Housing & estates — Topics

5 Feb 2024

Support for Rental Households in Toa Payoh Being Relocated Due To Redevelopment

Dr Wan Rizal asked the Minister for National Development about support for over 400 rental households in Toa Payoh being relocated for redevelopment and how such redevelopments align with community stability and affordable housing.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) initiated a relocation exercise in 2021 for 414 households at Blocks 29 and 31 in Lorong 5 Toa Payoh, forming a Care Team with public agencies and community partners to provide door-to-door engagement, on-site counters, and a dedicated hotline.
HDB offered support for vulnerable groups like seniors, including volunteer help for moving, worked with social service agencies to maintain care services, and provided replacement rental flats nearby or across the island to preserve community ties, with households moving mainly to stay near family.
All affected households received a $2,500 rehousing allowance, and those eligible to buy a flat were offered a $15,000 Relocation Grant in addition to other housing grants, and the relocation was completed by May 2023.

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5 Feb 2024

Success Rate for Appeals to Waive 15-month Wait-out Period for Private Property Owners Looking to Buy HDB Resale Flats

HDB received about 3,470 appeals to waive the 15-month wait-out period for private property owners buying resale flats between September 2022 and December 2023.
About 850 of these appeals, or roughly 25%, were successful after each case was evaluated on its individual merits.
Successful appeals were typically from individuals who had committed to property transactions before the rule took effect or who faced financial hardship or other extenuating circumstances with no alternative housing options.

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5 Feb 2024

Extension of Property Tax Rebate for Owner-Occupied Private Properties

Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Finance whether continued property tax rebates for owner-occupied private properties could be provided for the next five years beyond the existing one-off rebates.
Lawrence Wong indicated the matter would be addressed in the reply to a related parliamentary question scheduled for the sitting on or after 6 February 2024, referencing an official report on expected property tax collections.
The debate highlights a request for long-term tax relief for private homeowners, pending a government response tied to upcoming fiscal announcements.

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5 Feb 2024

Statistics on Appeals from Singles for Waiver of Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty

In 2022 and 2023, IRAS received 23 appeals from Singaporean singles for waiving Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty when switching homes.
The majority of these appeals were approved due to extenuating personal circumstances, such as needing to purchase a replacement property for themselves and their child after a spouse's demise.
Each appeal is considered holistically based on its specific facts and circumstances.

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5 Feb 2024

Demand Projections for Executive Condominiums and Land Supply for Such Developments

Gan Thiam Poh questioned the Ministry for National Development about whether it projects an increase in demand for Executive Condominiums (ECs) and why supply is not being increased if no such projection is made.
Desmond Lee explained that the government plans housing supply by considering factors like unsold stock, take-up rates, and market sentiment, with EC supply via the Government Land Sales Programme having steadily increased from 2021 to 2023.
In 2023, the largest EC supply in three years was launched with about 1,260 units, and for 1H 2024, there is one Confirmed List site for 710 units and two Reserve List sites for 855 units.
The government will continue to monitor economic and property conditions and adjust future EC supply in the GLS Programme as needed.

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5 Feb 2024

Reviewing Exemption of Carpentry Works, Electrical Wiring Installation, Overlaying of Tiles and Other Such Works from Need to Obtain Renovation Permits

Murali Pillai proposed that HDB require renovation permits for all works, including carpentry, electrical wiring, and tile overlaying, if they are noise- and dust-generating and expected to last a significant time.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB currently requires permits only for works affecting structural integrity or public safety, while less disruptive tasks like tile overlaying, electrical wiring, and carpentry are exempt to reduce administrative burden.
HDB mandates that contractors from its Directory of Renovation Contractors notify neighbours in advance and limit noisy activities to specific hours, aiming to mitigate inconvenience while avoiding unnecessary regulation for minor works.
The debate emphasized balancing administrative efficiency with resident comfort, noting that most renovation-related issues are resolved through neighbourly communication and contractor compliance with existing guidelines.
HDB indicated it will continue reviewing its policies to ensure they address the impact of renovation works on residents while maintaining practical implementation.

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5 Feb 2024

Closure of Public Recreational Facilities in HDB Estates Due to Complaints

Alex Yam Ziming asked the Minister for National Development about the number of recreational facilities closed due to complaints in the past three years, community engagement to promote considerate use, and measures against disruptive users or unreasonable complainants.
The Ministry's response stated that Town Councils temporarily closed or restricted hours for 27 recreational facilities in HDB estates over the past three years due to resident feedback on issues like noise nuisance.
Town Councils address persistent disruptive behaviour by placing advisories, engaging grassroots leaders, and as last resorts, restricting facility hours or locking them at night, with support from police and other agencies if needed.
Community campaigns led by various organizations promote considerate use of shared spaces through posters, social media, and events to foster neighbourliness and harmony.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of mutual accommodation and a give-and-take spirit to build inclusive communities, highlighting the role of shared spaces in bringing residents together.

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5 Feb 2024

Alternatives to Public Rental Flats for Urgent Cases during Waiting Time

Ms Ng Ling Ling asked about alternative accommodation options for applicants waiting for public rental flats under urgent circumstances.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB will expedite flat allocations for approved applicants with urgent needs, such as those with medical conditions or exceptional situations.
He added that applicants needing interim accommodation can approach Family Service Centres or Social Service Offices for referrals to six Transitional Shelters funded by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.
These shelters provide temporary housing and on-site social work support, and individuals in urgent need can also call the MSF Hotline for assistance.

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5 Feb 2024

HDB Neighbourhood Centres Selected for Revitalisation of Shops Scheme

Ang Wei Neng asked how many HDB neighbourhood centres have been selected for the Revitalisation of Shops (ROS) scheme after the Housing and Development Act was amended in January 2023, and whether the Ministry will increase the ROS budget due to rising construction costs.
HDB is finalising the selection of sites for ROS Batch 8, which opened in November 2023, and will inform Town Councils and Merchant Associations of the results by March 2024.
There are no plans to increase the ROS budget, as HDB already increased its co-payment share for main upgrading costs from 70% to 85% in 2023, reducing shop owners' share from 20% to 5%.
Additional funding support has been introduced for optional works like shopfront improvements, and the Ministry will continue monitoring and reviewing the schemes as needed.

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5 Feb 2024

Benefits of Spacing Out BTO Launches and Reducing Number of Sale of Balance Flat Exercises

HDB will space out BTO launches to three per year instead of four, maintaining the same total supply of about 19,600 flats this year, which will give applicants more options, less competition, and greater certainty in selection.
The reduction to one Sale of Balance Flats exercise annually will consolidate supply, offering more choices and a higher chance of success for buyers due to the high demand for these quicker-move-in flats.
The policy aims to provide more BTO flats with waiting times under three years, with plans to increase this proportion over time to help homebuyers settle faster.
HDB will monitor indicators like resale prices and BTO application rates to assess the policy's impact on the housing market and ensure stability.

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5 Feb 2024

Rooms in HDB Flats Rented Out to Non-Singaporean Tenants and Non-Citizen Quota for These Flats

Pritam Singh raised concerns about the 110,000 HDB flats with bedrooms rented out, questioning the number of Singaporean and non-Singaporean tenants and why the Non-Citizen Quota does not apply to such rentals.
Desmond Lee responded that there are about 223,000 registered tenants, with 3% Singaporeans, 56% Malaysians, and 41% other nationalities, and explained the quota aims to prevent foreigner enclaves in whole-flat rentals.
The Non-Citizen Quota does not apply to bedroom rentals because owners live with tenants, reducing foreigner concentration, and many owners rely on rental income to supplement their livelihood.
The government will continue monitoring tenant profiles to maintain the Singaporean character of HDB heartlands.

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10 Jan 2024

Adjusting Current Limit on Rental of Public Housing by Non-Malaysians Given Relaxation of Rental Occupancy Caps

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the existing 11% non-citizen quota for renting out HDB flats will remain in effect after the relaxation of rental occupancy caps.
Desmond Lee directed the question to an earlier oral reply given on 9 January 2024, which outlined the rationale and impact of the increased rental occupancy cap.
The response implies that the non-citizen quota is part of broader rental policy adjustments, but does not explicitly confirm its continuity or change.

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10 Jan 2024

Disputes between HDB Flat Neighbours Arising from Air-conditioning Related Condensation and Mould Growth

Between 2018 and 2022, HDB received an average of 715 cases per year of feedback on air-conditioning-related condensation, which it inspects and advises on, commonly citing prolonged low temperatures and non-oscillating louvres as causes.
HDB does not regulate home owners’ air-conditioning usage, instead playing an advisory role to encourage mutual respect and neighbourliness, and may refer parties to the Community Mediation Centre.
If mediation fails, aggrieved parties can file a case with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal as a last resort, but HDB is not enhancing regulations to enforce against indiscriminate air-conditioning use.

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10 Jan 2024

Requirement for At Least One Co-occupier for First-timer Application of HDB BTO Flats to Have Worked Continuously for 12 Months to Be Eligible for Housing Grant

The government explains that requiring at least one co-occupier in a first-timer family to have worked continuously for 12 months serves as a fair proxy for assessing the household's financial situation to determine eligibility and the amount of the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant.
Officials note that most flat buyers can meet this continuous employment condition when applying for the HFE letter, and flexibility is provided for young couples or recent graduates and National Servicemen by deferring income assessment closer to key collection.
The government states it will continue to monitor flat buyers' needs and review policies where necessary, indicating openness to potential future adjustments to the requirement.

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10 Jan 2024

Update on Single Room Shared Facilities Pilot for HDB Rental Flats

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development about the status of the Single Room Shared Facilities (SRSF) pilot for HDB rental flats and when successful applicants can collect keys.
The SRSF pilot aims to provide more housing options for low-income singles under the Public Rental Scheme and improve living experiences with greater privacy and support.
HDB is currently appointing an operator for the SRSF pilot at the former Anderson Junior College hostel, after which applications will open.
The first batch of successful applicants is expected to move in around the third quarter of 2024.

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10 Jan 2024

Extension of Grace Period for Parking at HDB and URA Car Parks for Taxi and Private Hire Vehicles

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked if the grace period for parking at HDB and URA car parks for taxi and private hire drivers could be extended.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that the grace period was 10 minutes before April 2020, extended to 20 minutes during COVID-19, and adjusted to 15 minutes from September 2022 as the situation stabilized.
HDB and URA assessed that the current 15-minute grace period is sufficient for motorists to find parking or perform drop-off and pick-up activities.
The grace period is kept short to ensure quick vehicle turnover, prevent congestion, and protect the interests of residents with season parking.
The authorities will continue to monitor the situation and review the grace period if necessary.

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10 Jan 2024

HDB 3-room Flats Rented Out under Public Rental Scheme

Pritam Singh asked the Minister for National Development for the number of 3-room HDB flats rented under the Public Rental Scheme and those still available.
Desmond Lee responded that about 200 public rental households currently live in 3-room flats and 40 such flats are available for allocation.
The HDB collaborates with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Family Service Centres to offer 3-room rental flats to large families with children under the ComLink Rental Scheme, providing holistic social support.

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9 Jan 2024

Breakdown of Accommodation Type for Employment Pass, S Pass and Work Permit Holders

The Minister for Manpower, Tan See Leng, provided a breakdown of accommodation types for Employment Pass, S Pass, and Work Permit holders, excluding migrant domestic workers.
Employment Pass holders are mainly in private residential properties (60%), rented HDB flats (30%), and other accommodation types.
S Pass holders primarily occupy rented HDB flats (70%), with some in private residential properties (20%) and dormitories or other types.
Work Permit holders are largely in dormitories and other accommodation, with smaller shares in private residential properties (10%) and rented HDB flats (30%).

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9 Jan 2024

HDB and Private Residential Units Tenanted to Six Unrelated People Not from Same Family Unit

Member of Parliament Saktiandi Supaat asked for data on HDB and private residential units rented to six unrelated people, including tenant profiles and the impact of the rental cap relaxation on prices.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee directed the member to an official report dated January 9, 2024, which already addressed the query regarding the temporary easing of the rental occupancy cap.

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9 Jan 2024

Details of HDB Flats Rented Out by Flat Type in Last Five Years

As of November 2023, about 58,000 HDB whole flats (5% of sold flats) and about 110,000 flats with bedrooms rented out (11% of sold flats) were rented, with over 90% being 3-room, 4-room, or 5-room flats.
Data for each of the last five years, including 2023, shows the number of HDB flats rented out by flat type, broken down into whole flats and bedrooms, alongside the average number of registered occupants.
The proportion of flat types rented and the average number of occupants per flat type have remained stable over the past five years for both whole flat and bedroom rentals.

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