Housing & estates — Topics

7 Jul 2014

Disciplinary Action for Anti-social Acts in HDB Estates

Foo Mee Har asked if HDB can take disciplinary action against residents for anti-social acts like inappropriate laundry hanging, loud noises, or dressing in common areas, and what role HDB can play in setting etiquette guidelines for residents.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that such issues are typically private disputes, with HDB encouraging amicable resolution and offering mediation through community partners and the Community Mediation Centre.
HDB can act only if behavior constitutes a public nuisance, with extreme cases possibly leading to flat acquisition or penalties, though this is a last resort.
HDB promotes gracious living through community programs like the Good Neighbours Movement and educational roadshows, while supporting inter-agency efforts to improve dispute resolution mechanisms.

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7 Jul 2014

Use of Town Councils' Sinking Fund for Commercial Properties

Sitoh Yih Pin asked if Town Councils could use reserves from commercial property sinking funds for residential property.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that Town Councils must maintain separate sinking funds for residential and commercial properties under the law.
The Minister stated that this separation ensures accountability and safeguards the funds, so commercial sinking funds cannot be used for residential properties.

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7 Jul 2014

Take-up Rates for Silver Housing Bonus and Lease Buyback Scheme

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef inquired about the take-up rates for the Silver Housing Bonus and Lease Buyback Scheme over the last two years, and how many seniors met the CPF Minimum Sum with the available top-up.
Since February 2013, 80 households received the Silver Housing Bonus, with 110 out of 120 seniors achieving the Minimum Sum after topping up their CPF Retirement Accounts.
Similarly, 312 households benefited from the enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme, with 399 out of 412 seniors meeting the Minimum Sum after using the proceeds for CPF top-ups.

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7 Jul 2014

Easing Qualifying Criteria for Neighbourhood Renewal Programme

Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development to consider revising the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) criteria to include blocks built after 1989.
The Minister explained that NRP prioritizes older blocks built before December 1989, but with most projects now underway, the criteria will be reviewed to potentially include early 1990s blocks.
The Minister acknowledged the need to review the NRP selection criteria and indicated a willingness to extend it, giving priority to towns that have not undergone earlier upgrading programmes.
Zainal Sapari requested a tentative timeframe for the review, and the Minister responded that it is underway, noting he is a fast worker.
Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef suggested reviewing the NRP cost cap due to rising construction costs causing tender re-issues, which the Minister agreed was a sensible idea.

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7 Jul 2014

Repayment of Additional Housing Grant when Couples Break Up

David Ong asked why couples who break up before buying an HDB flat must repay the Additional Housing Grant, noting the financial burden especially for low-income applicants, and suggested a review of repayment policies.
The Minister explained the grant is meant to assist first-timers in purchasing their first flat, so repayment is required if the purchase falls through, though individuals can reapply with a new partner later, subject to eligibility conditions.
The Minister acknowledged financial challenges in repayment, noting industry-standard penalties for purchase cancellations and options like cash or CPF installment plans, while assuring that cases are rare and market trends are improving.
Dr Lee Bee Wah asked whether a Singaporean must repay the full grant if their PR partner is involved in an annulled marriage, to which the Minister replied that the grant is recovered from whoever received it.

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29 May 2014

HDB Main Contractors Levied with Liquidated Damages

Over the past two years, HDB granted time extensions to 36 projects due to factors like design changes or bad weather, and levied liquidated damages on six contractors for delays in seven projects linked to poor planning or execution.
HDB ensures quality and safety through pre-construction standards, audits during construction, and the Construction Quality Assessment System (CONQUAS), with rising scores reflecting improved flat quality.
To address manpower shortages, HDB supports contractors via productivity funds, mechanisation initiatives, and allows applications for additional workers through the Man-Year Entitlement Waiver tier, albeit with higher levies.

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28 May 2014

Debate on President's Address

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlined the government's progress on housing, public transport, and population management, highlighting initiatives like HDB flat construction, the Bus Service Enhancement Programme, and tighter foreign worker inflows to support economic and social goals.
The debate emphasized strengthening social safety nets, including MediShield Life and retirement adequacy measures, while maintaining fiscal prudence to avoid pitfalls seen in other countries, with a focus on sharing economic progress and ensuring affordability for all.
A core theme was keeping pathways open for opportunity through education, lifelong learning, and fostering an inclusive society, with examples of support for both the young and elderly, including suggestions like free off-peak bus rides for the Pioneer Generation.
Constructive politics was a key debate point, with the Prime Minister urging robust policy debate and clear stances from the opposition, while the Workers' Party defended its approach as responsible and focused on checking the government without offering detailed alternatives.
National security and defense were discussed, with support for Committee to Strengthen National Service recommendations to enhance training, safety, and inclusivity in NS, underscoring the importance of a secure Singapore for all other progress.

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16 May 2014

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry commits to housing all Singaporeans in affordable, quality homes, supporting family structures, uplifting low-income and vulnerable groups, and helping the elderly age in place through enhanced housing options and estate upgrades.
It aims to build cohesive and vibrant communities by creating well-designed public spaces, promoting harmonious HDB living, conserving heritage sites, and engaging residents in community bonding initiatives.
The Ministry will pursue a green and sustainable Singapore by expanding parks and park connectors, integrating greenery into housing estates, and developing SMART towns and technologies for energy, water, and waste management.
It seeks to enhance liveability through improved public transport, cycling and walking paths, and bringing jobs closer to residential areas, while supporting R&D for sustainable development and food security.

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16 May 2014

President's Address

The President highlights Singapore's 50-year journey of resilience and prosperity, urging continued effort to build a fair and just society ahead of the nation's Golden Jubilee.
The Government commits to strengthening social safety nets, enhancing retirement adequacy, and supporting families to improve quality of life, transport, and community spaces.
Policies will focus on education from pre-school to lifelong learning, ensuring opportunities for all, including expanding university places and practical skills development.
Efforts will emphasize home ownership, affordable healthcare, and support for vulnerable groups, while encouraging personal responsibility and community involvement.
The President calls for constructive politics and unity amid challenges, reaffirming Singapore's security, diplomatic efforts, and pioneering spirit for a brighter future.

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14 Apr 2014

Fire Insurance Policies Purchased by HDB Home Owners

Dr. Lee Bee Wah inquired about the number of HDB flats with owner-purchased fire insurance, the premium range, and whether HDB could help make premiums more competitive.
As of March 2014, 81% of sold HDB flats were covered by HDB's basic fire insurance, with premiums ranging from $1.80 to $8.77 for a five-year period depending on flat type.
HDB appoints its insurer through open tender, ensuring competitive premiums, and strongly advises flat owners to get coverage while continuing to encourage take-up.

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14 Apr 2014

Resale Levy on Inherited HDB Flats

Sylvia Lim asked whether the government will abolish or review the resale levy for those inheriting subsidised HDB flats after the original lessee's death.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the levy applies to second-timers who buy or inherit a second subsidised flat to ensure fair allocation of housing subsidies.
He noted that second-timers can avoid the levy by selling the flat or having first-time family members take over, and HDB may assist those with genuine difficulty paying.
The government regularly reviews HDB policies, and this issue will be considered in future reviews.

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14 Apr 2014

Tenders for Coffee Shops in HDB Estates

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for National Development for the number of coffee shops tendered by HDB in the last 24 months and the average or range of successful tender prices.
HDB tendered out 11 eating houses in the past 24 months.
The successful tender bids ranged from $21,600 to $78,000 per month, or from $60 to $228 per square metre per month.

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14 Apr 2014

Conclusion of Lift Upgrading Programme

The Senior Minister of State confirmed that the LUP has equipped 98% of eligible HDB blocks with lift access, but about 200 blocks remain due to high costs and technical constraints, with HDB piloting new solutions like pneumatic vacuum elevators.
Parliament members raised concerns about the cost cap and suggested options like letting residents vote on paying extra costs, increasing the cap, or offering relocation grants, but the Ministry noted some retrofit costs are two to three times the cap and case-by-case assistance is provided.
HDB is open to continuing the program beyond the December deadline if viable engineering advancements emerge and is seeking public and student input through initiatives like "Cool Ideas for Better HDB Living" to address accessibility challenges.

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14 Apr 2014

Extension of List of Improvements in Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Scheme

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef proposed adding the replacement of old clothes drying systems with new aluminium drying racks to the EASE scheme for seniors.
The Senior Minister of State responded that such replacements require complex work and are currently handled under larger upgrading programmes like HIP, not the light-touch EASE improvements.
Assoc Prof Lateef asked for interim options for seniors waiting for HIP and suggested lowering the EASE age threshold due to rapid population ageing.
The Minister agreed to review EASE qualification criteria, including possibly lowering the age limit, and offered to discuss specific constituency needs offline.
The debate highlighted balancing practical feasibility with the need to support seniors' safety and comfort in HDB flats amid an ageing population.

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14 Apr 2014

Formula for Pricing Rental Flats under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme

Mr Png Eng Huat asked the Minister for National Development about the pricing formula for rental rates under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS), the costs involved, the number of applications for 3-room flats, and whether rates could be lowered to boost demand for larger flats.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that PPHS rents are set based on flat type and location, and are 40% to 60% lower than market rents in the vicinity.
The costs of providing PPHS flats include retrofitting, management, and maintenance.
Applications peaked at 409 last September but have since dropped to 81, with over 900 of the 1,150 flats taken up, leaving some larger flats available.
The government is considering allowing couples to co-rent larger flats to improve take-up rates.

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14 Apr 2014

Priority for Larger BTO Flats for Families with Children

Mr Gan Thiam Poh proposed giving priority to families with children for larger BTO flats, such as extra ballot chances for couples with two or three children applying for 4-room or larger flats.
The Minister for National Development clarified that HDB already provides priority through the Third Child Priority Scheme and Parenthood Priority Scheme, setting aside fixed quotas for families with children rather than additional ballot chances.
HDB does not restrict priority to specific flat sizes, allowing families to choose based on their budget and needs.
Mr Gan asked about the number of non-first-timer applicants and when HDB could satisfy all of them, to which the Minister responded that the focus is on clearing the first-timer queue and that second-timers have more options like resale flats.
The Minister noted that precise figures for non-first-timer applicants were not recalled, but efforts are ongoing to enhance opportunities as the first-timer queue clears.

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10 Mar 2014

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

MPs urged the government to expand affordable housing options for vulnerable groups such as divorcees with children, three-generation families, and the elderly, while also calling for a review of income ceilings for executive condominiums and the removal of waiting periods for certain applicants.
The debate highlighted concerns about Singaporeans investing in overseas properties, the long-term value of HDB leasehold properties, and the need for clearer policies on lease expiry and the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS).
Ministers confirmed the housing market is stabilizing, with measures like revising the cash-over-valuation (COV) process, enhancing the Lease Buyback Scheme, and increasing support for rental flat tenants, while emphasizing family-centric and inclusive housing policies.
Discussions also covered improving construction productivity, upgrading older estates, and ensuring better integration of amenities and community spaces in new and existing towns.
The government committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders to address housing, urban planning, and food security challenges, while affirming the importance of preserving nature areas and heritage in development plans.

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3 Mar 2014

HDB's Orphans Scheme

David Ong questioned why HDB's Orphans Scheme requires at least one deceased parent to be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident when the applicant must already be a Singapore Citizen.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the scheme is designed for surviving Singapore Citizen offspring living in HDB flats after parents' death, since non-resident parents would not have been eligible to buy or rent HDB flats initially.
Khaw Boon Wan noted that Singapore Citizen orphans with deceased non-resident parents can be assisted case-by-case and may buy HDB flats when married or as singles aged 35 and above.

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3 Mar 2014

Measures to Protect Interests of Residents of Town Councils

Alvin Yeo asked the Minister for National Development what measures are available to protect residents' interests when Town Councils fail in good corporate governance and responsible accounting.
The Minister explained that Town Councils were established to give MPs authority and accountability for estate management, with limited legal offences and penalties for misuse of funds or non-compliance.
The Minister noted that the Ministry can intervene in extreme cases to protect residents, and that Town Councils are required to keep audited accounts submitted to Parliament, with performance reports made public for resident accountability.
The Minister stated that while the Town Councils Act has limited enforcement, individual officials remain subject to general criminal and civil laws, and the Ministry is reviewing the framework to better protect public funds.

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3 Mar 2014

Age Requirement for Co-tenant of Subsidised HDB Rental Flats

David Ong questioned the 35-year age requirement for co-tenants in subsidised HDB rental flats and asked if exceptions could be made for young children or adults under 18 who are financially dependent on a low-income single parent.
The Minister explained that public housing policy prioritizes family formation, and the minimum age of 35 applies to all singles renting or buying HDB flats to encourage family stability.
A widowed or divorced parent with children can rent a flat as a family nucleus, while an unmarried parent must pair with another eligible single under the Joint Singles Scheme.
The Minister noted that HDB may, on a case-by-case basis, show flexibility in allocating a flat to an unmarried parent and their child.

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