Housing & estates — Topics

5 Mar 2024

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

The government announced measures to support young couples, including reducing initial downpayments to 2.5% under the enhanced Staggered Downpayment Scheme and providing a one-year rental voucher of $300 per month for those awaiting BTO flat completion.
Housing policies were updated to better cater to diverse needs, such as allowing singles to buy 2-room Flexi flats islandwide from the second half of 2024 and expanding interim housing schemes for vulnerable groups like divorcees with special needs children.
Long-term planning strategies were emphasized, including developing new housing areas like Chencharu and Gillman Barracks, intensifying land use through mixed-use developments, and advancing initiatives like Age Well SG to make estates senior-friendly.

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5 Mar 2024

Mobile Phone Reception Coverage in Lifts in New HDB Developments to Facilitate Emergency Calls

The Ministry stated that while mobile operators are required to provide over 85% building coverage, there is no specific requirement for mobile reception inside lifts due to the challenge of signal penetration in enclosed metallic structures, and HDB lifts rely on existing safety features like the Tele-Monitoring System and alarm buttons for emergencies.
In response to concerns about lift breakdowns or medical emergencies where the alarm button is unreachable, the Ministry explained that current planning norms do not include mobile coverage in lifts but committed to working with telecom operators to boost weak signal areas, such as in Clementi Peaks.
A member asked if the 85% coverage includes HDB car parks, and the Ministry clarified that coverage requirements exclude transient areas like lifts and in-building car parks below the second basement level, as these are not part of the baseline service standards.

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5 Mar 2024

Alternative Accessibility Solutions for Wheelchair-bound Residents in HDB Blocks where Lift Upgrading Programme Remains Unfeasible

Residents in HDB blocks without direct lift access face challenges, with the Ministry highlighting that 99% of blocks now have lifts and offering a grant for relocation, but some MPs argue this isn't always feasible for long-term residents.
The Ministry is exploring alternative accessibility solutions and urges affected residents to approach HDB for personalized assistance, but has not yet detailed specific options or timelines.
MPs raised questions about stair-lifts, cost-benefit analyses, and lift upgrading timelines, with the Minister acknowledging ongoing feasibility studies but noting safety and technical constraints.

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4 Mar 2024

Applications from Single Unwed Parents to Purchase or Rent HDB Flats

Louis Ng asked the Ministry for National Development for statistics over the past two years on HDB flat applications and rejections by single unwed parents, and the reasons for rejections.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB evaluates requests holistically, allowing single unwed parents aged 21 and above who can afford it to buy up to a 3-room flat in non-mature estates or resale flats, while those unable to buy may be offered public rental if it benefits the child, with input from social workers.
Over the past two years, HDB supported about 72% of requests from single unwed parents to purchase a flat, with remaining cases involving applicants who did not proceed or lacked sufficient funds.
HDB assisted around 46% of requests from single unwed parents to rent a public rental flat over the same period, with the rest including those who did not follow through, could afford to buy, or had family housing options.

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4 Mar 2024

Development of HDB New Towns with Digitally Ready and 5G-Capable Flats

The debate focused on the technological and infrastructural challenges in developing HDB new towns that are digitally ready to support 5G capabilities, including the need for denser mobile infrastructure due to 5G's shorter propagation characteristics.
It was highlighted that more space within building premises is required for 5G infrastructure, and government agencies are collaborating to coordinate and facilitate timely 5G network rollouts in HDB towns.
The Minister outlined plans for retrofitting HDB flats to support 5G in the future, emphasizing inter-agency coordination between MND/HDB and MCI/IMDA to address infrastructure needs.

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4 Mar 2024

Sufficient Number of Digital Infrastructure Engineers and Designers in Design and Development of Digitally-ready HDB New Towns

HDB has been building its digital capabilities through the Digital Master Plan and the Built Environment Industry Transformation Map, including the use of Virtual Design and Construction and Building Information Modelling for all new BTO projects since 2019.
HDB trains its officers and requires consultants and contractors to deploy digitally competent personnel to implement Integrated Digital Delivery, while piloting new technologies in smart town “Living Labs” like Punggol and Yuhua before wider rollout.
For older flats and estates, HDB selects and rolls out proven digital initiatives, such as Smart LED Lighting under the Green Towns Programme, with installations aligned to Town Council repair cycles and supported by HDB.
HDB has developed a centralised data platform to collect and analyse sensor data from HDB towns, enabling performance monitoring, measurement of sustainability targets, and refinement of future plans.

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4 Mar 2024

Agency In-charge of Defining Boundaries and Naming of Precincts within Residential Towns

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) and relevant planning agencies jointly define precinct boundaries based on land-use, design, and resident needs, while the Street & Building Names Board (SBNB), with URA as secretariat, approves precinct names.
Approved precinct names are published on the SBNB website and the Singapore Land Authority’s OneMap service.
HDB applies SBNB naming guidelines to reflect each precinct’s location, characteristics, and cultural context, and other groups like building owners and developers also participate in naming applications.

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28 Feb 2024

Effectiveness of Cooling Measures in Addressing Concerns over Million-dollar and High-value Resale HDB Flats

Minister Desmond Lee reported that after implementing a 15-month wait-out period for private property owners, the proportion of million-dollar HDB resale buyers who were private property owners fell from 34% to about 14%.
Resale price growth moderated, with the HDB Resale Price Index rising 4.9% in 2023 compared to 10.4% in 2022, following cooling measures and increased BTO supply.
The government continues to monitor the resale market to ensure public housing remains affordable and accessible for Singaporeans.

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28 Feb 2024

Single Unwed Parents Applying for Interim Housing under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme in 2023

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the number of single unwed parents who applied for interim housing under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme in 2023 and the outcomes of those applications.
In 2023, eight single unwed parents applied for the scheme, with four assisted by HDB with Interim Rental Housing.
Of the remaining four applicants, one was invited to select a flat but did not, while three were unsuccessful in the ballot.

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28 Feb 2024

Installation of Stair Lifts or Escalators or Redevelopment for HDB Blocks without Direct Lift Access

Leong Mun Wai asked whether HDB would install stair lifts, escalators, or redevelop HDB blocks without direct lift access.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB’s Lift Upgrading Programme has brought direct lift access to over 5,000 blocks, covering about 99% of blocks, while stair lifts and escalators are not feasible due to safety, fire escape, and space constraints.
HDB does not plan to redevelop blocks where upgrading is not feasible due to high cost or technical constraints, but it offers a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 for households needing urgent access.

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28 Feb 2024

Alternative Measures to Address Ongoing Concerns on Affordability of BTO and Resale Flats

The Minister outlined a multi-pronged strategy to address affordability, including ramping up housing supply with more than 63,000 BTO flats offered over the last three years and completing over 21,400 flats in 2023, the highest in six years.
The government has implemented three rounds of cooling measures since December 2021, resulting in a slowdown in HDB resale price growth to 4.9% in 2023, and maintains stable BTO pricing through market discounts despite rising construction costs.
A new flat classification framework for Prime and Plus flats introduces additional subsidies, a 10-year minimum occupation period, and resale price repayment conditions to keep housing affordable while ensuring a fair subsidy system.
Substantial housing grants, such as the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant of up to $80,000 and the Proximity Housing Grant of up to $30,000, help offset costs, with over 80% of first-timer families in 2023 having a mortgage servicing ratio of 25% or less.
The government remains committed to monitoring affordability and adjusting policies as needed, while advising households to exercise financial prudence when taking on mortgage commitments.

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27 Feb 2024

Update on VERS Policy Details and Alternative Solutions in Other Estates Not Feasible for VERS

Yip Hon Weng asked for an update on the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) policy details and for alternative solutions for estates where VERS is not feasible to address concerns about buying properties with short remaining lease terms.
Desmond Lee explained that VERS is a long-term plan to stage out the redevelopment and rejuvenation of older towns and estates, involving complex and detailed long-term town planning.
The Ministry is currently working out the details of VERS and will share more information when ready.

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26 Feb 2024

Feasibility of Mandatory Neutering of Cats in HDB Homes to Reduce Abandonment and Stray Populations

Yip Hon Weng asked about the feasibility of requiring mandatory neutering of cats in HDB homes to reduce abandonment and stray populations, along with reasons if not considered and current awareness initiatives.
Desmond Lee explained that NParks encourages sterilisation for health and behavioural benefits and is considering a lower licence fee for sterilised cats under a proposed pet cat licensing scheme, with more details to be shared later.
NParks will continue collaborating with partners to raise awareness on responsible cat ownership and the benefits of sterilisation through events like Pets' Day Out and roadshows.

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26 Feb 2024

Study on Impact of Lease Decay on Resale HDB Flat Prices

Ms Hazel Poa asked whether the Ministry or HDB has studied the impact of lease decay on resale HDB flat prices since 2017.
Minister Desmond Lee confirmed that it is well-established that property prices generally decrease as leases run down, for both private and public housing.
He noted that other factors like location, size, storey height, economic conditions, market sentiments, demand and supply, and buyer willingness also drive HDB resale prices.
The Ministry will continue to monitor the housing market closely.
No specific study was mentioned as having been conducted, but the general impact of lease decay is acknowledged.

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26 Feb 2024

Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme Flats Expected to be Vacant upon Completion of Replacement Flats and Their Subsequent Reallocation

In 2024, 992 HDB flats under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme are expected to be vacated after replacement flats are completed.
These vacated flats will not be added to the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme because the site is earmarked for near-term redevelopment.
The government's focus is on redeveloping the site rather than repurposing the vacated flats for interim housing.

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26 Feb 2024

Households in Arrears on Housing Loan Instalments for Public Housing and Months Due

As of December 2023, about 15,600 Singaporean households servicing HDB loans were in mortgage arrears of three months or more, representing 5.7% of all such households.
The majority of these households owed less than two years of arrears, with some experiencing prolonged periods due to complex issues like medical problems or the death of a sole breadwinner.
HDB provides one-to-one financial counselling and temporary relief measures, such as reducing or deferring loan instalments for up to 12 months or allowing arrears to be paid in instalments.
For households with extended financial difficulties, HDB offers tailored support, including extending loan tenure to lower monthly payments, adding working adult children as joint owners, or right-sizing to a more affordable flat.

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26 Feb 2024

Assistance and Recourse Provided to SME Subcontractors of Main Contractor Dismissed by HDB and Undergoing Liquidation

HDB monitors contractors’ financial health and may offer advance or fortnightly payments, direct payments to subcontractors, and cost-sharing for delays.
If a main contractor is terminated, HDB finds a replacement contractor and connects existing subcontractors to them for potential continued engagement.
For contractors in liquidation, recovery of outstanding payments is governed by insolvency rules and handled by the appointed liquidator.

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16 Feb 2024

Electric Vehicle Chargers for Active Mobility Devices in HDB Estates

Ms See Jinli Jean asked if the Ministry would install chargers for active mobility devices in HDB estates and, if so, when islandwide installation would be completed.
The Minister for Transport, Chee Hong Tat, replied that the Ministry currently has no plans to install public charging points for such devices in HDB estates.
He explained that devices complying with EN15194 or UL2272 standards can be safely charged using standard home wall sockets, eliminating the need for dedicated charging infrastructure.

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16 Feb 2024

Conditions for Approval for Use of Skip Tanks by Private Contractors to Clear Renovation Debris

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked about the conditions for HDB approval of skip tanks by private contractors for renovation debris, recommended placement locations, and typical permit duration.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB requires contractors to dispose of debris at approved sites daily, while Town Councils regulate skip tanks on common property and HDB handles approval for placement outside common property.
Contractors typically apply for one to three days of skip tank deployment and must ensure no disamenities or safety hazards to residents or the public.

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16 Feb 2024

Appeals by Younger Singaporeans Married to Non-Long-Term Visit Pass Holders to Buy HDB Flats or to Rent Flats under Public Rental Scheme

From 2019 to 2023, HDB received about 160 appeals annually from Singaporeans below 35 married to non-resident spouses seeking to buy or rent HDB flats, with an average of 13 appeals approved per year based on holistic case-by-case assessment.
The Minister outlined that SC-NR couples without a child who is an SC or SPR can use the Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme to buy resale flats, with specific age and LTVP/Work Pass conditions, but do not qualify for public rental unless in exceptional circumstances.
A Member questioned why spouses with Long-Term Visit Passes (LTVP) are not eligible under the Family Scheme like SPRs, to which the Minister responded that resources are prioritized for Singaporean families, but LTVP holders can still buy resale flats and appeals are considered flexibly.

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