Housing & estates

Assoc Prof Jamus Lim questioned the Minister for National Development about studies on the structural integrity of multi-storey car parks (MSCPs) for an all-electric vehicle fleet and plans for upgrading any that might not meet safety standards. Desmond Lee responded that HDB is collaborating with the Land Transport Authority to implement electric vehicle charging infrastructure in HDB carparks as part of Singapore's shift towards cleaner energy. While MSCPs are designed for vehicles up to 2,000 kilograms, the structure generally supports the increase in heavier electric vehicles due to their batteries. HDB is monitoring EV adoption and examining how to accommodate heavier vehicles safely.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned whether zebra crossings are permitted in HDB carparks and if the government would consider them for pedestrian safety. Desmond Lee responded that zebra crossings can be installed in HDB carparks if they can be implemented safely with good visibility for pedestrians and motorists. When zebra crossings are not feasible, HDB will improve safety using courtesy crossings or traffic calming measures like road humps. He emphasized that safety is a collective responsibility among all carpark users.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns regarding HDB households without direct lift access, seeking information on how HDB is addressing these needs and ensuring inclusivity for vulnerable groups. Desmond Lee responded that the Lift Upgrading Programme has successfully improved access in over 5,000 blocks, but around 2,000 flats remain without upgrades due to costs or technical challenges. HDB has explored alternative lift technologies but found many to be unsuitable for residential use or safety. Residents in need can apply for the Lift Access Housing Grant to assist with moving to flats that offer direct lift access, with a total of 60 applications received since its launch in 2020. HDB will continue to seek solutions for improving accessibility in their estates.

Pritam Singh asked about the Community Improvement Projects Committee (CIPC) funding disbursed to each Town Council from 2019 to the present. Desmond Lee explained that the CIPC funds community-led improvement projects in HDB estates, averaging $47 million annually for all towns over the past five years. Funding amounts vary by town and year, based on proposals from Town Councils and Citizens' Consultative Committees. Disbursements to Town Councils depend on completed works and are reported in their annual financial statements. CIPC projects may span multiple years and exclude those implemented by CCCs.

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked Minister Desmond Lee about the total number of 2-room flexi flats launched, allocated for singles, and the average application rates for singles over the past five years. Desmond Lee acknowledged increased demand for BTO flats, particularly from singles, with application rates peaking at 10.4 times in 2022 before dropping to 4.8 times in June 2024 due to various measures. The government has ramped up BTO supply, raised the singles' quota for 2-room Flexi flats, and implemented cooling measures to stabilize the market. Starting October 2024, singles will have the option to apply for new 2-room Flexi flats in all locations, expanding their choices.

Jamus Jerome Lim raised concerns about whether exhaling cigarette smoke from within an HDB flat into the open air violates the Smoking (Prohibition in Certain Places) Regulations. Grace Fu clarified that it is not a violation since smoking is allowed in residential homes. However, she encouraged residents to be considerate of their neighbors while smoking inside their homes.

Saktiandi Supaat asked about the number and percentage of unsuccessful applications under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) over the past five years and whether married couples waiting for BTO flats receive priority for PPHS flats nearby. Desmond Lee stated that the PPHS provides temporary housing for families earning $7,000 or less while waiting for their HDB flats. The percentage of unsuccessful applications peaked at 77% during COVID-19 but has since decreased to 43% in 2023 due to increased flat supply, which is set to double again by 2025. HDB does not prioritize applicants for PPHS flats based on proximity to their booked BTO flats, instead prioritizing families with children under 18.

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the impact of the lowered loan-to-value (LTV) limit on aspiring homeowners transitioning from rental housing to purchasing a flat. He also asked about the number of lower-income households affected by the new LTV limit who qualify for the increased Enhanced CPF Housing Grant of S$120,000, and the measures in place for those ineligible. Desmond Lee referred to a previous response addressing these questions regarding the residential property market and housing affordability provided on 9 September 2024.

Ang Wei Neng inquired about the number of HDB households without direct lift access, Lift Access Housing Grant applications, and the possibility of enhancing the grant for those in urgent need. Desmond Choo asked for statistics on households affected by lift access issues and those assisted in transitioning to alternative housing. Liang Eng Hwa questioned if there would be an increase in the cost cap for the Lift Upgrading Programme and the potential for open-sourcing engineering solutions for lift accessibility. Desmond Lee noted that these questions have been addressed in a prior written response regarding lift upgrading.

• Member Kwek Hian Chuan Henry proposed exploring short-term repayment freezes for housing loans and insurance premiums for unemployed Singaporeans.
• Minister Tan See Leng stated that HDB homeowners can seek financial counselling for deferment or restructuring of loans, while private homeowners should approach lenders for solutions.
• The Minister added that individuals facing insurance premium difficulties can consult insurers for options like premium loans or holidays, complemented by the SkillsFuture Jobseeker Support scheme.
• He noted that the JS scheme provides temporary support but is not sized for full household financial distress, with ComCare available for those in need.

• In the past five years, HDB received 14,000 appeals for a concessionary housing loan, with one in five being successful, while HDB granted approximately 265,000 housing loans in total.
• The primary reasons for rejected appeals include exceeding the income ceiling or having already taken two previous HDB housing loans.
• Homebuyers who are ineligible for a commercial bank loan can apply for a housing loan from HDB, provided they meet the eligibility conditions.

• Leong Mun Wai asked for the annual breakdown by race and citizenship of HDB flat owners whose flats sold for at least $1 million since 2020.
• Desmond Lee responded that only about 1% of HDB flats were transacted at $1 million and above from 2020 to the first half of 2024.
• He stated that almost all sellers were Singapore citizen households.
• He noted that the proportion of Chinese sellers ranged between 86% and 93% annually.
• He added that sellers from other ethnic groups accounted for between 7% and 14% of such transactions.

• Yip Hon Weng asked whether the government would introduce additional cooling measures for private condominiums, such as raising the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty or tightening loan limits, to ease demand and help moderate HDB flat prices.
• He also inquired about restricting HDB flat owners from owning private properties to prioritize owner-occupation and reduce investment demand.
• Desmond Lee referred to a prior government reply dated 9 September 2024, indicating the matter had already been addressed in written answers on housing affordability and the residential property market.

• In 2023, the National Environment Agency received about 670 feedback cases on pet defecation and urination in HDB common areas, prompting public education efforts such as standees to remind pet owners to clean up after their pets.
• Enforcement is challenging due to the transient nature of the offence, and over the same period, NEA took only one enforcement action against a pet owner who failed to remove and dispose of faecal matter.
• Currently, there are regulations to fine owners who do not clean up pet defecation, but no rules specifically require cleaning up pet urination.
• The Ministry does not plan to introduce regulations for pet urination cleanup, preferring to foster responsible pet ownership through community education and collaboration with agencies, community leaders, and Town Councils.

• Lim Biow Chuan asked if NEA will produce more educational materials to remind residents about penalties for high-rise littering.
• NEA is already conducting public education through social media, news articles, cleanliness campaigns, and physical standees and posters at HDB blocks with Town Councils.
• Targeted outreach is done to households affected by high-rise littering, and NEA plans to refine materials and support partners to deter such offences.

• Saktiandi Supaat inquired whether BCA mandates dedicated waiting or holding areas in residential estates and if regulations for such areas and estate road planning could be enhanced.
• Desmond Lee stated that BCA requires accessible and sheltered passenger alighting points for new or retrofitted buildings from April 2014, while LTA guidelines recommend sufficient waiting areas for logistics in all residential developments.
• HDB and private developers must comply with these regulations, and the government periodically reviews the codes and welcomes suggestions for improvements.

• Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Ministry of Health about setting up more Active Ageing Centres in private housing estates, such as in parks or shophouses, to serve nearby seniors.
• The Ministry of Health and the Agency for Integrated Care are seeking ways to increase centre coverage by identifying more accessible sites, including in private estates, and reviewing suggestions from Grassroots Advisers.
• Site selection considers factors beyond accessibility, such as the size of the site and the availability of basic utilities needed to run senior programmes.

• Gan Thiam Poh proposed a new HDB BTO flat category for first-timer applicants with joint incomes between $14,000 and $16,000 who find Executive Condominiums financially burdensome.
• Minister Desmond Lee explained the $14,000 income ceiling ensures new HDB flats and subsidies are prioritized for lower to middle-higher income households, covering about 80% of Singaporean families.
• Households earning $14,000 to $16,000 can still buy resale HDB flats without income limits and may qualify for the Proximity Housing Grant of up to $30,000.
• The Government has no plans to create a new BTO flat category for this income range.
• The debate centered on balancing housing affordability, subsidy allocation, and the availability of alternative housing options for higher-income first-timers.

• Gerald Giam asked the Ministry of National Development whether it encourages or mandates Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) to include by-laws prohibiting elected MPs from visiting residents in their properties and what steps it would take if such prohibitions were applied unfairly.
• The Ministry clarified that MCSTs are autonomous bodies empowered under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act to manage their properties and enact by-laws, including decisions on access, similar to other private property owners.
• The Ministry confirmed it does not impose any requirements on MCSTs regarding access by MPs.

• Foo Mee Har questioned whether the increased housing grants for first-time resale buyers could drive up HDB resale prices as sellers might raise their asking prices in response to the additional support.

• Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for data on HDB loan-to-value ratios by flat type and a breakdown of HDB resale price trends by flat type over the past five years, to which Minister Desmond Lee responded that the market has moderated but resale prices rose over 4% in early 2024, though detailed flat-type breakdowns are not available due to low transaction volumes.

• Minister Lee explained that the lowered loan-to-value limit from 80% to 75% is expected to promote prudent borrowing and dampen demand at the higher end of the market, particularly for larger flats, while the increased Enhanced CPF Housing Grant is targeted at lower-income first-timers without inflating the broader resale market, as sellers are unaware of the grant amounts.