Housing & estates

• Approximately 7,000 public rental flats in Singapore have been approved for air-conditioning installation as of August 2025.
• The Housing and Development Board (HDB) considers various tenant circumstances, including medical reasons, when assessing requests for air-conditioning units.
• The average waiting time for HDB to approve a request for air-conditioning installation is typically within two weeks, provided the installation meets technical guidelines.

• The Estate Upgrading Programme (EUP) for Jalan Naung and Realty Park private estates is set to begin by mid-2026.
• The initial phase will involve design and planning, with tenders for consultants to be called by the end of 2025.
• Planned enhancements include recreational spaces, improved connectivity features, and estate markers.

• The debate focused on the progress of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure installation in public spaces and HDB car parks in Singapore.
• Christopher de Souza raised questions about the current status and future plans for accelerating the roll-out of EV chargers in response to increasing EV adoption.
• Jeffrey Siow reported that there are over 25,000 EV charging points nationwide, with a target of 60,000 by 2030, and more than 7,500 chargers installed in HDB car parks.
• The government aims to ensure every HDB resident has convenient access to an EV charger by the end of the year, while monitoring charger usage and adapting to new technologies.
• The Land Transport Authority is committed to scaling up the deployment of chargers in areas with high demand, considering electrical capacity.

• The debate focused on the criteria for intervention by the Community Relations Unit (CRU) in severe neighbourly disputes, particularly regarding noise and hoarding, and the effectiveness of the unit since its pilot launch in Tampines.
• Questions were raised about the low number of severe cases handled by the CRU, with only five cases reported in six months, despite a high volume of noise complaints in HDB estates.
• The Minister of State emphasized that the CRU aims to mediate disputes rather than serve as a first response, and that it has investigatory powers, including the use of noise sensors when necessary.
• There were calls for clearer criteria for what constitutes a severe case and suggestions for legislative changes to proactively address noise disturbances and improve community relations.
• The discussion highlighted the importance of grassroots mediation and community bonds in resolving disputes, with a recognition of the need for ongoing evaluation and potential expansion of the CRU's services beyond the pilot town.

Jamus Lim asked about the criteria considered in appeals for waiving the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) for HDB flat sales and whether the remaining MOP duration is included. Chee Hong Tat explained that HDB flats are intended for owner-occupation, and owners must occupy their flats during the MOP before selling. Appeals for MOP waivers are assessed individually, taking into account specific circumstances, with past exceptions granted for reasons like financial hardship or the owner's demise.

Lee Hong Chuang asked about how the SCDF will enhance emergency response capabilities and community engagement in light of rising fire outbreaks. K Shanmugam responded that the SCDF conducts regular outreach, such as the Responder Plus Programme, which provides free training on fire extinguishers, CPR, and AEDs, integrated with the SGSecure movement. The SCDF, in collaboration with the Temasek Foundation, HDB, and Town Councils, has begun installing fire extinguishers at Lifesavers' Emergency Points in residential HDB blocks, with over 5,000 set up to date and a goal to complete the rollout by 2028.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis questioned the Minister for National Development about the relevance of the 2,000 kg weight limit for commercial vehicle parking in HDB car parks. Chee Hong Tat stated that the assessment remains unchanged from a previous response in 2021, emphasizing safety concerns regarding larger vehicles exceeding structural capacities. Commercial vehicles cannot park in residential HDB car parks and may apply for exceptions to park in surface lots, with alternative parking available in commercial and industrial facilities. The increasing weight of electric commercial vehicles is under review for potential structural enhancements to HDB car parks.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked about the rationale for differences in housing access and support between single-parent unwed households and married couples, and how these distinctions might affect children's outcomes. Masagos Zulkifli explained that certain benefits are designed to support marriage, which is why they are not extended to single unwed parents, while acknowledging the challenges these parents face. The Ministry provides universal benefits for all citizen children regardless of parental marital status and offers targeted support for single unwed parents, including financial assistance and flexible housing options, such as the ability to purchase HDB flats under specific conditions.

Yip Hon Weng raised questions about the safety of Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) concerning fires in HDB flats, penalties for non-compliant devices, and proactive measures for fire prevention. K Shanmugam reported that there were 187 fires involving AMDs in the past five years, accounting for about 4% of total fires in HDB estates, and over 6,000 cases of non-compliant AMDs were detected by the Land Transport Authority. The Active Mobility Fire Safety Taskforce plans to enhance public education through the “Be Device-Safe” programme and is considering increased enforcement actions against the use and sale of non-compliant AMDs to improve safety.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik raised concerns about the new licensing regime for lift and escalator certification firms starting in 2027, specifically regarding cost increases from submissions, certifications, and inspections, and support for Town Councils. Chee Hong Tat explained that the new regime aims to enhance lift safety by ensuring only licensed firms handle certifications, which will maintain competitive costs. The Government will continue providing funding to Town Councils for estate maintenance, urging them to budget for potential cost increases carefully.

Hazlina Abdul Halim raised several questions regarding HDB flats with ceiling seepage, including the average age of affected flats, the number of cases HDB agreed to fully fund for repairs, and potential support for seniors under the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme. Chee Hong Tat responded that from January to August 2025, HDB handled 615 complex water seepage cases, averaging 77 cases per month, which is an increase from 72 cases monthly in 2024. The average age of flats with reported ceiling leaks in 2025 is approximately 40 years, and while HDB assists with 50% of repair costs, flat owners are responsible for the remaining share. HDB is exploring new technologies to better diagnose and address seepage issues and will expedite repairs for serious cases while supporting Town Councils with technical assistance.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik questioned the Minister for National Development about the effectiveness of the Single Room Shared Facilities Scheme (SRSF) in assisting homeless individuals compared to the Joint Singles Scheme Operator-Run Pilot (JSS-OR) and the possibility of expanding SRSF. Chee Hong Tat indicated that both SRSF and JSS-OR are part of efforts to broaden public rental options for lower-income singles and have proven effective in aiding those who are rough sleeping. Each scheme caters to different preferences, with SRSF offering private bedrooms and shared facilities, while JSS-OR involves sharing a flat. Both models have received positive feedback and are being reviewed for potential expansion.

Low Wu Yang Andre asked how HDB's planning for new towns and BTO launches aligns with LTA timelines for transport network expansion to avoid infrastructure lag. Chee Hong Tat explained that Singapore uses an integrated approach to master planning, ensuring that major infrastructure projects are initiated years in advance to align with housing developments. Agencies collaborate to stage infrastructure and development plans, aiming to deliver transport facilities simultaneously with new housing projects.

He Ting Ru questioned the Ministry of National Development about research on the impact of newer HDB town designs, particularly void deck changes, on social interaction in neighborhoods. Chee Hong Tat referenced previous inquiries by Dr. Tan Wu Meng from 2017 and 2020. The latest Sample Household Survey from 2021 indicated that 97% of residents felt there were adequate spaces for neighborly interactions, with similar interaction frequencies across different block designs. HDB has incorporated design elements like Community Living Rooms and 3-Generation playgrounds to enhance social interactions in newer estates.

Jackson Lam asked about the number of complaints regarding pickleball-related noise in residential estates for 2024 to 2025, measures taken by Town Councils to balance recreation with residents' rest, and the possibility of introducing nationwide guidelines or infrastructure changes for quieter play. Chee Hong Tat suggested referring to a previous response from the Ministry of National Development regarding noise from pickleball, which included guidelines for managing its rising popularity and associated noise issues.

Dr. Choo Pei Ling asked about the design of public spaces in new towns like Tengah to promote outdoor activity and family bonding, as well as how their effectiveness in supporting child well-being is evaluated. Chee Hong Tat explained that HDB provides varied public spaces and facilities, such as colorful playgrounds and 3-Generation facilities, to encourage physical activity and inter-generational interactions. Tengah Town's design also includes green connectors like the Plantation and Garden Farmways to facilitate community engagement. The effectiveness of these initiatives is assessed through surveys, focus groups, and observational studies, ensuring they evolve to meet family needs and support the goals of Grow Well SG.

Ang Wei Neng asked about the possibility of building more covered linkways connecting HDB blocks to MRT stations beyond the current 400m radius. The Minister of State for Transport, Baey Yam Keng, responded that in 2024, the LTA plans to construct covered linkways extending to 800 meters from MRT stations, connecting to Friendly Streets and key amenities. Ang Wei Neng emphasized the need for these linkways to serve more residents by considering human traffic patterns, suggesting that the policy be adjusted to benefit a larger community. Baey Yam Keng acknowledged the popularity of covered linkways and stated that LTA prioritizes connections that serve many commuters, balancing feedback with site constraints and safety requirements.