Housing & estates — Topics

4 Jul 2023

Installation of Air-conditioning Units in Rental Flats

The government requires HDB tenants to obtain consent before installing air-conditioning units in rental flats, assessing each request on a case-by-case basis.
Most tenants use fans due to lower costs, and while HDB does not track exact figures, only a small number of requests are made, with approvals generally given for medical or other valid reasons.
HDB has been improving rental flat designs for better ventilation and will continue to review policies as needed, including in response to rising temperatures.

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4 Jul 2023

Priority for Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme Applicants with Babies and Have Been Waiting for Five Years for BTO Flats

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about the financial struggles of families with babies waiting over five years for BTO flats and suggested prioritizing PPHS applicants in this group.
Desmond Lee noted that married couples with children under 18, including expectant parents, already receive priority for PPHS flats since August 2021.
The government increased PPHS supply from 800 units in 2021 to 1,800 in 2023, reducing application rates from over 20 times to around three times.
PPHS flat supply is expected to reach nearly 2,000 by year-end and double to 4,000 by 2025 to better support families needing temporary housing.
The priority for families with children and the expanded PPHS supply aim to address waiting time concerns while maintaining fair allocation.

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3 Jul 2023

Worker Accommodation Expenses as Percentage of Overall Cost of Employing Foreign Workers

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Ministry for Manpower about the proportion of overall employment costs attributed to foreign worker accommodation, the trend in accommodation costs over the past five years, and how the government plans to manage rising costs while ensuring affordability for projects and decent living conditions.
The Ministry of Manpower tracks only rental rates for commercial dormitories, not other accommodation types or broader business expenditure, with median monthly rents for new dormitory beds rising from about $280 in early 2019 to $420 in early 2023 due to inflation and strong post-pandemic demand.
Although the government has added nearly 17,000 dormitory beds since late 2022, the surge in foreign worker numbers—up 18% from pre-pandemic levels and 35% since early 2022—has outpaced supply, prompting calls for employers to adopt productivity measures or consider building their own dormitories to ease cost pressures.

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3 Jul 2023

Residential Units to be Constructed on Former Singapore Turf Club Site at Bukit Timah and Kranji Turf Club

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development about the total number of residential units and the completion date for the first batch of properties on the former Singapore Turf Club sites at Bukit Timah and Kranji.
Desmond Lee referred the question to a previous reply given on 3 July 2023 regarding the redevelopment of the Turf Club site and its completion timelines.
The response indicates the information was already addressed in an official parliamentary report, directing attention to that earlier exchange.

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3 Jul 2023

Low Take-up Rate of Lift Access Housing Grant and Possibility of Converting Segmented Units into Rental Flats

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about the low take-up rate of the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG), with only 28 approved applications out of an estimated 2,000 affected HDB units as of December 2021, and sought updates and potential enhancements.
He also proposed that HDB purchase segmented units without lift access from owners and convert them into rental flats under the public housing rental scheme.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that the LHG is targeted at households with urgent medical or mobility needs, providing up to $30,000 for relocation to a flat with direct lift access, with a six-month period to sell the existing flat.
The Minister stated that HDB does not plan to buy back segmented units without lift access but will continue monitoring the situation and adjust policies as needed.

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3 Jul 2023

Monitoring Unauthorised Subletting by Foreign Nationals or HDB Rental Tenants via Print or Social Media

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked if HDB actively monitors print and social media advertisements for suspected unauthorised subletting by foreign nationals or subsidised housing tenants, beyond routine inspections and tip-offs.
Minister Desmond Lee affirmed that sold HDB flats are for owner-occupation during the Minimum Occupation Period and require HDB approval before renting, while public rental flats are for low-income households and subletting is strictly prohibited.
HDB detects possible violations through methods like monitoring advertisements and public feedback, and takes enforcement action against rule-breaking owners and tenants.

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3 Jul 2023

Single Room Shared Facilities Initiative

Minister Desmond Lee announced the launch of a Single Room Shared Facilities pilot to offer lower-income singles more private space and shared communal areas, aiming to reduce social isolation.
The pilot will repurpose the former Anderson Junior College hostel, refurbishing it into 480 single rooms from about 240 units.
HDB will open applications for the pilot in December 2023 to gauge public interest and demand.

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3 Jul 2023

Automatic Inclusion of Package 3 of Optional Component Scheme under Sale of 2-Room Flexi Flats for Elderly Buyers

MP Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked if Package 3 of the Optional Component Scheme (OCS) for 2-room flexi flats on short leases should be automatically included for elderly buyers to ensure move-in readiness and whether this could extend to Sale of Balance Flats.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that seniors currently choose from three OCS packages, and automatic inclusion of Package 3 may reduce flexibility despite some seniors not opting for it.
He noted OCS is unavailable for Sale of Balance Flats due to construction timelines but appeals can be considered based on flat readiness and material availability.

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3 Jul 2023

Status of Lift Enhancement Programme to Help Town Councils Modernise Existing HDB Lifts

As of May 2023, 57% of the 20,000 lifts under the Lift Enhancement Programme (LEP) have had tenders awarded and 28% of the works completed.
Delays in the LEP have occurred over the past three years due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with Town Councils working with contractors to catch up.
HDB considers the performance of lift contractors in its evaluation process for tenders on new lifts, including feedback from Town Councils on LEP contractor performance.

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3 Jul 2023

Public Rental Flat Applications from Recent Divorcees

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development for the number of recent divorcees who applied for public rental flats over the past five years.
Desmond Lee reported that HDB approved 5,669 rental flat requests from divorcees from 2018 to 2022, with a yearly breakdown provided.
HDB does not track the date of applicants' divorce, so it cannot identify which divorcees are recent.

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3 Jul 2023

Centralised Platform on HDB Portal Showing Comprehensive List of Grants and Schemes Individuals Received

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin proposed that the HDB portal be enhanced to include a centralised section listing all grants and schemes received by an individual.
Minister Desmond Lee noted that HDB has already enhanced the HDB Flat Portal to introduce the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter.
The HFE letter provides flat buyers with information on their eligibility for flat purchases, including CPF housing grants and HDB housing loans.
Eligibility assessments incorporate the grants and schemes that an individual or household has benefited from.

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3 Jul 2023

Assistance for Elderly Living Alone on Installation of Residual Current Circuit Breakers

The Minister outlined that all residential premises must have Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs) installed by July 1, 2025, with a grace period and potential fines for non-compliance.
HDB has conducted door-to-door inspections and free RCCB installations for older 1-room and 2-room flats built before 1985, with follow-ups for non-responsive residents.
The government will collaborate with grassroots leaders to assist elderly residents who may struggle with understanding notifications or instructions regarding RCCB installation.

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3 Jul 2023

Approvals for Rental of and Works to be Done at State-owned Bungalows

Multiple MPs asked about tree clearance at 26 and 31 Ridout Road, including approvals sought, who applied, the number of trees felled, and whether rare or endangered species were removed, with the Second Minister for Law deferring these points to a prior Ministerial Statement.
There were questions on whether state properties are always rented to the highest bidders, if other factors like tenant profile are considered, and whether Presidential assent is required when highest bidders are not selected, alongside suggestions to improve rental yield.
Queries were raised about the total land and built-in area of black-and-white houses, how many are rented out, and the Government’s annual rental income from these properties.
An MP asked if the SLA website lists all prior residential and commercial tender awards and, if not, the reasons for omissions, again pointing to the Ministerial Statement for answers.

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3 Jul 2023

Political Officeholders or Members of Parliament Renting or Occupying State Property for Residential Purposes

Hazel Poa asked whether any political officeholders or MPs are currently renting or occupying state property for residential purposes.
Teo Chee Hean, for the Prime Minister, responded that the issue had been addressed in Ministerial Statements during the 3 July 2023 Parliament Sitting.
The debate focused on transparency and accountability regarding state property usage by political figures.
The government's prior statements were referenced as the official response to the query.

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3 Jul 2023

Budget Meal Options at Market and Food Stalls Sold to Private Owners

Chong Kee Hiong asked about measures to help residents in estates where market and food stalls are sold to private owners access budget meal options, especially low-income households.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB's Budget Meals initiative requires rental coffee shops renewing tenancies from May 2023 to offer budget meals, with all 374 such shops expected to comply by May 2026.
HDB has reached out to privately-owned coffee shops to voluntarily join the initiative and is studying regulatory options, such as linking budget meal provision to outdoor refreshment area approvals.

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3 Jul 2023

Delays to Completion of Neighbourhood Renewal Programme Projects Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic

Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development about the average completion time for Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) projects before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the average delay faced since the pandemic.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that NRP projects, managed by Town Councils, typically take 12 to 36 months to complete, but COVID-19 caused delays due to safe management measures, border controls, and increased costs.
The pandemic led to delays ranging from several months to over a year for NRP projects, with some already completed and the rest expected to finish within the next one to two years.
Town Councils are encouraged to work with contractors to implement measures that help ensure timely completion of the remaining projects.

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3 Jul 2023

Proposal for Computation of Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty Based on Per Square Foot

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty could be computed on a per square foot basis.
The ABSD is currently based on purchase price or market value, tiered by number of properties to promote stable and sustainable housing.
Using a per square foot basis would disadvantage buyers of smaller properties, as they typically have higher per square foot prices.
The approach would be inequitable, allowing larger properties with lower per square foot prices to pay less duty.
The government will continue monitoring the property market and consider adjustments to support housing stability.

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3 Jul 2023

Unmarried Mothers under Age of 35 Who Seek Assistance for Public Housing Application

In 2022, HDB received 147 requests from unmarried mothers under 35 for assistance with public housing applications.
Of these, 75% of requests to buy a new HDB flat were approved, while 52% of requests to buy a resale flat were approved.
HDB assesses requests holistically based on the applicant's ability to afford a flat, their age, and whether public rental housing is in the child's best interests, considering social worker input when necessary.

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3 Jul 2023

Remission of Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty for Property Buyers who are Singles

Darryl David asked if Singaporean singles buying a second private property could get an ABSD remission if they sell their first property within six months, similar to the concession given to married couples.
Lawrence Wong explained that ABSD aims to moderate property demand and applies to Singaporeans purchasing a second or subsequent property, regardless of whether the first property is later sold.
An exception exists for married couples buying a replacement private property, allowing ABSD refund if the first property is sold within six months under specific conditions.
This ABSD refund concession is currently not available to other groups, including singles, and the government will continue reviewing policies for relevance.

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3 Jul 2023

Legislation on Maximum Rental Fee Adjustments by Landlords Following Lease Renewal

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether the Ministry and HDB have considered capping rental fee adjustments after lease renewals, similar to practices in countries like Australia and Germany.
The Minister stated that rental rates are stabilising, with supply expected to increase and demand easing, which should reduce rental pressures in the coming quarters.
HDB offers rental schemes for eligible Singaporeans, but open market rentals are private arrangements, and rent controls may distort the market, reduce supply, and create equity issues.
The government is monitoring the situation and remains open to options, but currently does not plan to impose rent control legislation.
The debate highlights concerns about rental affordability versus the potential negative effects of capping rental increases.

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