Housing & estates — Topics

12 Aug 2013

Repayment of CPF Funds when Co-owners Withdraw from Co-Ownership

Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed reviewing the CPF policy requiring parents to repay CPF funds used for their children's HDB loans when children withdraw from co-ownership to buy another flat with a spouse or fiancé/fiancée.
Tan Chuan-Jin explained that CPF funds must be refunded to maintain retirement adequacy, with a charge on the property ensuring proceeds from any sale are used to repay CPF principal and accrued interest.
He noted that the refund requirement applies when lifting the charge on a property co-purchased with parents, and the child must repay the CPF funds via transfer, cash, or a loan to proceed.

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12 Aug 2013

Preventing High-rise Littering

The Minister reported that surveillance cameras installed since 2012 have led to 700-800 monthly complaints and three prosecutions with $600 fines in 2013, with NEA now withholding camera installation schedules to increase deterrence.
In response to a query on high-rise littering trends, the Minister did not state whether the trend has fallen or remained the same, focusing instead on camera enforcement outcomes.
The Ministry plans to study the feasibility of penalizing flat owners where littering originates without identifying the exact culprit, as suggested by Ms Tin Pei Ling.
The Minister emphasized that surveillance cameras are a last resort and that primary defences against littering include cultivating social graciousness and collective responsibility.

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12 Aug 2013

Installation of Police CCTV Cameras at HDB Void Decks

The Police have deployed CCTV cameras at HDB blocks and multi-storey car parks since May 2012, with 350 blocks fitted so far, and plan to cover all HDB blocks by 2016.
As of July 2013, there are 3,700 CCTV cameras installed by Police in public areas, HDB blocks, and multi-storey car parks.
Police can access CCTV footage from other Government agencies and private entities for investigations, including cameras from LTA and private establishments.

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9 Jul 2013

Punishment for Conmen Passing off as HDB Contractors

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah inquired about the penalties for bogus HDB contractors, asking for the maximum penalty, whether they can be prosecuted for cheating by impersonation, and if penalties will be reviewed for heavier deterrence.
Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean stated that offenders can face up to five years' imprisonment, a fine, or both under section 419 of the Penal Code for cheating by personation, depending on the case facts.
The Police view current penalties as adequate, noting such cases make up less than 1% of cheating and theft incidents, and emphasized public vigilance and community education to protect vulnerable residents.

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9 Jul 2013

Use of HDB Rooftop Space

Sylvia Lim questioned the policy change requiring Town Councils to provide HDB rooftop space to telecom companies without charging, citing potential burdens on Town Councils due to frequent access requests and costs.
The Minister explained that the policy aims to improve mobile coverage by ensuring minimum deployment space for operators, applied consistently across all buildings, with flexibility in location and no upfront charges to facilitate faster deployment.
The Minister noted that existing lease agreements for mobile space would be honored until expiry, and public consultations showed no objections to the changes, emphasizing benefits to residents and balanced stakeholder needs.
Sylvia Lim sought clarification on whether rooftops offer better coverage and highlighted the 74 monthly access requests in Aljunied, suggesting potential reimbursement for Town Council costs.
The Minister responded that coverage improvement depends on location, not necessarily rooftops, and agreed to review the access charge issue based on feedback from Town Councils.

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9 Jul 2013

Encouraging HDB Rental Flat Tenants towards Home Ownership

HDB provides employment assistance and rent waivers to help rental tenants upgrade their income and savings, with targeted grants, flat options, and priority in new flat allocations to support their transition to home ownership.
The government communicates policies automatically to prevent income disincentives, offers a multi-year rental stability period, and works with social agencies to address barriers like childcare and elderly care, focusing on a long-term pathway to ownership.
While encouraging home ownership, HDB exercises compassion in individual cases, such as allowing elderly parents to remain in rental flats if their adult children cannot fully support them, to balance housing needs and family circumstances.

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9 Jul 2013

Town Councils' Role in Cleanliness of Hawker Centres

The Town Councils are legally responsible for maintaining and cleaning hawker centres, including high areas, with costs covered by service charges and no extra fees for hawkers, as per NEA’s quarterly spring-cleaning directive.
A dispute arose over whether Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC) improperly sought extra payment from hawkers for high-area cleaning, with the Minister alleging its property manager denied responsibility and demanded additional charges, while AHPETC leaders denied this.
The Minister presented meeting notes and a contractor quotation as evidence of AHPETC’s mismanagement, while AHPETC argued the issue stemmed from confusion between annual high-area cleaning and quarterly spring-cleaning, with no extra charges requested.
The debate highlighted concerns about transparency and accountability, with the Minister urging AHPETC to investigate and correct its actions, while AHPETC maintained its staff acted within contractual obligations.
Both sides agreed Town Councils must ensure hawker centre cleanliness, but the core disagreement centered on interpreting responsibilities and the evidence of alleged misconduct.

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8 Jul 2013

Statistics on Unsuccessful Applications for Purchase of HDB Flats and Additional Housing Grant

David Ong inquired about the number of unsuccessful HDB flat and Additional Housing Grant applications due to lack of employment or income records, whether there is an increasing trend, and if eligibility criteria should be reviewed for Singapore's dynamic job market.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that HDB does not track unsuccessful flat applications due to missing income documents, as alternative proof is accepted, but noted about 2% of Additional Housing Grant applications (around 200 cases yearly) fail for this reason with no increasing trend.
The Minister stated that AHG applicants must have a continuous year of employment before application and remain employed to ensure loan sustainability, with case-by-case flexibility for job breaks and ongoing monitoring for potential criteria review.

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8 Jul 2013

Review of Ethnic Integration Policy for HDB Rental Flats

Pritam Singh inquired whether the review of the Ethnic Integration Policy for HDB rental flats had been completed and, if not, when it would be done.
Khaw Boon Wan confirmed the review was completed and stated that existing EIP limits would be retained because Singapore's ethnic mix has remained stable.
He noted that strict application of EIP limits could prolong waiting times for vulnerable families and announced a temporary administrative increase of up to 10 percentage points to block limits for greater flexibility in allocation.

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8 Jul 2013

Inclusion of Toilet Upgrading as Part of Enhancement for Active Seniors Scheme

Foo Mee Har asked whether HDB could include toilet upgrades in the EASE scheme to help seniors age safely and prevent falls.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that toilet upgrades are already covered by the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and are more cost-effective under HIP than EASE.
The government is speeding up HIP to ensure residents benefit from toilet and other upgrades sooner.

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8 Jul 2013

Indiscriminate Pasting of Stickers in Common Areas

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah queried the Ministry for National Development about the number of cases dealt with for indiscriminate sticker pasting in common areas over the past three years and where residents can seek help if stickers are pasted on their flats.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that Town Councils handle such issues in HDB estates under their by-laws, typically warning advertisers or requiring sticker removal, and noted the Ministry does not compile statistics on these cases.
He clarified that residents affected by stickers on their flats should seek assistance from their respective Town Councils.

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8 Jul 2013

Supply of 2-Room HDB BTO Flats for Lower-Income Singaporeans

Mary Liew asked how HDB measures demand for 2-room BTO flats and whether the $2,000 income ceiling for non-mature estates will be reviewed to improve eligibility and take-up rates.
Khaw Boon Wan explained that HDB plans supply long-term, considering demand from various buyer groups and socio-economic changes, noting that take-up rates for 2-room flats often rise after launch as they cater to right-sizing buyers.
He highlighted that 2-room flats were reintroduced in 2006 to help lower-income households and are now also available to single Singaporeans from the upcoming BTO launch.
Khaw noted that HDB regularly reviews policies, having raised the income ceiling for 2-room flats in mature estates to $5,000 last year, and is currently reviewing the ceiling for non-mature estates to finalize soon.

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8 Jul 2013

Access Solutions for the Physically-Challenged and Elderly Residents Living in Old HDB Estates

HDB subsidises up to 95% for ramps for flats with a one-step difference under the EASE programme, but building ramps for flats with more steps is technically challenging and costly, and HDB is exploring affordable solutions with industry partners.
Residents can install ramps not covered by EASE at their own cost with HDB and Town Council approval, and may seek financial assistance from ComCare or Volunteer Welfare Organisations if needed.
For those unable to implement solutions, HDB allows flat swopping by selling the existing flat and buying a resale flat from the open market.

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8 Jul 2013

Food Centres at Rivervale Delta

Ms Lee Li Lian asked if there are plans for food centres in the Rivervale Delta BTO project and whether the Ministry would consider them if not planned.
Minister Khaw Boon Wan stated there are no plans to include a food centre, citing adequate nearby F&B facilities.
He noted that Block 182A Rivervale Crescent has an eating house, minimart, and cake shop, located right next to the new BTO.
He also mentioned Rivervale Mall is a five- to 10-minute walk away with various F&B outlets, including an NTUC Foodfare foodcourt.
The Ministry concluded that existing options sufficiently meet residents' needs, making a new food centre unnecessary.

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8 Jul 2013

Dealing with Water Seepage into HDB Flats

Alex Yam asked whether HDB will assist households with seepage from external walls due to wear and tear not the responsibility of HDB or Town Councils, and sought statistics on such incidents over the last five years.
Khaw Boon Wan clarified that external walls are common areas managed by Town Councils, so seepage issues fall under their purview, with HDB able to assist only in investigating leakage sources before repairs.
The Minister noted that residents typically contact Town Councils directly, so HDB does not have the requested statistics on households affected by such seepages.

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8 Jul 2013

Increasing Chances for Success in BTO Applications for First-Time Flat Buyers

David Ong Kim Huat asked about first-time HDB BTO applicants with three or more unsuccessful attempts and whether their chances can be improved.
Khaw Boon Wan reported about 200 first-timer applicants with three or more unsuccessful attempts in non-mature estates, noting the backlog is being cleared due to increased flat supply.
These applicants will receive at least four ballot tickets in their next BTO application in non-mature estates.
Their chances are further enhanced if they apply under the Married Child Priority Scheme or the Parenthood Priority Scheme.
The government is confident these applicants will likely succeed in their next BTO application in non-mature estates.

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8 Jul 2013

Purchase of Flats by Singles Below Qualifying Age

Chia Shi-Lu questioned the housing options and numbers for singles below 35 without family or with protection orders, seeking possible exemptions to buy resale flats.
Khaw Boon Wan stated that orphaned singles aged 21 and above can buy new or resale flats of any type, with 36 such cases last year.
He added that singles with protection orders from abusive family members can also buy resale flats below age 35, with one case last year.

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8 Jul 2013

Purchase of Flats by Singles

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked about the grant quantum, concessionary housing loan, and quota for singles buying 2-room HDB BTO flats.
Singles aged 35 and above earning up to $5,000 per month can buy new 2-room flats in non-mature estates from the next BTO launch.
Details on the specific measures will be announced soon.

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13 May 2013

Centralisation of Table Cleaning Operations of Hawker Centres

Teo Siong Seng asked if NEA can centralise all table cleaning operations in hawker centres, including HDB-owned ones, to maintain hygiene standards.
Minister Vivian Balakrishnan stated that NEA already regulates and inspects hawker centres but currently uses a shared model: MEWR-owned centres are cleaned directly by NEA, while HDB-owned ones are managed by Town Councils and Hawker Associations.
NEA has no plans to centralise operations, as the current shared responsibility system, supported by the Enhanced Accreditation Scheme and cleaning company licensing, is expected to uphold cleanliness standards across all centres.

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13 May 2013

Lift Upgrading Works in HDB Multi-storey Car Parks

Dr. Lam Pin Min asked about the timeline for completing lift upgrading works in all HDB Multi-Storey Car Parks in Singapore and specifically in Sengkang West.
The Ministry for National Development confirmed that the Car Parks Lift Installation Programme was launched in March 2012 to install lifts where feasible in all HDB MSCPs without lifts.
All lift installations across Singapore are scheduled for completion by 2017.
In Sengkang West, there are 14 MSCPs without lift access, and the installations will be carried out in two phases after consultation with local grassroots.
HDB will engage with grassroots organizations to stage the MSCP lift installations appropriately.

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