Housing & estates — Topics

18 Feb 2022

HDB Units Sold with Recess Areas before 2005 and Now Deemed Not Allowable and Plans to Retrofit Affected Units to Ensure Compliance with Current Safety Guidelines

Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development about the number of HDB units with recess areas bought before 2005 that are now non-compliant with current HDB and fire safety guidelines, and whether HDB plans to retrofit these units to meet current safety standards.
HDB stated that it does not maintain records of sold recess areas that may no longer meet current conditions because updates to scheme conditions and fire safety regulations are not applied retrospectively.
Flat owners who purchased recess areas before 2005 would have complied with the conditions and fire safety regulations at the time of purchase, so HDB does not track later non-compliance unless renovations are undertaken.
Property owners, including HDB flat owners, who undertake fire safety works are required to comply with the latest SCDF fire safety regulations, meaning any renovations to existing recess areas must meet current standards.
HDB does not plan to proactively retrofit units, but flat owners who renovate their recess areas must ensure compliance with prevailing fire safety regulations as enforced by SCDF.

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18 Feb 2022

Prices of HDB Flats for First-time Buyers Before and After Subsidies and Their Average Household Income in Past 10 Years

First-time buyers of BTO flats saw pre-subsidy price increases of 10% to 22% between 2012 and 2021, but after grants, the after-subsidy price for 4-room BTO flats rose only 1.4%, with household incomes growing 8% to 46% over the same period.
In 2021, first-time buyers of BTO flats in non-mature estates needed only 13% to 26% of their monthly income for loan instalments, well below the 30% to 35% international benchmark, and most could use CPF with little cash outlay.
For resale flats, first-time buyers can receive up to $160,000 in grants, and after-grant prices for 4-room resale flats in non-mature estates decreased by 1% between 2012 and 2021, with buyers needing less than a quarter of their monthly income for loans.
Resale flat prices decreased in six of the last eight years since 2013, with recent increases partly due to low interest rates, but grants have kept resale flats affordable for first-time buyers.
The government continues to monitor housing market conditions to ensure affordable public housing for Singaporeans.

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18 Feb 2022

HDB Project Delays Caused by Contractors Facing Financial Difficulty Since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic and Measures Taken

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, eight out of 10 HDB commercial projects have faced delays of three to 15 months due to factors like Safe Management Measures, contractor performance, and material supply, with one project unaffected and one delayed due to contractor liquidation.
HDB conducts regular meetings and monthly progress checks to monitor contractors, flagging deviations from schedules and engaging contractors to address issues like slow progress or reduced workers.
Measures include adopting pandemic-resilient contracting practices that allow for extension of time and expense claims due to pandemic events, and preparing to re-tender for the project affected by contractor liquidation to minimise further delays.

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18 Feb 2022

Study on Possibility of Trade Associations and Chambers Playing Greater Role in Supporting Sole Proprietors of Micro SMEs in Landlord-tenant Disputes

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked if trade associations and chambers could better support micro SME sole proprietors in landlord-tenant disputes outside the Small Claims Tribunal, especially for elderly or financially vulnerable tenants.
Minister Gan Kim Yong noted the Fair Tenancy Industry Committee (FTIC) has a Code of Conduct for fair lease negotiations and a dispute resolution channel via the Singapore Mediation Centre.
The Singapore Business Federation facilitates FTIC, which includes landlords, tenants, and trade groups, and tenants can seek help from FTIC as detailed on its website.

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18 Feb 2022

Fire Fatalities in Past Five Years and Extending Installation of Home Fire Alarm Device to All HDB Residential Units

In the past five years, fire fatalities remained low, with all but one fatality in 2017 occurring in residential premises.
The government is not extending the Home Fire Alarm Device (HFAD) Assistance Scheme to all HDB units, citing stable fire safety in residential premises.
SCDF encourages voluntary HFAD installation for early fire warnings, and the Fire Code was amended in 2018 to mandate HFADs in new and renovated residential units.

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18 Feb 2022

Requests by Homeless and Rough Sleepers for Temporary Accommodation or Shelters in 2021 and Options Available

In 2021, 270 unique applicants sought shelter at Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps) with a 61% admission rate, and 860 applied to Transitional Shelters (TSes) with a 62% admission rate, with no waiting lists for these facilities.
The Ministry for Social and Family Development coordinates closely with HDB and community partners through multi-agency night walks to provide customized support for rough sleepers, though some individuals with housing options choose to remain on the streets due to personal preferences.
MSF is working with academia to assess the rough sleeping population and has seen increased engagement during the pandemic, leading to more rough sleepers accepting assistance for stable housing.

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15 Feb 2022

Proposal to Allow Illiterate Owners, Sellers and Tenants to be Accompanied by Literate Family Member to Perform HDB Transactions

Joan Pereira proposed allowing illiterate HDB transaction participants to be accompanied by literate family members due to social distancing limits at HDB offices.
Desmond Lee explained that COVID-19 measures restrict appointments to direct parties but HDB allows one accompaniment for those needing help, like the elderly or illiterate.
Requests for accompaniment can be made via MyRequest@HDB portal or HDB’s customer service hotline.
The response indicates HDB accommodates such needs within current safe management protocols.
The debate focused on balancing accessibility for vulnerable groups with pandemic safety rules.

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15 Feb 2022

Proportion of CPF Members Covered under Home Protection Scheme (HPS) and Those Rejected for HPS due to Health Conditions

The Minister for Manpower stated that nearly all CPF members using CPF savings or cash for HDB housing loans and applying for HPS are covered, with the remainder having equivalent private mortgage insurance.
Approximately 1.2% of applicants were not covered under HPS in the last five years due to serious pre-existing medical conditions.
HPS excludes applicants with serious pre-existing conditions to ensure affordability of premiums and the scheme's viability, and HDB offers assistance measures for flat owners facing mortgage repayment difficulties.

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15 Feb 2022

Number and Profile of Single Parents Successful in Obtaining HDB's Proximity Housing Grant for Families

From 2017 to 2021, 2,034 single parents received the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) for families.
Of these, 2,029 were divorced or widowed.
Only five were unmarried.
The PHG was introduced in August 2015 to encourage living with or near parents or children for mutual care and support.
All eligible resale flat buyers can receive the PHG once, regardless of their housing subsidies, household income, or ownership of private property.

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15 Feb 2022

Applications for Flats under Public Rental Scheme in 2021

In 2021, HDB received 10,240 rental flat applications, with 3,230 (32%) approved; 1,800 approved applicants are currently waiting for allocation, with an average waiting time of less than a year, though some popular flat types and locations may take longer due to construction delays and matching requirements.
To address housing demand, HDB plans to launch up to 23,000 BTO flats annually in 2022 and 2023, a 35% increase from 2021, while prioritizing urgent cases like those with medical grounds and expediting flat sprucing works.
The government continues to prioritize homeownership through subsidies, while offering alternatives like the Interim Rental Housing for lower-income households and the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme, with doubled supply in the next two years.

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15 Feb 2022

Potential Breaches of COVID-19 SMMs at Sky Gardens of HDB Blocks and Proposal to Gate Up such Gardens

Joan Pereira asked if the Ministry for National Development would review policies to gate sky gardens and provide key card access to residents due to potential breaches of COVID-19 safe management measures and disamenities.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB estates are designed with open community spaces to encourage social interactions, and gating sky gardens would alter their open character.
Instead, HDB collaborates with Town Councils and agencies to implement targeted measures, such as increased patrols, enforcement against breaches, and using the OneService App for resident feedback.
During events like New Year’s Eve, agencies worked to restrict access after 10pm and increase patrols to mitigate disamenities while keeping sky gardens open.
HDB will continue working with MPs, Town Councils, and agencies to minimize disamenities while maintaining open communal spaces.

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15 Feb 2022

Amount and Breakdown of Funds Disbursed to Town Councils for Implementation of Safe Management Measures

The Ministry of National Development provided funding to Town Councils for safe management measures from April 2020, with cost caps that were regularly reviewed and increased as COVID-19 guidelines evolved.
For FY2020, Town Councils submitted $1.38 million in claims, and $1.24 million was disbursed; for FY2021, $4.66 million was claimed, with $4.65 million approved, with differences due to cost cap limits or non-claimable items.
The claims process involved batch processing to analyze trends, and payment typically took about one month, but delays occurred due to late or incomplete submissions from some Town Councils.
From August 2021, the Ministry shifted to a subvention model where Town Councils no longer need to submit supporting documents, with audits conducted instead to speed up reimbursement.
Town Councils were told to expect FY2021 claim payments by end-March 2022, with late or incomplete claims processed in the next cycle.

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14 Feb 2022

Number of Divorcees Not Qualified for HDB Rental Flats Because of Their Income and Yet Unable to Afford HDB Flat in Open Market

The debate centers on whether the Ministry tracks divorcees who are ineligible for subsidized HDB rental flats due to income but still cannot afford to purchase a flat in the open market.
HDB assesses each rental request based on the household's overall financial situation and alternatives, such as renting privately or living with family, rather than rejecting based solely on income.
As a result, the Ministry does not specifically track or provide data on divorcees denied rental flats due to income who also cannot afford an HDB flat in the open market.

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14 Feb 2022

Use of Styrofoam in Making of Aeration Holes in Open Car Park Lots

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether styrofoam is used for aeration holes in open car park lots, why it is used, and if sustainable alternatives or a phase-out timeline exist.
Desmond Lee confirmed HDB uses food-grade styrofoam moulds to create planting voids in concrete slabs, which help grass growth and reduce heat, and these moulds are disposed of properly as general waste.
HDB is exploring more sustainable construction methods and has successfully piloted an alternative design that does not use styrofoam, which will be adopted during future upgrades of existing surface car parks.

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14 Feb 2022

Further Steps to Rein in Escalating Prices of HDB Resale Flats

Lim Biow Chuan asked if further steps would be taken to control rising HDB resale flat prices, noting the escalating costs.
Desmond Lee highlighted recent cooling measures, including reducing the Loan-to-Value limit and Total Debt Servicing Ratio threshold, to promote financial prudence among homebuyers.
The government plans to ramp up BTO supply to up to 23,000 flats annually in 2022 and 2023, a 35% increase from 2021, to meet strong demand driven by factors like marriage trends and COVID-19 construction delays.
Measures aim to support a stable and sustainable property market in the medium term, with the government ready to launch up to 100,000 flats from 2021 to 2025 if needed, monitoring affordability and accessibility closely.

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14 Feb 2022

Impact of New Trends Such As Work and Study from Home on Design of Future Building Developments

Sharael Taha questioned how trends like multi-generational living, working and studying from home, and sustainable living concerns are influencing future building designs, and whether the Ministry will integrate solar energy, natural lighting, and ventilation into new developments to reduce energy and water use.
Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry takes a holistic approach to create a liveable, sustainable environment, and HDB is continuously reviewing flat designs to accommodate changing demographics, lifestyles, and work-from-home needs, offering flexible layouts and various flat types.
The Ministry is promoting sustainable living through initiatives like solar-ready roofs, rainwater harvesting, and the Green Towns Programme, while the Building and Construction Authority mandates energy efficiency improvements for large new buildings and recognizes higher standards through the Green Mark scheme.
Incentives such as the Built Environment Transformation GFA Incentive Scheme provide additional floor area for private developments meeting top sustainability standards, and new public buildings and Government Land Sales developments must also achieve these standards.
The Ministry will continue engaging the public and exploring new planning concepts to support evolving resident needs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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14 Feb 2022

Number of Sound Pollution Complaints in HDB Estates over Past Two Years and Studies on How to Manage Them Via Better Design and Construction Materials for New HDB Estates

The number of noise-related feedback cases in HDB estates increased by about 25% from 2020 to 2021, partly due to work-from-home arrangements and the resumption of renovation activities.
HDB has improved sound insulation over the years, using thicker concrete walls and floor slabs, and offering vinyl strip flooring in newer Build-to-Order flats to reduce impact noise.
HDB employs design measures like orienting blocks away from noise sources and using car parks as noise buffers, and continues to explore practical solutions while encouraging residents to show consideration for neighbours.

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14 Feb 2022

Enforcement of Special Covenant 2(1)(a) Memorandum of Lease to HDB's Lease Agreement to Prevent Persistent Smoking Near Balconies or Windows Despite Advisories and Mediation Efforts

HDB's special covenant enforcement for smoking near balconies is a last-resort measure involving compulsory flat acquisition, which is punitive and used sparingly due to its severe impact on residents.
The current approach prioritizes amicable resolution through advisories, mediation at Community Mediation Centres, and Joint Advisory on Smoking in Homes to encourage considerate behavior before escalating.
For intractable cases, affected neighbors can file with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal, which may issue orders to cease disruptive acts if unreasonable interference is proven.
Authorities continue studying better management of neighbor disputes arising from disamenities like second-hand smoke.

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14 Feb 2022

Estimated Maintenance Costs of Features and Landscaping During Design of Common Property in BTO Estates

Murali Pillai asked if HDB will estimate maintenance costs for features and landscaping in BTO common areas, consult Town Councils, and publish these estimates.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB already factors in sustainability, maintainability, and cost during design, considering durability, ease of maintenance, and environmental benefits like biophilic design and stormwater reduction.
HDB consults Town Councils at multiple stages, such as before tender and construction, to address maintenance issues early and make adjustments before project handover.
HDB noted that Town Councils have their own cost estimates and benefit from economies of scale, so HDB’s figures may not reflect actual Town Council costs.
HDB regularly reviews designs based on new technology and Town Council feedback to keep maintenance costs reasonable.

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14 Feb 2022

Measures in Place to Prevent Discriminatory Practice in Rental Market of HDB Flats to Minorities

Miss Cheryl Chan asked about measures to prevent discriminatory practices in the rental market for HDB flats affecting minorities and how newer BTOs with fewer units per precinct affect the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) quotas by block and neighbourhood.
Desmond Lee stated that property agents must follow CEA guidelines to be sensitive to Singapore's multiracial society, with disciplinary actions for non-compliance, but rental agreements are private, requiring community trust over strict legal enforcement.
The EIP applies limits at block and neighbourhood levels regardless of precinct size, and all new BTO flat sales are subject to these limits to maintain balanced ethnic mixes.

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