Housing & estates — Topics

21 Oct 2013

Interim Estate Upgrading Programme

Sylvia Lim asked whether the Interim Estate Upgrading Programme (I-EUP), launched as a three-year pilot in 2009, has been extended and when it will end.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that the I-EUP was extended beyond three years into three batches to accommodate more resident requests and allow agencies to evaluate proposals.
The I-EUP pilot is expected to conclude by the end of 2015, after which a review will decide if it should continue.

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21 Oct 2013

Use of Population Planning Parameter of 6.9 Million by 2030 in Development of New HDB Estates

Low Thia Khiang asked if the 6.9 million population planning parameter from the Population White Paper is used in developing new HDB estates and what the target percentage of population in public housing would be by 2030.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that the 6.9 million scenario is a stretched projection for overall land and infrastructure planning, not specifically for public housing estates.
The scenario projects Singapore’s resident population between 4.2 and 4.4 million by 2030, with citizens and permanent residents making up that range, and the rest being transient non-residents.
MND and HDB focus on housing supply responsive to resident population needs and preferences, with no set target percentage for public housing occupancy by 2030.
The 6.9 million figure includes non-residents like foreign workers, domestic helpers, and students, who are not the primary consideration for public housing planning.

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21 Oct 2013

Non-compliance with Building Construction Restrictions by Companies Involved in Build-To-Order HDB Projects

From 2010 to 2012, there were 93 violations of noise control regulations by contractors on HDB Build-to-Order projects, with NEA imposing fines for non-compliance.
HDB received 170 feedback cases from residents about construction noise during the same period, and it promptly addressed them while taking measures to mitigate noise.
HDB requires contractors to implement comprehensive Noise Management Plans and is exploring quieter construction methods, such as new pile-trimming techniques and Self-Compacting Concrete, in collaboration with NEA and BCA.

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21 Oct 2013

Wages for Car Park Enforcement Officers

Mr Zainal Sapari asked about the number, average salaries, and potential adoption of a progressive wage model for car park enforcement officers under the Ministry.
There are approximately 910 car park enforcement officers employed by HDB and URA's service providers, with average basic salaries ranging from $710 to $770 and gross salaries from $1,300 to $1,800 monthly.
The Minister confirmed that HDB and URA are willing to consider service providers that adopt a progressive wage model for these officers.

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21 Oct 2013

Use of CPF Savings to Pay Mortgage

Alex Yam proposed a tiered transfer of CPF funds from the Ordinary Account to the Retirement Account for lower-income homeowners, but the Ministry considers it unnecessary as most members have sufficient savings or completed loans, and a tiered system is not planned.
Ang Wei Neng raised concerns about homeowners needing to use cash due to the valuation limit or age-based CPF transfers, and suggested re-valuing HDB flats; the Ministry responded that the valuation limit is fixed at purchase and only affects a very small percentage of members, and periodic re-valuation is not considered necessary.
The Ministry emphasized that CPF safeguards like the valuation limit and age 55 transfers ensure retirement adequacy, with flexibility exercised for hardship cases, and highlighted that over 95% of those turning 55 are not adversely affected by these rules.

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21 Oct 2013

HDB Flats Allocated to Divorcees with Children

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the number of divorcees with children allocated HDB flats and those still waiting over the past three years.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan reported that from 2010 to 2012, 6,570 such applicants applied for new flats, with 3,640 invited to book and 2,840 completing the purchase.
Of the 2,930 unsuccessful applicants, 560 bought alternative housing, while 840 continued applying for new flats this year.
Since 2010, 2,660 divorcees with children received rental flats, and 400 are currently on the waiting list for rental units.
Low-income divorcees with no housing options or family support may apply for public rental flats.

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21 Oct 2013

Pre-approved Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) for Residents Living in HDB Rental Flats

Irene Ng inquired if residents living in HDB rental flats could automatically receive a pre-approved CHAS card to simplify access to the scheme.
Gan Kim Yong explained that the Ministry of Health currently promotes CHAS through door-to-door visits with grassroots leaders to assist rental flat residents in applying and understanding the benefits.
The ministry plans to continue collaborating with community partners like Family Service Centres to encourage more eligible Singaporeans to join CHAS.
MOH will explore additional measures to target outreach to lower- and middle-income households, including facilitating CHAS enrollment for rental flat residents.

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21 Oct 2013

Repair of Ceiling Leaks and Spalling Concrete

Flat owners are responsible for repairing ceiling leaks and spalling concrete in their HDB flats, with joint responsibility for ceiling leaks between upper and lower floor owners as per HDB Lease.
The Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme helps flat owners who face difficulties, with HDB co-paying 50% of repair costs and the balance shared between involved parties, but repairs are delayed by uncooperative owners or complex cases.
Typical repair durations are about 3.5 days for ceiling leaks and one day for spalling concrete, but investigations and completion may take up to four months for 80% of cases, with no set acceptable period by the Ministry.

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21 Oct 2013

Update on Progress of Home Improvement Programme (HIP) for 2013

Mr David Ong asked about the status of completing 28,000 flats under the 2013 Home Improvement Programme (HIP).
The Minister confirmed 28 projects comprising 27,000 flats were selected, with 14 announced and the rest to be announced in the coming months.
After announcements, local committees will oversee implementation, including resident polls and tender processes, with construction expected to start three to four months after polling and take about 18 months to complete.

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21 Oct 2013

Number of Singles Eligible for New HDB BTO Flats

Gan Thiam Poh asked for the number of singles eligible for new HDB BTO 2-room flats and the average take-up rates in 2011 and 2012.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that singles aged 35 and above can buy BTO flats in non-mature estates since July 2013, but the exact number of eligible singles cannot be determined from census data.
He noted that about 11,800 unique applications from singles were received in the July and September 2013 BTO exercises.
The average take-up rate for 2-room flats in non-mature estates was 55% in 2011 and 52% in 2012.

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21 Oct 2013

Purchase of HDB Studio Apartments before Age 55

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar raised concerns about older Singaporeans needing to purchase HDB Studio Apartments before age 55, as the CPF Minimum Sum transfer reduces funds available for such housing.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan explained that Studio Apartments are designed for elderly right-sizing, with flexibility considered case-by-case for those slightly below 55, and noted alternative options like 2-room flats for younger applicants.
The Minister addressed supplementary questions, confirming Studio Apartment pricing is reasonable, prioritizing in the same location is available, and transitional help is provided for residents with cash flow issues.

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21 Oct 2013

Extension of Mortgage Insurance Cover for HDB Flats

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about extending HDB mortgage insurance (HPS) to flat owners with pre-existing illnesses, and sought data on HPS rejections and claims over three years.
The Acting Minister explained that HPS excludes those with serious pre-existing conditions due to premium affordability and moral hazard concerns, noting 1.3% of applications were rejected for this reason.
The Minister stated that 95% of eligible CPF members using CPF for housing are covered by HPS or equivalent insurance, and highlighted available assistance schemes for those with pre-existing illnesses.
The government is considering options to help those with pre-existing illnesses and will study the issue further, while promoting public education on HPS without yet making it compulsory.
Discussions continue on balancing coverage, premiums, and scheme viability, with a focus on protecting families from losing HDB flats due to death or permanent incapacitation.

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21 Oct 2013

Number of Singaporeans Married to Non-citizen Spouses Eligible to Buy New HDB BTO Flats

There are about 7,000 marriages annually involving Singapore citizens and foreign spouses, with these couples eligible since July 2013 to buy 2-room BTO flats in non-mature estates if they meet first-timer, age, and income criteria.
The government cannot estimate the number of such couples eligible for 2-room BTO flats because marriage records do not capture income or housing history.
Approximately 300 couples applied under this new scheme in the July and September 2013 BTO exercises.
HDB blocks that include 2-room flats will also typically have other flat types to promote social mixing.

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21 Oct 2013

Purchase of New HDB BTO Flats for Singapore Citizens with Foreign Spouses

David Ong asked whether Singapore Citizens with foreign spouses can buy new HDB BTO flats, given the family nucleus criterion is met.
The Minister replied that such citizens can qualify for BTO flats if they have Singapore Citizen children, or else apply for a 2-room BTO flat in non-mature estates if they meet age, income, and first-timer criteria.
David Ong noted the current scheme has an age restriction of 35 and limits flats to 2-room, which he argued prejudices younger couples and suggested a review to allow 3-room flats to support fertility goals.
The Minister reiterated that the policy is pro-family, explaining the age limit does not apply once they have Singapore Citizen children, and encouraged spouses to apply for PR or citizenship.

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16 Sep 2013

CPF Housing Withdrawal Limit

Mr Ong Teng Koon questioned if the 120% CPF Housing Withdrawal Limit is adequate for typical housing loans and how low-income families with limited CPF savings can fully finance their housing when the limit is reached.
The Ministry clarified that the Valuation Limit is based on the lower of the purchase price or property value, with a Withdrawal Limit set at 120% of this limit, and that using CPF beyond the Valuation Limit requires setting aside half the Minimum Sum.
The Ministry noted that most CPF members prudently plan their housing purchases within these limits, and only a very small fraction of members encounter issues with these caps, with flexibility granted in deserving cases.

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16 Sep 2013

Statistics on Rental Flats

As of August 2013, Singapore had 49,500 public rental flats, with 48,200 occupied, 1,300 ready but unoccupied, and the rest under construction.
There were 1,900 registered applicants on the waiting list for rental flats, and the stock is expected to reach 60,000 by 2017.
From 2008 to 2012, 1,440 former tenants successfully transitioned to owning their own HDB flats.

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16 Sep 2013

Breakdown of Balance HDB Flats by Housing Estate

Ang Wei Neng requested a breakdown of HDB balance flats by housing estate, covering both completed units and those under construction.
Khaw Boon Wan disclosed that HDB has about 7,400 unsold balance flats, with 1,200 completed and 6,200 in various construction stages.
Of the 6,200 units under construction, 3,300 are in mature estates and 2,900 in non-mature estates.
The minister confirmed that completed and nearing-completion units will be released to the market soon.

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16 Sep 2013

Median Cash-Over-Valuation (COV) for Resale HDB Flats

Gerald Giam requested quarterly median Cash-Over-Valuation figures for resale HDB flats by town and flat type since 2Q2007, with a breakdown by Singapore citizen and Permanent Resident households.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that detailed COV data by town and flat type is published quarterly on HDB InfoWEB but does not include the requested buyer household breakdown.
HDB does not monitor the specific buyer group breakdown for COV but has some alternative data on COV by buyer group as tabulated in the response.

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16 Sep 2013

Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) Scheme

Chen Show Mao asked whether the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) scheme include bathroom remodelling for wheelchair accessibility and, if not, whether such works could be added as an option for households with elderly or disabled members.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that HIP addresses flat maintenance issues like concrete spalling and leaks, while EASE provides specific senior-friendly fittings such as slip-resistant floors, grab bars, and ramps to aid mobility within the flat.
Khaw noted that EASE already supports wheelchair users through cost-effective ramps between areas like the kitchen and bathroom, and that extensive bathroom remodelling goes beyond HIP and EASE objectives, though residents can pursue such works independently with HDB approval.

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16 Sep 2013

Barrier-Free Access along HDB Common Corridors

Mary Liew raised concerns about corridor clutter in HDB flats hindering wheelchair and walking aid use, especially with an ageing population.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that Town Councils enforce by-laws aligned with fire safety and accessibility guidelines, requiring at least 1.2 metres of clear passage.
The Building and Construction Authority has revised the Code on Accessibility to mandate a wider 1.5 metres clearance for newer building plans from April 2014 onwards.
Residents are encouraged to help keep corridors clear to ensure safety and accessibility for all.
The government is proactively updating regulations to support an ageing population in public housing.

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