Housing & estates — Topics

5 Jul 2023

HDB Flats with Outstanding Mortgage Loans

As of the first quarter of 2023, approximately 431,000 HDB households, representing 41% of all HDB households, had outstanding mortgage loans from either HDB or private financial institutions.
The outstanding loan balances are detailed in Table 1, but the specific median and average figures broken down by loans owed to private financial institutions and HDB are not provided in the summary.
The data indicates a significant portion of HDB flat owners are still servicing housing loans, with the majority likely holding loans from HDB given its role as a primary mortgage provider.
The response does not specify the median or average loan balances, suggesting such detailed statistics may require further reference to the attached table or separate publication.
The debate highlights ongoing concerns about mortgage debt among HDB flat owners, which could inform policies on housing affordability and financial planning.

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5 Jul 2023

NParks' Review of Cat Management Framework

NParks' review of the cat management framework is on track with public consultations held in September 2022, and key findings were shared in May 2023, with more details expected later in the year.
The review will balance the needs of different community segments when deciding whether to allow cats in HDB flats, as previously explained in a November 2022 parliamentary response.
Stakeholder engagement, including focus group discussions, is ongoing to finalize the proposed approach for cat management.

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5 Jul 2023

Feasibility of Hospital-provided Accommodation at Concessionary Rates for Healthcare Workers

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked if the Ministry of Health has studied providing hospital accommodation at concessionary rates for healthcare workers who need affordable housing near their workplace.
The Ministry explained that healthcare workers have flexibility to choose accommodation, with foreign workers receiving a housing allowance to offset costs.
MOH Holdings is exploring hostel-type accommodation to assist new foreign healthcare workers upon arrival before they transition to market housing.

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5 Jul 2023

Target Green Plot Ratio for BTO Projects

Leon Perera inquired about whether new BTO projects have a target Green Plot Ratio and the average ratio for recent completed projects.
Desmond Lee stated that since 2016, all new public housing developments must meet a minimum Green Plot Ratio of 4.5, meaning the total leaf area is at least 4.5 times the site area.
In the past three years, 95% of completed BTO projects achieved the minimum ratio, with an average Green Plot Ratio of 5.5, though three projects fell short due to space constraints.
The government is committed to ensuring sustainable and liveable public housing with adequate green spaces.

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5 Jul 2023

Update on Enhancements to Single Room Shared Facilities Initiative

The Minister announced the pilot launch of the Single Room Shared Facilities initiative to provide more privacy and communal spaces for lower-income tenants, with applications opening in December 2023.
Suggestions received include amenities for shared facilities, measures to tackle social isolation, and community services, which will be incorporated where possible during the pilot phase.
The pilot will accommodate up to 480 individuals, and its scalability will be assessed after evaluating tenant interactions and the effectiveness of social support measures.
The Minister encouraged Members of Parliament to refer suitable residents for the pilot and highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate social services and community interventions.
The role of aesthetics in uplifting residents' spirits was discussed, with the Minister noting that feedback on design and community engagement was considered during consultations.

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5 Jul 2023

Maintenance of Centralised Cooling System Unit in Flats in Tengah

The Minister clarified that flat owners are responsible for maintaining the Centralised Cooling System (CCS) components inside their homes, while SP Group maintains the external parts, and HDB will explore extending CCS to other BTO developments.
The Minister stated that CCS pilot designs did not increase flat prices, as pricing is based on affordability, and the system is designed to allow residents a choice between CCS and conventional air-conditioning.
The viability of CCS depends on resident take-up, as the system is designed to be competitive and flexible, enabling SP Group to offer competitive packages to encourage participation.

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5 Jul 2023

Help for Home Owners to Assess if Their Homes Meet Requirement for Residual Current Circuit Breaker

The Government will assist homeowners, especially seniors and low-income families, by providing subsidies of up to 95% or full coverage for RCCB installation, with costs for 3-room and larger flats starting from as low as $25.
HDB and the Energy Market Authority are conducting door-to-door outreach and have set up helplines in multiple languages to help homeowners assess their circuit breakers and arrange installations.
For older HDB flats built before 1985, HDB will continue follow-up inspections and work with grassroots leaders to reach unresponsive residents, ensuring every home has a working RCCB by July 2025.

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4 Jul 2023

Integration of Trunking Design of Centralised Cooling System in Tengah's BTO Flats

HDB confirmed that SP Group directly manages all CCS sign-ups, installations, and maintenance, engaging flat owners early with mock-ups and trunking layouts.
SP Group has addressed residents' concerns on trunking placement by explaining differences from conventional systems and offering subsidised interior design options to conceal trunking.
Both HDB and SP Group will continue monitoring feedback to ensure the CCS integrates energy efficiency with the aesthetic design of Tengah flats.

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4 Jul 2023

Fire Alarm Call Points and Publicly Visible Fire Evacuation Plans for HDB Buildings

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Ministry for National Development to consider installing fire alarm call points and publicly visible fire evacuation plans in HDB buildings.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force's fire code does not require fire alarm systems in HDB residential buildings due to compartment design, but they are installed in mixed-use developments and HDB-managed commercial complexes as required.
Fire escape plans are currently displayed at lift lobbies in all HDB flats and commercial complexes.

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4 Jul 2023

Projected Number of Integrated Blocks of HDB Flats with Rental and Sold Units

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the planned number of integrated HDB blocks with both rental and sold units over the next five years.
Desmond Lee provided a table showing the number of such integrated blocks currently under construction and scheduled for completion in each of the next five years.
The government will continue building rental flats within integrated blocks, including in Prime Location Public Housing projects, to maintain inclusive neighborhoods.

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4 Jul 2023

HDB Blocks Without Lift Access after Completion of First Round of Lift Upgrading Programme and Subsequent Retrofitting

Gerald Giam asked about the number and locations of HDB blocks still without direct lift access after the Lift Upgrading Programme, the criteria for retrofitting, and whether new solutions will be adopted in the future.
Desmond Lee responded that about 140 HDB blocks island-wide lack direct lift access due to high costs or technical constraints, with some blocks having lifts that stop at different levels requiring residents to climb one flight of stairs.
HDB has piloted innovative solutions like machine room-less lifts, home lifts, and bubble lifts to bring direct lift access to more blocks and will continue exploring new technologies where feasible.
Residents with urgent medical or mobility needs can apply for the Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 to buy another flat with direct lift access.
HDB remains committed to retrofitting units with direct lift access as new design and technical solutions become available.

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4 Jul 2023

Installation of Air-conditioners in HDB Rental Flats

Leong Mun Wai asked whether air conditioners are allowed in HDB rental flats and what measures HDB takes to help tenants cope with heat and humidity.
Desmond Lee explained that tenants must obtain HDB’s consent before installing air conditioners, and such requests are considered case-by-case, with approvals often granted for medical or other valid reasons.
Most tenants use fans instead due to lower costs, and HDB has been improving rental flat designs to enhance natural ventilation and living conditions.

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4 Jul 2023

Percentage of COEs that Went to HDB Flat Owners or Dwellers

Hazel Poa asked the Minister for Transport for the percentage of COEs that went to HDB flat owners or dwellers over the past 10 years.
The Minister stated that around 70% of car-owning households lived in public housing in 2013, which declined to 55% in 2019 before rising and stabilizing at 60% in recent years.
This data reflects the proportion of car-owning households in HDB flats, not the exact percentage of COEs allocated to them.
The trend shows a decrease in public housing car ownership between 2013 and 2019, followed by a recovery to pre-decline levels.
The response provides a 10-year overview but does not give a year-by-year breakdown of COE allocation percentages.

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4 Jul 2023

Impact of Leasing of Ridout Road Properties on Political Officeholders' Code of Conduct

Hazel Poa questioned whether Ministers' tenancies of 26 and 31 Ridout Road breached the Code of Conduct for political officeholders.
Teo Chee Hean, speaking for the Prime Minister, referred to a prior Ministerial Statement addressing the issue.
The referenced statement was delivered at the 3 July 2023 Parliament Sitting and reviewed rentals of state properties at those addresses.
The debate centers on potential code of conduct violations regarding the leasing of Ridout Road properties.

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4 Jul 2023

Coffee Shop Operators that are Independent or Part of a Chain

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim inquired if the Ministry for National Development considers whether coffee shop operators are independent or part of a chain when awarding contracts.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB uses the Price-Quality Method framework for tenders, evaluating business concepts, innovation, affordability, and community proposals, but not whether the operator is part of a chain.
HDB ensures a good supply of coffee shops across estates and towns to maintain healthy competition.

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4 Jul 2023

Mandating Increase in Accommodation Allowances for Foreign Healthcare Workers Given Recent Rental Rate Increase

Dennis Tan asked if the Ministry of Health will mandate or recommend higher accommodation allowances for foreign healthcare workers due to rising rental costs.
Ong Ye Kung responded that public healthcare and community care organisations provide housing allowances, but the ministry does not mandate specific amounts.
The Ministry of Health continues to monitor housing allowances as part of the salary package for foreign healthcare workers.
MOH Holdings is studying the feasibility of providing hostel-type accommodation for new foreign healthcare workers upon their arrival in Singapore.

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4 Jul 2023

Extending Provision of Budget Meals and Drinks Requirement to Coffee Shops in HDB Estates

Murali Pillai proposed extending the requirement for HDB rental coffee shops to provide budget meals and drinks to HDB sold coffee shops in mature estates by linking it to outdoor refreshment area permissions.
Desmond Lee stated that a similar question on budget meal options for stalls sold to private owners had already been addressed in a prior parliamentary session on 3 July 2023.
The debate highlights the potential policy extension to ensure budget meal accessibility in estates with privately owned food stalls.
The response indicates that existing measures or considerations for such stalls have been previously discussed and documented.

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4 Jul 2023

Increasing Size and Tenant Numbers at Wet Market at Pasir Ris Drive 4 and 6 due to Recent Increase in BTO Flats Launched

Sharael Taha proposed expanding the wet market at Pasir Ris Drive 4 and 6 and increasing hawker numbers due to new BTO flats bringing more residents.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB’s town and neighbourhood centre planning ensures most residents have shops within a 10-minute walk, including near the new Costa Grove BTO.
Future Costa Grove residents can access fresh produce from a supermarket at the town centre or a minimart within the BTO project.
Given existing shop and market provision, HDB has no plans to expand the Pasir Ris Drive 4 wet market but will monitor after the Pasir Ris 8 integrated development mall completes in 2024.

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4 Jul 2023

Installing Sensors in Recycling Bins at HDB Estates

The Public Waste Collector for Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh is trialing a sensor system in recycling bins to prompt collections when bins are full, but the trial was delayed by COVID-19 challenges and is now expected to start later this year with NEA evaluation.
NEA requires timely collection of recyclables, with collection frequency increased to at least three times per week for HDB bins and larger side-loading bins introduced where space allows to prevent overflow.
The public is urged to flatten cardboard, avoid placing non-recyclables like general trash or e-waste in recycling bins, and use the RecycleRight website for guidance on proper disposal.

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4 Jul 2023

Minimising Impact of Rising Market Rental Values on Property Taxes

The Deputy Prime Minister explained that Property Tax is based on Annual Value, which fluctuates with market rental trends, and that 2023 saw increases due to both market movements and higher tax rates for high-value residential properties.
The government mitigated the impact by providing a 60% property tax rebate to all owner-occupied residential properties, capped at $60, resulting in modest monthly increases for HDB owners and under $50 monthly for most private property owners.
The government supports Singaporeans with higher living costs through direct measures like the Assurance Package and enhanced GST-Voucher scheme rather than by reducing property tax rates.

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