity for the elderly residents.
The proposal aims to ensure the Home can continue operating at its current location for an extended period.
The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining stability for the elderly residents by offering a staged lease extension.

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8 Sep 2014

Profile of Senior Citizens Signing Up for Lease Buyback Scheme

In 2014, 1,083 senior citizens across 812 households had participated in the Lease Buyback Scheme since 2009, with 51% aged 63–70, 42% aged 71–80, and 7% aged 81 and above.
The lowest CPF LIFE monthly payout was $50 for an owner with a low CPF top-up due to a 5% share of the flat, while the highest was $1,200.
The average CPF LIFE monthly payout was $550, influenced by factors such as the time of joining the scheme, share of proceeds, and starting CPF Retirement Account balance.

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8 Sep 2014

Problems of Bird Droppings at Potong Pasir

Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether HDB can fix the bird droppings issue caused by the sloping roof design in Potong Pasir flats.
Khaw Boon Wan acknowledged that birds gathering on rooftops and ledges create nuisance, especially in the open areas between flat and sloping roofs in Potong Pasir.
The Potong Pasir Town Council has installed nettings on a few blocks to prevent birds from entering these areas, and HDB will continue collaborating with the council and its consultant to address the problem.

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8 Sep 2014

Installation of Awnings to Existing HDB Flats in Nee Soon East

Patrick Tay asked if HDB can install awnings in Nee Soon East to stop rainwater from splashing into flats and corridors during heavy rain.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that HDB designs new flats with canopies and top-hung windows to balance weather protection and ventilation.
He noted that rainwater splashing in semi-open areas is common in tropical Singapore and that HDB provides rain screens or works with residents on solutions like weather strips on a case-by-case basis.

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8 Sep 2014

Enhancement of Infrastructure in Yishun Prior to New Building Developments

Patrick Tay asked whether infrastructure like roads, public transport, and social facilities will be upgraded before new BTO projects and developments in Yishun.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that HDB plans towns comprehensively, working with agencies to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with housing developments.
Yishun is being revitalized under the Remaking Our Heartland Programme, with completed upgrades including a pedestrian mall, hospital, and pond.
An integrated development with a commercial complex, apartments, community club, and bus interchange has been launched at the town centre.
More parks, social facilities, and shops are planned, with LTA enhancing accessibility through projects like Yishun Avenue 8.

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8 Sep 2014

Help to Defray Costs of Replacing Broken Floor Tiles in Old HDB Flats

Patrick Tay asked what HDB can do to help flat owners of units older than 20 years defray the cost of replacing broken or displaced floor tiles that popped up or cracked without their fault.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that flat owners are responsible for all maintenance, including wear and tear repairs, for both public and private sold residential buildings.
He added that owners must hire a contractor to replace dislodged tiles, and HDB can provide a list of repair contractors for their consideration.

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8 Sep 2014

Subletting of HDB Flats before Minimum Occupation Period Requirement is Met

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development for the number of requests and approvals to sublet HDB flats before meeting the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) over the last two years, as well as the valid reasons for such approvals.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that HDB requires flat owners to sublet only after fulfilling the MOP, but in 2012 and 2013, 57,200 subletting approvals were granted overall.
Of the total approvals, 1,800 (3%) were for subletting before MOP due to valid reasons like overseas work or study.
The response clarified that pre-MOP subletting is permitted under exceptional circumstances where owners cannot occupy their flats temporarily.
The information was provided in a parliamentary reply on page 117 of the debate record.

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8 Sep 2014

Prices and Waiting Times for New HDB and BTO Flats

The Minister provided average selling prices for new BTO flats in non-mature estates, showing a clear increase from $110,000 for a 2-room flat to $386,000 for a 5-room flat, with median prices being similar.
He noted that BTO flats in mature estates, such as Toa Payoh, command higher prices due to location and facilities, with 3-room and 4-room flats costing about $321,000 and $470,000 respectively.
The average waiting time from booking a BTO flat to key collection for projects completed in the past year is approximately three years.

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