Housing & estates — Topics

7 Nov 2022

Noise Mitigation Measures to Reduce Noise Pollution from Amenities Near Residential Flats

Murali Pillai questioned if HDB could fund or implement noise mitigation for amenities like basketball courts near flats, outside renewal cycles.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB designs amenities to minimize noise by distancing them from units and relies on Town Councils for local measures like advisory notices.
The government will explore practical solutions but emphasizes resident consideration during quiet hours, with community norms expected by year-end.

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7 Nov 2022

Design or Infrastructure Considerations to Enhance Noise Abatement for New Housing Estates near Air Bases

Shawn Huang Wei Zhong asked about design or infrastructure measures to enhance noise abatement for new housing estates near air bases and the desired noise abatement targets.
Desmond Lee outlined that developers are encouraged to orient buildings away from noise sources and HDB is testing practical measures like thicker window glass, innovative façade designs with overhangs, and noise-cancelling window technologies.
He emphasized that land scarcity requires balancing housing, green spaces, and other needs, and while mitigation measures can reduce noise, complete noise reduction may not always be possible, with MND continuing to explore sustainable solutions.

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7 Nov 2022

Monitoring Adherence to Occupancy Cap for HDB Flats Rented Out

Seah Kian Peng asked how the Ministry ensures adherence to the occupancy cap for rented HDB flats and if there are plans to increase monitoring.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB flat owners must seek approval and comply with occupancy caps of four persons for smaller flats and six persons for larger flats to prevent overcrowding.
HDB conducts regular inspections, investigates public feedback, and operates a hotline to report violations, while also taking actions such as warnings, fines up to $50,000, or compulsory flat acquisition.

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7 Nov 2022

Car Park Maintenance Contracts Issued by HDB and Town Councils

Murali Pillai questioned why HDB issues town council contracts for maintaining HDB car parks despite this falling outside the Town Councils Act, how fees are determined, and how risks of cross-subsidisation are addressed.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB car parks are not common property, so town councils do not automatically manage them, but the Act allows them to do so by mutual agreement for operational synergies like bulk tenders and coordinated scheduling.
HDB sets fees fairly by considering town councils’ operating costs and private sector rates, adding an agency fee, and typically using three-year agreements for regular reviews, with town councils able to decline and HDB procuring alternative services if needed.

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7 Nov 2022

Moves to Monitor and Moderate Rate of Increase in Rental Housing Market

The Government is closely monitoring the residential rental market, with recent rent increases attributed to temporary accommodation demand from COVID-19 construction delays and robust post-pandemic recovery.
Measures to ensure fair tenancy contracts include publicly available templates and legal recourse for breaches, while the Government considers the impact of rising rents on Singaporeans and global talent.
Singapore remains a top destination for talent due to its global business hub status, strong connectivity, and high-quality infrastructure, with ranking second worldwide in the 2022 Global Talent Competitiveness Index.

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7 Nov 2022

Effect of Long Waiting Times for BTO Flats on Couples' Plans to Have Children

He Ting Ru asked whether the Government will study how BTO waiting times affect couples' plans to have children, what impact COVID-19 delays have had, and if findings can be shared.
Indranee Rajah responded that there are no specific studies planned but acknowledged housing access is a key factor, and the Government is already acting on feedback from couples.
The Government is reducing BTO delays, with projects delayed by six months or more dropping from 80% to under 50%, and is on track to launch 23,000 flats per year in 2022 and 2023.
Efforts include launching more short-wait BTO projects where possible and providing temporary housing through the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring affordable public housing, especially for first-time homeowners.

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7 Nov 2022

Unpegging HDB Concessionary Interest Rate for Housing Loans from Prevailing CPF Ordinary Account Interest Rate

The Member asked whether HDB loans are funded by CPF and whether the concessionary interest rate could be unpegged from the CPF OA rate.
The Minister clarified that HDB loans are financed from the Development Fund, not CPF, with funds provided by the government at the prevailing CPF OA rate.
The concessionary interest rate is set at 0.10% above the CPF OA rate to cover HDB’s administrative costs and to reflect the opportunity cost for borrowers using CPF savings for housing.
The rate is currently 2.6% per annum until 31 December 2022 and is reviewed quarterly alongside CPF OA rate reviews.
The government maintains the peg to ensure stability and certainty for borrowers who typically use CPF savings for mortgage repayments.

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7 Nov 2022

Increasing Supply of Land for Non-landed Private Residential Developments as Added Cooling Measure

Gan Thiam Poh asked if increasing land supply for non-landed private residential developments could serve as an additional cooling measure to meet demand.
Desmond Lee stated that the government plans land supply based on economic, market, and demographic factors, and has already increased private housing supply on the Confirmed List by 75% from 2021 to 2022.
The government is prepared to further increase land supply if needed and will continue monitoring conditions to adjust policies for a stable property market.

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7 Nov 2022

Handicap-accessible Lots at HDB and URA-managed Car Parks

Seah Kian Peng asked about increasing handicap-accessible car park lots at HDB and URA car parks and the timeline for the next review of the Code on Accessibility.
The Minister of State confirmed that over 6,800 accessible lots exist and new developments must follow the Code, with the next review starting in 2023.
Seah noted resident difficulties in finding accessible lots and urged a future-focused approach in the upcoming review to address ageing trends proactively.
The Minister acknowledged the feedback and assured consideration in the review process.

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7 Nov 2022

Feedback on "Vertical Kampung" Project at Admiralty and Plans to Expand These to Other Estates

The Minister reported positive feedback on the Kampung Admiralty project, noting high resident satisfaction and strong community spirit, with further integrated developments like Heart of Yew Tee underway and more such "vertical kampungs" being considered based on land availability and resident needs.
HDB is promoting intergenerational bonding by co-locating eldercare and childcare facilities in new projects, including a second Community Care Apartments pilot in Queenstown, as part of a broader strategy to design senior-friendly housing.
Desmond Choo highlighted strong demand for these integrated projects in areas like Tampines and asked about the capacity to meet demand and the feasibility of repurposing existing flats into kampungs.
The Minister responded that expanding "vertical kampungs" depends on land availability and ongoing learning from current projects, while existing flats are being made senior-friendly through programs like EASE and supported by community and healthcare partners.

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7 Nov 2022

Take-up of Lease Buyback Scheme

The Lease Buyback Scheme has seen about 9,200 households participate since 2009, with the government expanding eligibility and increasing bonuses to encourage take-up, while noting seniors have other options like downsizing or renting.
Concerns about outliving the 30-year lease are addressed by the government's assurance that it will provide housing support and a "Home for Life" requirement to ensure residents can stay until at least age 95.
To promote the scheme, HDB conducts outreach through media, talks, exhibitions, and personalized financial counseling sessions, while acknowledging some seniors prefer other monetisation options like right-sizing or renting.

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7 Nov 2022

Clarification by Minister, Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development

The Minister, Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, Ms Indranee Rajah, made a factual clarification regarding a previous supplementary answer she gave to the Leader of the Opposition.
She corrected a statement in her earlier response, noting that the selling price of flats is based on the market value of the new flats, not the land, before applying a generous subsidy.
The clarification was provided to ensure accuracy in the official Hansard record.

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7 Nov 2022

HDB Flat Lessees Who Concurrently Own One or More Private Residential Properties

Mr Gerald Giam asked how many HDB flat lessees also own private properties, how many are not living in their flats, and whether the policy should be reviewed to increase resale supply and moderate prices.
Minister Desmond Lee stated that as of October 2022, about 3% of HDB flat owners own at least one private residential property, with 45% of them not living in their HDB flats and 4% renting out bedrooms; he noted these proportions have been stable and that the government is studying views on requiring flat owners to sell their flats upon buying private property.
Mr Giam highlighted that resale flat prices have risen about 28% in two years, with over 266 flats selling for over $1 million in 2022, making them unaffordable for many and suggesting that requiring private property owners to sell their HDB flats could increase supply and moderate prices.
Minister Lee acknowledged the price increases and the concerns about million-dollar flats, which account for about 1% of resale transactions, and emphasized that the government is monitoring the market and will act decisively to keep property prices aligned with economic fundamentals.

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7 Nov 2022

Ability of Divorced Couples to Afford HDB Flats after Sale of Matrimonial Home

Mr Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development about the percentage of divorced couples who can afford their own HDB flats after selling their matrimonial home, with breakdowns by age and gender, and for those who cannot, the solutions available to them.
The Second Minister for National Development responded that from 2019 to 2021, about 12,800 divorcees bought a resale or new HDB flat, with 60% being females and 70% below 50 years old, but HDB does not track if these were previously matrimonial flats.
For divorcees who cannot afford an HDB flat, options include renting from the open market, staying with family, or applying for public rental flats, with about 2,800 such applications approved from 2019 to 2021, and HDB provides further assistance upon request.

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7 Nov 2022

Impact of Wage Increases under Progressive Wage Model on HDB Rental Housing Eligibility Criteria

Denise Phua asked how higher wages from the Progressive Wage Model affect HDB rental eligibility and rents, and whether low-wage earners might be discouraged from renting due to income changes.
The Minister of State clarified that the $1,500 income threshold is a flexible guideline, not a strict limit, and HDB considers household circumstances; rents for existing tenants are not raised during tenancy terms and increases are kept below wage gains.
The Minister of State highlighted support for tenants to transition to home ownership through grants, priority schemes, and personalized guidance, ensuring rents do not increase once they sign to buy a flat.
Denise Phua reflected feedback that workers and employers worry about losing rental eligibility and facing rent hikes despite the guidelines, urging clearer communication of HDB’s flexibility.
The Minister of State assured that HDB reviews applications holistically, has approved over 2,700 cases above the income guideline in five years, and noted the current waiting time for rental flats is about eight months.

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7 Nov 2022

Impact Sale of State Land on Reserves and Accounting Treatment of Cost of State Land for Public Housing

Officials explained that selling state land converts a physical asset into an equivalent financial asset without increasing past reserves, and land automatically reverts to the state after a lease expiry, again with no net reserve gain.
It was clarified that there is no "triple payment" by Singaporeans for HDB land, as HDB pays fair market value to preserve reserves, and flats are sold below market value with subsidies, resulting in annual deficits for HDB's homeownership program.
Minister Indranee Rajah declined to provide a detailed breakdown of HDB development costs and subsidies, deeming it not meaningful, while stating that HDB's audited financial statements already show net deficits from subsidizing flat sales.
Additional parliamentary questions were raised about the treatment of reclaimed land in reserves and affordability indices for mature estate BTO flats, with officials requesting formal submissions for technical answers.

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20 Oct 2022

Prices and Adequacy of Bed Space in Migrant Worker Dormitories

The average monthly rental price for migrant worker dormitory beds has risen from $272 pre-COVID-19 to $316 for new contracts in September 2022, driven by higher operating costs and inflation.
Strong demand for bed spaces has increased due to the economic recovery, with Work Permit holders in Construction, Marine, and Process sectors up 23% since January 2022 and nearly 10% above pre-pandemic levels.
Employers are urged to secure housing for workers before their arrival and consider options like temporary construction quarters, as the current number of migrant workers in Singapore is already significantly higher than pre-COVID-19 levels.

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20 Oct 2022

Cases of Peeling Paintwork from Facades of Recently Completed BTO Flats

Murali Pillai asked about the number of cases of premature paint peeling on BTO flats, HDB's rectification steps for such cases, and whether Town Councils would be reimbursed for repairs.
HDB does not track the number of paint peeling cases but provides a six-year warranty for external paintwork, covering defects like peeling, discoloration, and algae growth, which is transferred to Town Councils upon handover.
Beyond the warranty period, Town Councils are responsible for maintaining the paintwork on HDB blocks.

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20 Oct 2022

Ensuring Prospective HDB Flat Buyers Can Afford Necessary Payments Before Processing Sale

HDB requires buyers using an HDB loan to have a valid HLE letter before booking a flat or obtaining an OTP, while those using bank loans must get a Letter of Offer before signing the Agreement for Lease or exercising the OTP.
Since 2016, over 70% of new flat buyers using HDB loans obtained an HLE letter before booking; others with extenuating reasons must secure it before signing the Agreement for Lease and making the down payment.
HDB advises buyers on financial prudence, conducts financial counselling, and partners with institutions to guide housing and financing decisions.
HDB officers review a financial plan with buyers during flat booking, explaining required payments and having buyers sign it to acknowledge their commitment.

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20 Oct 2022

Mandating Inspections of HDB Flats More Than 40 Years Old for Assessment for Maintenance Works

Joan Pereira asked whether the Ministry will mandate inspections for HDB flats older than 40 years and provide assistance for maintenance works, citing widespread spalling concrete issues.
Desmond Lee explained that flat owners are responsible for interior maintenance, including spalling concrete, and outlined preventive measures such as regular painting, sealing cracks, ensuring ventilation, and prompt repairs.
Existing inspection regimes like the Periodic Structural Inspection (PSI) and Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI) already require regular checks on older HDB blocks, with additional five-yearly inspections for flats built before 1989.
HDB provides assistance through the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme, which co-pays 50% of repair costs for Singapore Citizen households, and the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) for blocks built up to 1997.

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