Housing & estates

Edward Chia Bing Hui asked if the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment has evaluated residents' exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke, especially those in ground-floor units, and if there would be consideration for additional protective measures. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that smoking is already banned in most common areas to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, and the Ministry has not conducted specific studies on exposure in these areas due to the prohibition. The Ministry will continue to review smoking policies and consider public feedback.

Shawn Loh raised questions about differences in public satisfaction, cleanliness, and operating efficiencies between hawker centres managed by Town Councils and those managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA), as well as the possibility of a single agency managing all hawker centres. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that NEA manages hawker centres owned by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, while Town Councils manage those owned by the Housing and Development Board. Cleanliness levels can vary due to factors like centre size, age, and cleaning providers. Although there are no current plans to change management arrangements, NEA will continue to monitor cleanliness at the centres.

Hazlina Abdul Halim proposed that the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment require developers to publish environmental factors disclosure reports regarding noise and proximity to infrastructure for housing and commercial projects, and suggested that buyers acknowledge these reports before purchase. She also requested that developers bear part of the costs related to addressing noise issues from existing public infrastructure for up to a year after new owners receive Temporary Occupation Permits. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency mandates a Noise Impact Assessment for new developments near traffic noise sources, requiring developers to implement mitigation measures to comply with noise limits. She noted that while developers work to keep noise within limits, some traffic noise will still exist, and encouraged buyers to assess noise levels independently before purchasing properties.

Ng Shi Xuan inquired about the use of electronic polling, including via SingPass, to enhance voting convenience and reduce absenteeism for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) voting process. Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked if there would be a review to extend HIP to HDB blocks built after 1997, as many are nearing 30 years old and may need improvements. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that HIP targets flats around the 30-year mark and mentioned plans to include post-1997 blocks after completing selections of older flats. HDB recognizes the advantages of online voting but emphasized the need for further study to ensure security and reliability. Implementation timelines include about a year and a half from announcement to commencement, factoring in resident engagement and project complexities.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if the Housing and Development Board could allow homeowners to replace their entrance doors with fire-rated doors under the Home Improvement Programme, regardless of Fire Code requirements. Chee Hong Tat explained that HDB blocks are built according to the Fire Code, which specifies when fire-rated doors are necessary. Fire-rated doors are only provided under the Home Improvement Programme when required by the Fire Code to maintain compliance and cost-effectiveness.

Assoc Prof Terence Ho raised concerns about the impact on budget meal options for lower-income residents following the decision to make budget meals optional for HDB coffeeshops, suggesting potential financial incentives for stallholders. He Ting Ru questioned the factors influencing the decision to discontinue mandatory budget meals and how the changes will be evaluated. Chee Hong Tat responded that while budget meals will be optional from January 2026, existing operators will continue to provide them until their tenancies end. HDB is increasing funding support for stallholders who offer budget meals and standardizing the scope of options provided. The new arrangement aims to balance sustainability for operators with the needs of residents.

Dr. Choo Pei Ling asked about the criteria for the Free Parking Scheme (FPS) at HDB car parks, how Tengah compares to other new estates in its implementation, and the timeline for FPS in Tengah. Chee Hong Tat stated that the FPS aims to promote social interaction by offering free parking on Sundays and public holidays, but it will only be implemented once resident parking demand stabilizes and sufficient lots are available. The FPS will start to be offered progressively at suitable car parks in Tengah beginning February 1, 2026.

Hazlina Abdul Halim raised concerns regarding the voting framework for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) after two aging HDB blocks failed to secure enough votes, asking if it could be reviewed and if alternative maintenance options could be provided. Chee Hong Tat explained that a majority consent of 75% is needed for HIP to proceed, and highlighted past instances where blocks did not meet this threshold but were later allowed to re-poll successfully. The Ministry recognizes that smaller blocks may struggle to achieve sufficient votes and is considering clustering them for voting to facilitate better outcomes. Additionally, HDB offers support through the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme and the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme for residents needing essential maintenance.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development about the trend of public rental flat applications by singles over the last five years, including success rates and appeals. Chee Hong Tat reported that HDB received about 4,000 applications from singles annually, with a success rate of around 35%. Applications lacking eligibility, such as the minimum age requirement, are typically unsuccessful, but HDB assesses each case holistically. Over the past five years, about 150 singles under 35 have been granted public rental flats on the basis of their individual circumstances.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for statistics on new Executive Condominium (EC) purchases over the last five years, specifically concerning first-time versus non-first-time buyers and their loan-to-value ratios. Chee Hong Tat responded that approximately 40% of EC purchasers from 2021 to 2025 were first-time buyers. He also mentioned that the Housing and Development Board does not track loan-to-value ratios for EC purchases, as financing is handled by financial institutions.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the current number and percentage of vacant HDB rental flats as of December 31, 2025, and how this compares to the previous three years, as well as plans to relax rental requirements to reduce vacancies. Chee Hong Tat reported that there are approximately 2,000 vacant rental flats (3.2%), which is a decrease from 4,800 (7.7%) in December 2023 and 4,000 (6.5%) in December 2024. The Ministry has no plans to change the eligibility criteria for the Public Rental Scheme, emphasizing responsible resource use and a needs-based approach for housing requests. HDB will consider individual circumstances for those who do not meet eligibility criteria.

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for National Development if season parking for personal mobility devices (PMDs) could be allowed in HDB multi-storey car parks. Chee Hong Tat referred to a previous response from the Ministry regarding this issue, highlighting a related inquiry addressed in January 2026 about fire-rated outdoor charging cabinets for PMDs.

David Hoe questioned the Minister for National Development about the Government's consideration to extend the wireless Alert Alarm System to seniors living alone in owner-occupied HDB flats, alongside inquiries about constraints and alternatives. Chee Hong Tat responded that the focus is currently on seniors in public rental housing due to resource limitations for operators of the system. HDB has partnered with vendors to offer subscription-based fall detection services for residents in sold flats, which alerts next-of-kin or care providers in case of falls. Additionally, eligible seniors can access enhanced monitoring and response services under the Ministry of Health's program, set to be available later this year.

Yip Hon Weng asked about regulations on home equity loans (HEL) to prevent over-leveraging beyond current loan-to-value limits and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) requirements. Gan Kim Yong clarified that HELs, or Mortgage Equity Withdrawal Loans (MEWLs), follow Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) rules, ensuring total outstanding loans do not exceed applicable LTV limits. MEWLs are generally subject to TDSR, though exemptions exist if total debt secured does not exceed 50% of the property's market value, allowing borrowers some flexibility. MAS requires financial institutions to conduct comprehensive credit assessments for loan applicants, emphasizing the need for borrowers to manage their finances prudently, especially when considering loans for speculative investments.

Yip Hon Weng asked about design improvements in new HDB estates to enhance privacy, optimize flat sizes, and address traffic noise, as well as measures for noise and cleanliness issues in existing estates. Chee Hong Tat highlighted that a recent survey showed over 90% satisfaction with flats, neighborhoods, and facilities, and that HDB will continue to offer various flat types to meet diverse needs. To enhance privacy, HDB incorporates spacing between blocks and designs windows to face external landscapes, while also using features like frosted glass panels. For noise and cleanliness, three-quarters of households reported satisfaction, with efforts to orient blocks away from noise sources, and Town Councils are responsible for cleanliness, with MND publishing annual performance reports. The MND and HDB aim to continually improve residents’ living environments.

Ng Shi Xuan asked about the flexible uses of HDB multi-storey car parks beyond rooftop gardening. Chee Hong Tat responded that HDB has converted upper levels of some car parks into greenery and community gardens, as well as repurposed spaces into courier hubs under the Courier Hub Scheme. HDB is open to considering other community-beneficial uses for MSCPs, subject to technical feasibility and safety assessments.

Ng Shi Xuan raised concerns with the Minister for National Development regarding the parking of personal mobility devices (PMDs) and aids (PMAs) at HDB multi-storey carparks (MSCPs) for safety reasons, following multiple fire incidents. She suggested considering designated parking spaces or fire-resistant charging infrastructure in MSCPs. Chee Hong Tat referred to a previous response from the Ministry regarding the piloting of fire-rated outdoor charging cabinets for PMDs, indicating that the issue had been previously addressed.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik asked if solar panel installation initiatives for public residential areas would extend to private developments and landed properties. Gan Kim Yong stated that the Government leads rooftop solar deployment on public properties and will encourage private developments by simplifying regulations. He highlighted the Energy Market Authority's schemes that allow private property owners to register solar installations and receive direct payments. The payback period for residential solar systems is currently around five years, with progress made toward a solar deployment target of 2 GWp by 2030.

Ng Shi Xuan raised concerns about reviewing fire escape routes for corner HDB units that may be blocked during a fire and suggested mandating regular fire drills for HDB estates. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that HDB blocks are designed to meet Fire Code requirements, including well-ventilated escape routes and safe exit staircases. In case of a fire, residents are advised to stay in an unaffected room, seal gaps to prevent smoke entry, and call for assistance. While regular fire drills are not mandated, fire evacuation exercises are conducted by the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Community Emergency and Engagement Committees to help residents familiarize themselves with escape routes.

Charlene Chen raised concerns about recurring noise complaints from delivery trucks at night in HDB estates and asked if clearer guidelines for quiet night deliveries could be implemented. Grace Fu Hai Yien acknowledged that the National Environment Agency (NEA) and Housing and Development Board (HDB) receive numerous complaints about night-time delivery noise and that NEA enforces regulations against unnecessary engine idling. HDB engages shop owners and tenants to minimize noise by adjusting delivery schedules when feasible. The agencies commit to monitoring noise feedback to protect public health and well-being.