Housing & estates — Topics

10 Jan 2022

Update on SolarNova Programme and Plans to Install Solar Photovoltaic Panels on All HDB Block Rooftops

Gerald Giam asked about HDB's plans to install solar PV panels on all HDB block rooftops, the percentage of rooftops covered under the SolarNova programme, and how the programme has mitigated recent electricity price spikes.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB is working to install solar panels on as many blocks as possible, with about 2,700 blocks (close to 40% of committed blocks) already fitted, and the rest to be installed over the next two to three years.
HDB has called or awarded tenders for a total solar capacity of about 330 MWp covering around 7,000 blocks, and will continue to call more tenders while using higher-efficiency panels to optimize rooftop space.
Solar energy generated is first used to power common services like lifts and lights, with excess energy channelled to the grid, and Town Councils pay for consumed solar energy at preferential rates not higher than the retail electricity tariff, which may help mitigate rising energy costs.

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10 Jan 2022

Data on Unsuccessful HDB Housing Loan Applications in Past Three Years

From 2019 to 2021, HDB received an average of 61,000 loan applications yearly, with about 4,600 (7.5%) unsuccessful each year.
Approximately half of the unsuccessful applications failed to meet credit assessment criteria, such as not fulfilling the minimum employment period.
The other half were ineligible for an HDB housing loan or to purchase an HDB flat, for reasons including exceeding the income ceiling or having already taken two HDB loans.

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10 Jan 2022

Breakdown of First-time HDB Home Buyers by New and Resale Flats in Past Three Years

Ms Hazel Poa asked the Minister for National Development for the number of first-time HDB home buyers who purchased new and resale flats in each of the past three years.
The Minister, Desmond Lee, provided a table showing the breakdown of first-timer families who bought new and resale flats over the past three years.
The response was a direct presentation of data without additional policy discussion or commentary.

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10 Jan 2022

Lower, Median and Upper Quartile Prices of Resale HDB Flats Before and After Subsidies

Hazel Poa requested annual data on resale HDB flat prices before and after subsidies, broken down by quartiles and buyer type for the past three years.
Desmond Lee stated that resale prices are market-driven and listed grants available to first-timer families, including up to $160,000 in total housing support.
He provided price data for first-timer families buying resale flats between 2019 and 2021, noting that repeat buyers receive different grants like the PHG and Step-Up CPF Housing Grant.
The government will continue monitoring the housing market to ensure affordability for Singaporeans.
The response did not include the specific requested quartile prices for all buyer types over the three years.

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10 Jan 2022

Lower, Median and Upper Quartile Prices of New HDB Flats Before and After Subsidies

Hazel Poa requested the Minister for National Development to provide, for each year in the past three years, the lower, median, and upper quartile prices of new HDB flats before and after subsidies, broken down by first-time and repeat buyers.
Desmond Lee stated that all flat buyers receive a housing subsidy on new Build-to-Order (BTO) flats, with first-timers eligible for an Enhanced CPF Housing Grant of up to $80,000, and that prices have remained stable over the past three years.
He explained that flat purchase prices are the same for first- and second-timer families, but second-timers pay a resale levy that reduces the total subsidy they receive for a second subsidised flat.
The Government will continue to monitor housing market conditions to ensure affordable public housing for Singaporeans.

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10 Jan 2022

Plan to Build HDB flats at Seletar Next to Punggol

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development about plans to build HDB flats at Seletar next to Punggol.
Desmond Lee confirmed the Master Plan 2019 shows Seletar land is for the airport and industrial uses, with no residential zoning.
He noted there are no parcels zoned "Residential" in Seletar but said land-use plans are regularly reviewed to address changing population needs.

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10 Jan 2022

Land Parcels in Sengkang, Jalan Kayu and Punggol Reserved for HDB development and Potential Supply of Public Housing in These Areas

Gan Thiam Poh asked about reserved land parcels in Sengkang, Jalan Kayu, and Punggol for HDB development and the potential supply of public housing.
Desmond Lee confirmed that there are gazetted residential land parcels in Sengkang and Punggol, including areas like Fernvale and parts of Punggol, that are safeguarded for future development.
These parcels are planned for both private housing and community facilities, with ongoing reviews by government agencies.
More detailed information will be shared once the review of these specific areas is completed.

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10 Jan 2022

Market Value of Future BTO Flats from High Demand and Prices of HDB Resale Flats and Ensuring Affordability for All Singaporeans

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked if high resale flat prices will affect future BTO flat values and how affordability can be ensured, while Desmond Lee affirmed that BTO flats are priced below market value with significant subsidies and grants to keep them affordable.
The government provides up to $80,000 in Enhanced CPF Housing Grant for first-timer buyers of new flats and up to $160,000 in grants for resale flats, ensuring both options remain affordable with low mortgage servicing ratios.
HDB has been ramping up flat supply, offering about 17,100 BTO flats in 2021 and planning up to 23,000 per year in 2022-2023, with a potential 100,000 flats from 2021 to 2025 to meet demand.
The government implemented housing market cooling measures on 16 December 2021 and continues to monitor conditions to maintain affordability for all Singaporeans.

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10 Jan 2022

Projected Average Waiting Time for HDB BTO Projects and Measures to Reduce Waiting Time in View of Prolonged COVID-19 Situation

The Minister for National Development reported that while the pandemic has caused some delays of six to 12 months, the waiting time for upcoming HDB BTO projects is projected to range from 2.5 to 5.5 years, similar to pre-pandemic periods, with most buyers moving in within four to five years.
To mitigate disruptions from COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, the government has implemented measures such as supporting firms to recruit more foreign workers and co-sharing increased manpower costs, in addition to existing support like advance payments and levy rebates.
The government continues to closely monitor the global pandemic and construction market to ensure an adequate supply of HDB flats that remains responsive to the population's housing needs.

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10 Jan 2022

Plans to Redevelop Former Bedok Town Secondary School and Min Xin Primary School Sites Along Bedok North Street 3

Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap inquired about redevelopment plans for the former Bedok Town Secondary School and Min Xin Primary School sites along Bedok North Street 3.
Desmond Lee confirmed the sites are zoned Residential in the Master Plan 2019 and safeguarded for future residential developments.
Government agencies are currently working on future plans for the site and will share more information with the public when ready.

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10 Jan 2022

Feedback Received on Noise from 24-hour Gymnasium Located at Void Decks of HDB Blocks and Actions Taken

Member of Parliament Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap asked HDB about the number of noise complaints received from 24-hour gyms at void decks, any prior surveys on such gyms, and actions taken to mitigate noise issues.
Minister Desmond Lee responded that there are 46 gyms in HDB commercial premises, with 17 in blocks with flats above, and gym operators must seek approval and implement noise-reducing measures.
From January 2020 to June 2021, HDB received five noise complaints involving two gyms, which were addressed by adjusting operating hours and monitoring noise levels, resulting in no further complaints.
HDB warned that persistent noise complaints could lead to revocation of gym operation approvals, balancing resident living environment with access to facilities.
The debate highlights HDB’s efforts to manage noise issues while accommodating growing demand for fitness facilities in residential areas.

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10 Jan 2022

Reasons for Disallowing Singles to Purchase Resale Flats under Prime Location Public Housing Model

The PLH model aims to keep public housing in prime locations affordable and inclusive for Singaporeans by providing additional subsidies and ensuring resale prices remain accessible through prevailing BTO eligibility criteria.
Singles are disallowed from purchasing resale PLH flats to prioritize Singaporean families with larger households, though singles can form family units with parents or siblings to qualify for BTO and future resale PLH flats.
Singles aged 35 and above already have access to a wide range of housing options, including resale flats in prime locations and new 2-room Flexi flats, with support from housing grants.
The PLH model is new and will be reviewed over time to balance the needs of different population segments while maintaining affordability and priority for families.

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10 Jan 2022

Increase in Resale HDB Flat Prices in Last Five Years

Over the past five years, the median HDB resale flat price per square metre increased by about 14%, after a 2% decrease from 2017 to 2019 and a 16% increase from 2019 to 2021.
The price per square metre rose from $4,260 in 2017 to $4,839 in 2021, reflecting a broad-based increase in housing demand supported by low interest rates.
The government announced cooling measures in December 2021 and continues to monitor the market to ensure affordable public housing for Singaporeans.

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10 Jan 2022

Proposal to Include Proper Refuse Disposal Clause in HDB Lease Agreements and Renovation Permits

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry proposed inserting a clause in HDB lease agreements and renovation permits to mandate that all domestic refuse be disposed of via the bin chute and prohibit sealing or obstructing it.
Desmond Lee explained that while HDB flats provide refuse chutes, some residents dispose of waste improperly at void deck bins or outside, causing inconvenience.
The Ministry for National Development prefers to work with Town Councils to educate residents on proper refuse disposal rather than amend lease agreements or permits at this stage.
The Ministry is open to considering stronger measures if public education proves insufficient to address improper refuse disposal.

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10 Jan 2022

Locations and Factors to Consider in Siting of Public Rental Flats

The Ministry plans public rental flats alongside sold units in Build-To-Order projects within existing towns or new areas, prioritizing sites with good access to amenities over direct MRT proximity.
While rental flats may not always be near MRT stations, planning considers a range of locations and flat types across towns to provide tenant choice and maintain inclusivity.
New rental flats are integrated with sold flats in the same blocks and included in Prime Location Housing projects where possible to foster mixed communities.

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10 Jan 2022

High-rise Littering Cases in 2021 that Remain Unsolved

From January to October 2021, NEA deployed surveillance cameras over 2,200 times at more than 1,400 HDB blocks, capturing nearly 2,000 acts of high-rise littering and taking enforcement action against close to 1,000 offenders, with about 300 more units under investigation.
Due to a lack of suitable vantage points, surveillance cameras could not be deployed at 87 blocks during this period, and high-rise littering feedback decreased by 20% compared to the same period in 2020.
To address unsolved cases, NEA issues advisories in collaboration with Town Councils and deploys cameras with video analytics; standees and posters are also used to shape community norms and deter littering.

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10 Jan 2022

Circumstances Requiring Enforcement of Special Covenants 2(1) and 2(2) in HDB’s Lease Agreements

Mr. Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked about the circumstances under which HDB enforces special covenants 2(1) and 2(2) and the number of times they have been cited in the last three years.
The Minister for National Development, Desmond Lee, explained that these covenants relate to prohibited acts to maintain living standards, but HDB has not enforced them in the past three years, using them only as a last resort for serious breaches like unauthorized renovations posing safety risks.
For disputes and disamenities, the Minister advised neighbors to resolve issues amicably or seek mediation, with the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal as a final recourse for intractable cases.

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10 Jan 2022

Impact of Recent Total Debt Servicing Ratio Revision and Other Cooling Measures on First-time Buyers

The TDSR threshold was tightened from 60% to 55% and the LTV limit for HDB loans reduced from 90% to 85% to promote financial prudence and protect buyers from rising interest rates and property prices, but most first-time HDB buyers are unaffected due to existing MSR limits and substantial grants.
The government is increasing housing supply, with BTO launches rising to 23,000 flats per year in 2022-2023 and more private housing units via the GLS programme, to support a stable property market and ensure affordability.
Measures aim to encourage right-sizing for private property buyers and sustain housing accessibility, with minimal impact on low-income households and support for first-time buyers through grants and CPF savings.

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10 Jan 2022

Impact of Recent Revisions to Total Debt Servicing Ratio on Ability of First-time Buyers to Own Homes

The Ministry of National Development tightened the Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) threshold from 60% to 55% as part of cooling measures to promote housing affordability and financial prudence amid rising interest rates and property prices.
The majority of first-time buyers, especially those purchasing HDB flats under the unchanged Mortgage Service Ratio (MSR) of 30%, are unlikely to be affected, while private property buyers are encouraged to right-size their purchases.
To complement demand-side measures, the government is increasing the supply of housing, including ramping up BTO launches to 23,000 flats annually in 2022 and 2023 and expanding private housing supply through the Government Land Sale programme.

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10 Jan 2022

Allowing Singles to Purchase New or Resale Flats under HDB's Prime Location Public Housing Scheme

Singles aged 35 and above can already buy resale flats in prime locations outside the PLH scheme, with over a million flats available for purchase in about 15 years.
New PLH flats are priced with extra subsidies to remain affordable, and resale PLH flats will require buyers to meet prevailing BTO eligibility criteria to ensure long-term affordability and priority for families.
The PLH model is new and will be reviewed over time to balance inclusivity with the need to keep prime location housing accessible to Singaporeans.
Singles can form family units with parents or siblings to qualify for BTO or future resale PLH flats, and first-timer singles have access to 2-room flexi flats and housing grants.

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