Housing & estates — Topics

21 Feb 2014

Coffee Shops, Supermarkets and Convenience Stores Operating 24 hours near HDB Flats

Zainal Sapari asked for the number of 24-hour coffee shops, supermarkets, and convenience stores near HDB flats, actions to minimize noise and inconvenience, and whether operating hours could be curtailed.
The Senior Minister of State reported about 250 coffee shops and 170 supermarkets/convenience stores operating 24 hours in HDB estates, with measures like restricted delivery times and outdoor area hours, and regular inspections to ensure compliance.
Baey Yam Keng inquired about stakeholder engagement before approving such operations and specifics on allowed delivery times, while the Senior Minister of State noted that businesses generally operate freely but consultations occur for certain areas, and complaints are manageable with enforcement when needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

Repayment of CPF Funds and Accrued Interest upon Withdrawal of Name from Co-ownership of HDB Flat

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed a review of CPF repayment rules for younger Singaporeans co-owning HDB flats with aged parents, suggesting options for lump sum repayment, instalment repayment, or waiver of CPF funds used.
Acting Minister for Manpower Tan Chuan-Jin explained that CPF funds withdrawn for property must be repaid with accrued interest to protect retirement adequacy, noting current flexibility allows voluntary repayments and a six-month deadline after the child takes a new flat.
The minister stated that waivers cannot be granted as they would compromise the member’s retirement savings, though parents’ CPF or loan funds can be used for repayment upon the child’s withdrawal from co-ownership.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

Second-time HDB Applicants Yet to Secure Their Flats

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the number of second-time HDB applicants without flats and their average waiting time.
Khaw Boon Wan reported that from October 2012 to September 2013, 3,700 second-timers did not secure BTO flats in non-mature estates, with no average waiting time data provided.
He noted increased HDB supply and quota adjustments for second-timers, leading to a drop in application rates from 14.9 to 2.7 times between January and November 2013.
Khaw stated that as first-timer backlogs are cleared, second-timers will have better chances of securing flats.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

Regular Servicing and Maintenance of Air-conditioning Units by HDB Flat Owners

Member Zainal Sapari inquired if HDB should require flat owners to regularly service air-conditioning units to prevent neighbourly disputes from poor maintenance.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that owners are responsible for maintaining their air-conditioners to avoid leaks or noise affecting neighbours.
HDB investigates complaints, advises lessees to fix issues, and may issue warnings or summons if they are uncooperative.
The minister noted that feedback on air-conditioner problems is low, and most residents comply after HDB's advice.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

Profile of Those Registered on Community Health Assist Scheme

As of 31 December 2013, about 520,000 Singaporeans have registered for the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
Approximately 20,500 households living in HDB rental flats are on CHAS, representing about 40% of all such households, with the remainder including those on Public Assistance or newly eligible younger families.
The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the Agency for Integrated Care, Health Promotion Board, and grassroots groups to conduct targeted outreach, including door-to-door visits, to encourage more eligible Singaporeans to sign up for CHAS.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

Land for Private Retirement Villages

Dr Lam Pin Min asked if more land will be released for private retirement villages following the successful pilot at Jalan Jurong Kechil, and whether the pilot met government objectives.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that developers can already build retirement housing on residential sites via private sources or the Government Land Sales programme, and that the Jalan Jurong Kechil site was released in 2006 with incentives like shorter lease tenure and GFA schemes to spur interest.
The minister noted that the retirement resort’s success will only be clear after completion and occupancy, while the government’s priority remains helping most seniors age in place within HDB estates through various upgrades and support services.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

Pawnshops and Moneylending Shops in HDB Estates

Seng Han Thong asked about the conditions for running pawnshops and moneylending businesses in HDB estates and whether there are plans to limit their numbers to ensure a diverse mix of shops.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that HDB manages shop mixes in areas with few shops to ensure essential services are available, but in town centres with ample shops, the market determines the trade mix as long as no disamenities are caused.
Khaw noted that licensing for moneylenders and pawnbrokers is handled by MinLaw, which is reviewing regulations, and HDB will cooperate if new measures require its involvement.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

HDB Flats for Divorcees

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked if divorcees, with or without children, could be eligible to buy 2-room BTO flats under the Singles Scheme even if they are not first-time flat buyers.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that divorcees with children under their custody form a family nucleus and can apply for BTO flats as first-timer or second-timer households based on their housing history.
Divorcees without children under their custody are treated as singles; those without prior housing subsidy can buy a 2-room BTO in non-mature estates, while those with prior subsidy can only buy resale flats.
HDB does not extend BTO flats to divorcees without children who have previously received a subsidy, prioritizing first-timer singles without prior housing subsidy.
The policy aims to meet the housing needs of first-timer singles before extending BTO eligibility to other divorcee categories.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

HDB's Rent and Purchase Scheme

Mrs Lina Chiam questioned whether HDB's Rent and Purchase scheme was scrapped and if it could be reintroduced to assist potential homeowners.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the scheme, introduced in 1999, was suspended in 2009 due to significantly decreased demand after alternative housing options and grants were introduced.
He noted that by 2008, only two applications were received, leading to the decision to suspend the scheme.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that there are currently no plans to revive the Rent and Purchase scheme.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

17 Feb 2014

Non-citizen Quota for Renting HDB Flats

Gerald Giam asked the Minister for National Development about the number of neighbourhoods and blocks that have reached the new non-citizen quota for subletting HDB flats, and which specific neighbourhoods are affected.
The Minister explained that the Non-Citizen subletting quota was introduced in January 2014 to preserve the Singaporean character of HDB heartlands while balancing housing needs for citizens and foreigners.
He confirmed that two neighbourhoods and 112 blocks have reached the quota, with the neighbourhoods located in the central and western areas and the blocks distributed across Singapore.
The policy aims to manage the subletting of HDB flats to non-citizens while ensuring the housing needs of both Singaporeans and foreigners are addressed.
The specific neighbourhoods that have reached the quota are not disclosed in the response, but the data shows a targeted approach to managing subletting levels across different areas.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

21 Jan 2014

Plans for Flats at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh

Mrs Lina Chiam asked about the future plans for older flats at Lorong 8 Toa Payoh and whether the rusting water pipes would be replaced.
The Minister confirmed that 25 blocks have undergone upgrades, with 11 under the Main Upgrading Programme and 14 announced for the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
Future plans for the precinct will be announced later, and residents will be informed individually.
Town Councils are responsible for maintaining and replacing water pipes in common areas, and feedback on rusting pipes should be directed to them.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Jan 2014

Value of HDB Flats on 99-Year Leases and Flats Undergoing Redevelopment under SERS Programme

Mr Gerald Giam asked about the number of HDB blocks over 40 years into their 99-year lease, the value of flats at lease end, the average annual flats redeveloped under SERS over the past decade, and whether SERS can redevelop all blocks before lease expiry.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan stated that about 31,000 flats across 300 HDB blocks are over 40 years into their leases, and SERS has benefited around 18,000 flat owners in the last 10 years.
SERS is selective, with pace depending on redevelopment potential and resource availability, and HDB flats revert to the state upon lease expiry, with no value retained.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Jan 2014

HDB Rental Flats for Low-income Families

Tin Pei Ling asked whether HDB is on track to provide 60,000 rental units by 2017 and whether blocks under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme can be set aside for rental by low-income families.
The Minister for National Development confirmed HDB is on schedule to reach 60,000 rental units by 2017, with new units becoming available as projects are completed.
Vacated blocks under the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme are generally slated for demolition for redevelopment, but may be used for interim rental housing if redevelopment is not imminent.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Jan 2014

HDB's Lift Upgrading Programme in Potong Pasir Estate

Sitoh Yih Pin proposed extending HDB's Lift Upgrading Programme to specific blocks in Potong Pasir estate.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the low number of units per block without direct lift access makes the cost exceed budget limits.
HDB will seek new technology to address technical and cost barriers while offering special assistance for residents with medical needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Jan 2014

More 1-room Flats for Singles

Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will build more 1-room rental flats for singles without family support to rent alone.
Khaw Boon Wan responded that there are no plans to build rental flats for singles to stay on their own.
He explained that requiring two singles to pair up maximizes the use of heavily subsidized rental flats.
This arrangement helps more people within limited resources, as per the current policy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Jan 2014

Singaporeans who Keep their Overseas Properties

Mr Png Eng Huat asked for statistics on Singaporeans with non-citizen spouses who applied to keep overseas properties when buying HDB flats, including approval rates, reasons for exemptions, and nationality breakdowns.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated that over two years, HDB received 737 appeals, with 482 approved, primarily because the properties were low-value or housed extended family.
The main reason for exemptions was that overseas properties were not of substantial value and accommodated extended family members of the couple.
Among approved cases, 74% involved Malaysian spouses, 10% Chinese, 4% Indian, and the rest from various other countries.
HDB clarified that the nationality of the non-citizen spouse does not influence the evaluation of appeals.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Jan 2014

Delays in Lift Upgrading Projects

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development about the number of late lift upgrading projects since 2012, reasons for delays, and punitive actions against contractors.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan reported that 18 out of 257 precincts (7%) in 2012 were completed past the deadline, with 43 more (17%) expected to be delayed, citing delays in underground service diversions, resident-requested design changes, and contractor planning or manpower issues.
HDB imposes liquidated damages on contractors for delays caused by their slow progress to speed up the projects.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Jan 2014

Homeless Families Who Camp by Beach

The Ministry for Social and Family Development (MSF) regularly patrols beaches and public areas and responds to ComCare hotline calls to identify and assist homeless individuals and families.
Between 2011 and 2013, MSF provided support and shelter to 565 individuals and 404 families, with many having low income and weak social support due to reasons like flat sales, financial problems, or family conflicts.
The government offers various housing options, including purchasing a flat, reuniting with family, rental flats, and interim housing, alongside financial aid, job training, and social support to help families regain independence.
While many families make progress, some refuse to cooperate with officials or accept offered accommodation, making it challenging to resolve their homelessness.
A specific example showed a family found at the beach receiving shelter, employment, school re-enrollment, and monthly financial assistance, demonstrating positive outcomes with support.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

20 Jan 2014

Review of Enhancement for Active Seniors Scheme

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed automatically including households with at least one member aged 60 and above in the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) scheme, while the Minister of State explained the current eligibility criteria and noted HDB is reviewing the scheme.
The Minister highlighted that EASE is available through two pathways, with direct applications prioritizing seniors aged 70 and above or those aged 65–69 needing assistance, and mentioned over 5,400 households have benefited.
Dr Mokhtar suggested expanding EASE to cover more areas like anti-slip treatments in kitchens and additional bathrooms, and including bamboo pole supports in the scheme.
The Minister acknowledged the suggestions and confirmed they would be considered during the comprehensive review of EASE in consultation with the Ministry of Health.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

12 Nov 2013

Priority in Allocation of Season Car Park Lots

Zainal Sapari asked if HDB flat owners can have priority for season car park lots for their first vehicle under a long-term leasing agreement.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that HDB residents with their first vehicle under a long-term lease get the same priority as those who own their first vehicle.
The policy ensures equal access to season parking tickets for both leased and owned first vehicles.
This addresses concerns about fairness in allocating season car park lots to HDB residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source