Housing & estates — Topics

12 Nov 2013

Coordinating Repair and Redecoration Works at HDB Estates

Zainal Sapari proposed coordinating the timing of HDB's multi-storey car park repairs with town council-led estate works to reduce resident inconvenience.
Khaw Boon Wan agreed on the need for synchronization and suggested HDB could outsource car park repairs to town councils with HDB funding.
This approach would allow town councils to better align works, achieve a cohesive look, and minimize disruption from multiple contractors.

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12 Nov 2013

Conditions for Waiving Ethnic Integration Policy for HDB Flats

The debate centers on whether to waive the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) for HDB flat sales, with Hri Kumar Nair questioning if owners who did not benefit from EIP when buying should be subject to it when selling, and suggesting exceptions for forced sales due to arrears or court orders.
Minister of State Desmond Lee emphasized that EIP is applied consistently to prevent ethnic enclaves and promote racial harmony, and while some sellers may face inconvenience, waivers would compromise the policy's objective, though exceptions may be considered case-by-case for very exceptional circumstances.
The discussion clarified that EIP quotas are factored into BTO allocations, and while a minority seller in forced sales might qualify for a waiver, the government maintains that EIP is not intended to advantage or disadvantage families but to uphold multiracialism in public housing.

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12 Nov 2013

Stabilising Property Prices

Christopher de Souza asked whether cooling measures from 2012-2013 reduced foreign demand and speculation, and what could create a predictable regulatory regime for sustainable property prices.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan confirmed the measures dampened foreign buying and speculation, with foreign purchases falling from 17% to 7% of transactions and sub-sales declining from 7.6% to 4.6%.
Khaw emphasized prioritizing Singaporean home ownership through policies like restricting new HDB flat purchases to citizens and allowing only Singaporeans to buy most landed property.
De Souza asked whether a basket of tools like stamp duties was preferred over restrictive foreign ownership models, to which Khaw replied that managing the market requires multiple measures, as no single solution exists and external global factors influence Singapore’s property market.
Khaw described the approach as both art and science, noting the need for nimble adjustments, and stated that while the situation is improving, continued monitoring is necessary.

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12 Nov 2013

Mortgage Arrears Due to CPF Withdrawal Limits

The Minister reported that 5% of HDB flat owners with outstanding loans are in arrears, with 0.7% of those affected by CPF Valuation Limit, and that no eviction cases in the past three years were due to CPF limits.
HDB provides proactive assistance to flat owners in arrears, such as reducing or deferring installments, and only proceeds with compulsory acquisition and eviction as a last resort for uncooperative cases.
The Minister clarified that CPF rules allow the use of OA savings for mortgage repayments after setting aside required retirement sums, and exceptions for using SA savings are limited to CPF policy changes affecting ongoing mortgage servicing.

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12 Nov 2013

Coverage of Home Protection Scheme

Lee Li Lian inquired about the percentage of HDB flat owners not covered by the Home Protection Scheme (HPS), reasons for insufficient funds, and whether children’s CPF Ordinary Account could be used for premiums.
The Acting Minister for Manpower explained that 60% of HDB flat owners with loans are required to have HPS or equivalent insurance, with 95% covered, while the remaining 40% can opt in voluntarily, and CPF funds are auto-deducted with grace periods for top-ups.
The Minister noted that while children can assist with premium payments via cash top-ups, the government is studying allowing non-spouse co-owners’ CPF funds for premiums but is cautious about compromising retirement adequacy.
Lee Li Lian questioned why children’s CPF Ordinary Account cannot be used for HPS premiums when MediShield premiums allow parent-child CPF transfers, and the Minister responded that Ordinary Account savings are primarily sized for housing, not to support additional family housing needs, to prioritize retirement adequacy.

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11 Nov 2013

Measures against High-rise Littering

Mr. Gan Thiam Poh, Mr. Liang Eng Hwa, and Mr. David Ong posed questions to the Minister regarding the effectiveness, resources, and specific statistics on the use of surveillance cameras and other measures to combat high-rise littering.
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan reported that the National Environment Agency (NEA) has increased enforcement hours by 50% and deployed cameras in nearly 500 locations, successfully prosecuting 56 offenders with fines ranging from $400 to $2,100.
To enhance deterrence, NEA will no longer provide advance notice to residents about the installation or removal of surveillance cameras at housing blocks.
The government has initiated a pilot scheme training 104 community volunteers to apply peer pressure and identify litterbugs for further investigation by NEA.
The Minister emphasized that while stepping up enforcement, cultivating social graciousness and collective responsibility remains essential to sustainably address high-rise littering.

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11 Nov 2013

HDB Flats Surrendered, Sold by Banks and in Mortgage Arrears

Minister for National Development provided data from 2008 to 2012 on HDB lessees aged 55 and above who surrendered flats due to default, lost flats in mortgagee sales by banks, and were in mortgage arrears of three months or more.
The data was also provided for all HDB lessees irrespective of age for the same three categories over the same period.
The response included a tabulated breakdown of the figures for each year from 2008 to 2012, with references to pages 186 and 187.

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11 Nov 2013

Number of HDB Flats and Private Condominium Units Built

From 2008 to 2012, 50,841 private non-landed residential units and 47,273 HDB dwelling units were completed.
Out of the 47,273 HDB units, 40,128 were for sale and 7,145 were for rental.
The figures address the query on the total number of HDB flats and private condominiums built, along with the breakdown of HDB flats for rental and sale.

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11 Nov 2013

Percentage of Land Area Designated for Public Housing and Private Condominium Developments

Between 2008 and 2012, 53% of land designated for residential development went to non-landed private housing while 47% went to public housing.
The government allocates land to HDB for public housing and releases state land for private housing through the government land sales programme.
Land supply is calibrated based on projected housing needs, buyer preferences, and prevailing property market conditions.

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11 Nov 2013

Number of Reported Cases of Excessive Hoarding in HDB Flats

Over the past 12 months, HDB received 27 reports of excessive hoarding in flats.
HDB officers inspect reported flats and advise residents on their responsibility to maintain their units.
Most residents cooperate, but some with compulsive hoarding are referred to social workers and grassroots leaders for help.
In certain cases, HDB collaborates with the Singapore Civil Defence Force to provide counseling and address fire hazards.

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11 Nov 2013

HDB Home Protection Scheme

The Minister clarified that the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) is mandatory for HDB flat owners who use CPF funds to service their monthly loan instalments, which applies to 60% of all flat owners with outstanding loans.
For the remaining 40% of owners not using CPF, 44% have voluntarily taken up HPS or equivalent mortgage reducing insurance from private insurers, and HDB encourages all flat owners to take up such protection.
HDB will continue collaborating with the CPF Board to further improve insurance coverage among home buyers to ensure family protection in cases of death or incapacitation.

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11 Nov 2013

Supply of Dormitories for Foreign Workers

Sitoh Yih Pin asked whether there will be sufficient dormitories for foreign workers, noting his interest as a director of a company involved in dormitory construction.
Khaw Boon Wan said the government is increasing dormitory supply by releasing new sites and facilitating development to meet current and future demand.
He also noted that not all foreign workers stay in dormitories, as they can be housed in converted industrial properties, site quarters, or rent HDB and private apartments.
The government aims to reduce over-concentration of foreign workers in HDB estates by promoting purpose-built dormitories.
The overall approach seeks to balance housing needs with community integration.

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11 Nov 2013

HDB Flat Applications under the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme

David Ong questioned whether HDB would review penalties for cancelled flat bookings under the Fiancé/Fiancée scheme and provide more support for couples facing financial hardship due to relationship breakdowns.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that HDB imposes a 5% forfeiture fee to ensure serious bookings and has no plans to change it, noting it is lower than private developers' 20% fee.
HDB may consider waiving the forfeiture fee on a case-by-case basis for extenuating circumstances like financial hardship.

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11 Nov 2013

Impact of Schemes to Monetise HDB Flats for Retirement Adequacy

The CPF Board conducts outreach through talks, events, and online platforms to educate members on retirement planning and tools like the Minimum Sum Topping-up Scheme.
The government has launched the Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme and Silver Housing Bonus to help elderly Singaporeans unlock home value for retirement, but acknowledges these may not be preferred by those with sufficient savings or family support.
Efforts are ongoing to improve public messaging and member education, encouraging early retirement planning and prudent home financing to ensure adequacy.

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11 Nov 2013

Financial Counselling for Vulnerable Households

Foo Mee Har asked if HDB will set up a formal financial counselling process to help vulnerable households avoid encashing their HDB equity and risk homelessness.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed that HDB Housing Counsellors already provide financial counselling and proactive help for flat owners in mortgage arrears or financial difficulty.
HDB offers short-term measures like reducing or deferring instalments, and collaborates with social agencies for employment, financial, or social assistance.
For those unable to afford their flats, HDB explores permanent solutions such as moving to a smaller flat, and requires a Resale Checklist for open-market sales to ensure financial planning.
HDB urges flat owners to engage early and avoid quick-fix solutions like encashing flats, while conducting public education on financial responsibility.

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11 Nov 2013

Payment of Premiums for Home Protection Scheme

Dr Janil Puthucheary raised questions about HDB homeowners paying Home Protection Scheme (HPS) premiums in cash, the percentage of those above 55 unable to pay, and suggested allowing the use of children’s or divorced individuals’ CPF accounts for payments.
Tan Chuan-Jin responded that about 3% of HPS policyholders paid premiums in cash this year, and about 4% of those above 55 had coverage lapse due to non-payment.
The Ministry explained that HPS premiums are deducted from CPF Ordinary Accounts, with a two-month grace period and notifications for cash top-ups if funds are insufficient, and noted that children can assist via cash top-ups to the member’s CPF.
The Ministry is studying the feasibility of allowing non-spouse co-owners’ CPF savings to pay HPS premiums and exploring other options to help those facing payment difficulties.

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11 Nov 2013

Planning Norms for Car Parks in HDB Estates

The Minister explained that HDB derives car park space norms by considering factors such as the number of dwelling units, flat type, existing parking demand, projected car population growth, and transport policies, with regular reviews conducted in consultation with the LTA.
Approximately 5% of HDB households, or 44,000, own more than one car, and among these, about 5% or 2,300 are assigned to park at an alternative car park near their home.
HDB monitors parking conditions in its estates and provides solutions to meet residents' needs, but the debate did not specifically address how planning norms account for the rise in car ownership or future changes to these norms.

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21 Oct 2013

Transfer of CPF Funds from Ordinary Account to Retirement Account

Ms. Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked about the number and success rate of appeals from CPF members affected by the transfer of Ordinary Account funds to the Retirement Account at age 55, specifically regarding housing, education, and medical bills.
Acting Minister Tan Chuan-Jin explained that members aged 55 have their OA and SA funds used to meet the Minimum Sum in the RA, with excess RA savings available for housing; most members plan ahead, but some appeal for housing or education expenses.
The Ministry receives 200–500 appeals annually related to housing and education, with about 98% of these appeals concerning housing, and approximately 65% of housing appeals are successful.
Appeals for medical expenses do not arise because OA savings cannot be used for medical bills, as MediSave is designated for that purpose and is unaffected by the OA to RA transfer.
The CPF Board informs members in advance and holds seminars to explain the transfer process, addressing most issues before appeals are needed.

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21 Oct 2013

Average and Median Household Incomes of Students Who Qualified for Direct School Admission

Janice Koh asked for the average and median household incomes, as well as housing breakdowns, for students who qualified for Direct School Admission (DSA) over the past five years.
The Minister for Education, Heng Swee Keat, stated that MOE does not track household incomes for DSA-admitted students.
He added that around 60% of DSA-admitted students over the last five years lived in HDB flats, with this proportion increasing by about five percentage points.

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21 Oct 2013

Lift Upgrading Plans for HDB's Multi-storey Car Parks

Dr Lam Pin Min asked for an update on the lift upgrading plans for HDB's multi-storey car parks.
The Minister for National Development replied that the entire Car Parks Lift Installation Programme will be completed by 2017.
Priority will be given to towns with a larger stock of car parks without lift access, including Sengkang West where works will begin soon.

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