Housing & estates — Topics

22 Sep 2025

Profile of Applicants under the Family Scheme Category of Public Rental Scheme from 2019 to 2024

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik inquired about the demographics of applicants under the Family Scheme of the Public Rental Scheme from 2019 to 2024, specifically focusing on single unmarried parents, non-citizen single parents with Singaporean children, and divorced parents.
Chee Hong Tat responded that the Housing and Development Board evaluates applications based on individual circumstances and family support, with input from social workers when needed.
From 2019 to 2024, the average annual proportions of applicants were 7% single unmarried parents, 4% non-citizen single parents with Singaporean children, and 17% divorced parents, with some overlap among these groups.
Approximately 4,000 unique applicants from these categories were successful in their applications for the Public Rental Scheme during this period.

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22 Sep 2025

Number of Applications and Approval Rates for Lift Access Housing Grant

Dennis Tan Lip Fong inquired about the total number of applications and approval rates for the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) since its introduction.
Chee Hong Tat responded that 78 complete applications for the LHG have been received since its implementation in 2020, with 60 approvals granted.
Out of the approved applications, 12 benefited from the grant increase from $30,000 to $80,000 that took effect in April 2025.

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22 Sep 2025

Timely Replacement of Faulty Equipment in Public Playgrounds

Ms. Valerie Lee raised concerns about the timely replacement of faulty equipment in public and HDB playgrounds, questioning the Ministry for National Development on existing requirements and vendor contract provisions.
Chee Hong Tat responded that Town Councils are responsible for the maintenance of playgrounds and must conduct periodic checks to ensure safety.
He confirmed that Town Councils are expected to rectify defective equipment promptly according to industry standards, and that maintenance contracts usually include clauses for repairs and replacements.

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22 Sep 2025

Electrical Safety Checks for Flats Undergoing Home Improvement and Enhancement for Active Seniors Programmes

The Minister for National Development was asked about electrical safety checks for HDB flats undergoing the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) and Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE).
Since 2021, HDB has conducted mandatory safety checks on Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) and water heater installations for flats under HIP, replacing faulty units at no cost to owners.
In 2024, 5% of flats under HIP had faulty RCCBs and 28% had non-compliant water heater installations, all of which were replaced by HDB.
For EASE, less than 1% of flats applying for rocker switches had faulty RCCBs, with HDB providing subsidized replacements for detected issues.
HDB does not track the compliance of lighting installations for flats applying for rocker switches under EASE.

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22 Sep 2025

Proposal to Allow Singles Especially Widows and Divorcees Aged 50 and Above to Apply for 3-room BTO HDB Flats

Mr. Lee Hong Chuang proposed that the Ministry for National Development allow singles, particularly widows and divorcees aged 50 and above, to apply for 3-room BTO HDB flats to address their housing needs.
The Minister, Chee Hong Tat, acknowledged the concerns of widowed and divorced individuals regarding housing options due to life changes.
First-time widowed or divorced citizens with children can buy new or resale flats of any size, while those without children can purchase 2-room Flexi flats.
The government prioritizes divorced or widowed parents with children under 18 for 2-room Flexi or 3-room BTO flats under the Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers.
The current policy aims to balance the housing needs of singles with those of other Singaporean groups, considering land constraints.

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22 Sep 2025

Total Annual Imputed Rental Value of Properties Allocated to Anchor Operators and Partner Operators of Preschool Services

Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat inquired about the total annual imputed rental value of properties allocated to ECDA's Anchor and Partner Operators for preschool services and how this in-kind subsidy is considered in financial evaluations.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M responded that Anchor Operator centres in Housing Development Board premises are charged rental rates comparable to other socio-communal facilities.
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) does not allocate any sites to Partner Operator centres.

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22 Sep 2025

Proposal to Restrict Smoking at or Near Windows or Balconies of HDB or Private Residential Units

Mr. Alex Yeo proposed that the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment consider restricting smoking at or near windows or balconies of HDB and private residential units.
He suggested that such restrictions could be enforced similarly to high-rise littering regulations.
Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that there are currently no plans to extend smoking restrictions to HDB or private apartments, including areas near windows and balconies.

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22 Sep 2025

Proportion of HDB Flat Fires Linked to Electrical Causes that Occurred in Pre-1997 and Post-1997 Flats

In 2024, there were 218 HDB flat fires attributed to electrical faults.
Of these, 129 fires (59.2%) occurred in flats built in 1997 or earlier.
Among the older flats, 93 fires (42.7%) were in those undergoing or awaiting Home Improvement Programme works.
The remaining 89 fires (40.8%) occurred in flats built after 1997.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force does not specifically track if these electrical fires are due to faulty or old wiring.

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22 Sep 2025

Number and Causes of HDB Flat Fires that Resulted in Deaths and Injuries

Mr. Shawn Loh inquired about the causes and statistics of fire incidents in HDB flats from 2020 to 2024, specifically regarding deaths and injuries.
Minister K Shanmugam identified the top three causes of such fires as unattended cooking, electrical faults, and unattended lighted materials.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force does not differentiate between deaths and injuries occurring inside or outside the originating flat.

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22 Sep 2025

Breakdown of Property Types Where Fires Related to Power-assisted Personal Mobility Devices Occurred

Mr. Cai Yinzhou inquired about the annual statistics for fires related to power-assisted personal mobility devices over the past five years, specifying various property types.
The inquiry included owner-occupied HDB flats, public rental HDB flats, condominiums, landed houses, non-residential premises, and non-buildings.
Minister K Shanmugam responded by providing the requested data in a table format.

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22 Sep 2025

Update on Review to Remove 15-month Wait-out Requirement for Private Property Owners Downgrading to HDB Flats

Mr. Ng Chee Meng inquired about updates on the review of the 15-month wait-out requirement for private property owners downgrading to HDB flats.
The current policy, part of property cooling measures since September 2022, mandates a 15-month wait after selling private property before purchasing a non-subsidised HDB flat, with exceptions for seniors aged 55 and above.
HDB has received around 1,800 annual appeals to waive this wait-out period, approving about 25% of them, primarily for those in financial distress or with no housing alternatives.
The HDB will continue to monitor the resale market and intends to remove the wait-out period when conditions permit.

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22 Sep 2025

Quantifying Potential Cost Impact of New Fixed Installation Plan Submission Requirement on Lift Modernisation Projects

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik inquired about the assessment of the cost impact of the new fixed installation plan submission requirement for lift modernisation projects starting 1 October 2025.
Chee Hong Tat explained that the new requirement aims to ensure proper review of lift installations by qualified professionals, with additional costs estimated to be 0.5%-2% of the total installation cost.
The estimated additional cost for lift plan submissions ranges from $500 to $2,000.
To facilitate the process, the Building and Construction Authority will allow lift owners to submit a single application for similar lift designs or modifications across different locations.

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22 Sep 2025

Addressing Issue of Pigeon Roosting and Defecation at Air-conditioner Ledges of HDB Flats

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik raised concerns about pigeon roosting and defecation on air-conditioner ledges of HDB flats, highlighting hygiene and maintenance issues for residents.
Minister Chee Hong Tat responded that the National Parks Board (NParks) employs a comprehensive approach to manage the pigeon population, including trapping, habitat modification, and public education.
A pilot program initiated in July 2024 showed a 50% reduction in the pigeon population in targeted town councils, with a subsequent expansion of the management plan to additional areas.
NParks and HDB are studying pigeon-related issues and will trial deterrent measures, but there are currently no plans to modify the Home Improvement Programme to address these concerns.
The Minister emphasized the importance of community involvement in controlling the pigeon population, urging residents to refrain from feeding birds and maintain cleanliness.

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22 Sep 2025

Data on Successful Applications for Public Rental Flats Made By Individuals Undergoing Divorce and Separation Proceedings

Pritam Singh inquired about the number of successful public rental flat applications made by individuals undergoing divorce and separation from 2020 to 2024, seeking specific breakdowns.
Chee Hong Tat reported that approximately 6,100 requests were approved for individuals who completed divorce or separation proceedings, with an additional 186 approved on a case-by-case basis.
The annual total of approved requests ranges from 1,200 to 1,300, but HDB does not differentiate between completed and ongoing proceedings or track applications by documentation type.

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22 Sep 2025

Review of Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act 2004, and Addressing Maintenance Issues in Ageing Condominium Developments

The debate focused on the review of the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act 2004 and the maintenance challenges faced by ageing condominiums.
Ms. Joan Pereira inquired about the status of the review, measures for maintenance issues, and the potential requirement for adequate sinking funds.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is currently reviewing the Act to enhance self-governance and address infrastructure issues in older condominiums.
The review aims to tackle problems related to inadequate sinking funds for maintenance and upgrades of condominium facilities.
The completion of the review is expected by the first half of the following year.

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22 Sep 2025

Proposal for Set-up of Smaller Satellite HDB Service Office in Hougang

Dennis Tan Lip Fong proposed the establishment of a smaller satellite HDB service office in Hougang to better serve local residents after the closure of the existing office.
The HDB Hougang Branch was closed to facilitate development in the area, prompting the introduction of alternative services.
HDB has opened a 24-hour e-Lobby with self-service kiosks and stationed a service ambassador to assist residents until October 2025.
Residents needing in-person assistance for complex transactions can book appointments at the nearby Sengkang Branch.
HDB is open to addressing the needs of residents with accessibility issues or exceptional circumstances for in-person service at the e-Lobby.

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22 Sep 2025

Inclusion of Expected Child in Calculation of Per Capita Income for Determining Rental Rates under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme

Ms. Nadia Ahmad Samdin proposed that the Ministry for National Development include an expected child past 24 weeks in gestational age in the per capita income calculation for rental rates under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme.
She emphasized the need to recognize the financial responsibilities that come with childbirth and caring for an infant.
The Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme provides subsidized housing for eligible families, including expectant parents, while they await their new Housing and Development Board flat.
A monthly household income ceiling of $7,000 was set in August 2021 to assist families who struggle to afford market rental rates.
Rental rates under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme are not based on per capita income.

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22 Sep 2025

Tracking Tenure Duration and Ethnicity of Tenants for Open-market Rental of HDB Flats

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired about HDB's tracking of tenure duration and ethnicity of tenants in open-market rentals and the measures in place to maintain ethnic diversity.
Chee Hong Tat explained that the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) applies to the sale and allocation of HDB flats but not to open-market rentals, which primarily involve non-citizen tenants.
To prevent foreigner enclaves, HDB implemented a non-Citizen quota in 2014, limiting the number of flats rented to non-Malaysian non-citizens and capping rental periods at two years.
HDB requires flat owners to meet certain conditions before renting out their flats and will enforce actions against any detected irregularities.

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22 Sep 2025

Fires Related to Power-assisted Bicycles and Mobility Aids, and Encouraging Installation of Home Fire Alarm Devices in Public Rental Flats

The number of fire incidents in HDB estates has decreased over the past five years, but fires related to Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) remain a concern, with 187 incidents reported, primarily during charging.
A significant portion of AMD-related fires involved non-compliant devices, prompting the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to enhance regulations and enforcement against such devices.
The installation of Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFADs) in public rental flats is progressing, with over 80% already equipped, and the government is considering extending assistance for installation to other vulnerable groups.
The government is promoting fire safety through public education initiatives, including training on fire extinguisher use and a campaign to raise awareness about residential fire hazards.
The collective responsibility for fire safety is emphasized, with ongoing collaboration among various agencies to improve safety measures and community preparedness.

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5 Sep 2025

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry of National Development (MND) aims to create a livable city through the Draft Master Plan 2025, focusing on diverse housing options, rejuvenation of older neighborhoods, and economic development in key areas.
MND plans to maintain affordable public housing, enhance support for seniors, and improve public rental housing, while also ensuring a strong supply of land for private housing.
Infrastructure improvements will include senior-friendly enhancements in both public and private estates, as well as the development of integrated community hubs and expanded green spaces.
Climate change mitigation will be addressed through climate-sensitive urban planning and building design, alongside initiatives to uplift the built environment sector and streamline regulatory processes.
MND emphasizes collaboration with industry partners to foster innovation and growth opportunities, aiming for a sustainable and vibrant future for Singapore.

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