Housing & estates — Topics

5 Oct 2021

Update on Review of Proposal to Convert Vacant School Sites to Retirement Villages or Assisted Living Facilities for Aged

The Ministry for National Development and Ministry of Health are collaborating to expand senior housing options, including developing assisted living facilities and Community Care Apartments.
A pilot Community Care Apartments project in Bukit Batok was well-received, and a second pilot is being considered, while private sector models and sites like vacant schools are being evaluated for retrofitting.
Vacant school sites are being assessed case-by-case for various uses, including assisted living, with feasibility studies involving stakeholder engagement and market interest analysis.

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5 Oct 2021

Technical Assistance from HDB to Reduce Diffusion of Second-hand Smoke into Flats

HDB, together with Town Councils and the National Environment Agency, encourages neighbours to communicate directly and may issue a Joint Advisory on Smoking in Homes to address second-hand smoke complaints.
If direct talks fail, affected residents are advised to pursue mediation and, as a last resort, file a case with the Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal.
HDB and the Municipal Services Office have launched a Call for Proposals to seek innovative technological solutions that can reduce second-hand smoke at its source or prevent it from entering neighbouring units.
Proposals will be evaluated with HDB’s technical input after the deadline on 9 December, with suitable ideas advanced for further development and trials.
These efforts complement ongoing inter-agency reviews to enhance the community dispute management framework and make mediation and tribunal processes more accessible.

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5 Oct 2021

Factoring Different Actuarial Risks into HDB Home Protection Scheme

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked if the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) could factor varying actuarial risks to include those with pre-existing conditions and if a member who developed a medical condition could get HPS when moving to a second HDB flat.
The Minister explained that HPS, which protects CPF members from losing their HDB flats due to death, terminal illness, or total permanent disability, covers most applicants including some with pre-existing conditions but excludes serious pre-existing conditions to keep premiums affordable and the scheme viable.
For flat owners struggling with mortgage repayments, HDB offers other assistance measures, and members can port their existing HPS cover to a new HDB flat when right-sizing, even if they are not eligible for new HPS due to health reasons.

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5 Oct 2021

Help for Potential BTO Flat Owners Affected by COVID-19-related Construction Delays

Miss Cheryl Chan and Mr Seah Kian Peng raised concerns about BTO flat delays due to COVID-19 and high demand, asking if timelines would lengthen and if more flats could be built or brought forward.
Minister Desmond Lee stated that BTO supply is increasing, with over 17,000 flats planned for next year, and most projects still have waiting times of four to five years, not six to seven years as feared.
To mitigate delays, HDB is providing extensive support, including new contractors for stalled projects, interim housing options like PPHS and IRH, and financial compensation for delays under the COVID-19 Act.
The Minister acknowledged high demand from demographic trends and pandemic factors, emphasizing a balanced approach to support both BTO and resale markets, with grants and case-by-case waivers for affected buyers.
In response to supplementary questions, the Minister confirmed ongoing efforts to monitor housing market stability and address concerns like income ceiling eligibility and rental flat availability under PPHS.

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4 Oct 2021

HDB Ownership Pre-requisites on HDB Flat Owners Acquiring Private Properties and Private Property Owners Acquiring HDB Flats

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim questioned the asymmetry in HDB ownership rules, where HDB flat buyers can later purchase private property, but private property owners cannot buy an HDB flat without first selling their private property.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB flats are for owner-occupation, and during the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), flat owners cannot own private property, while private property buyers must sell their property within six months of purchasing an HDB flat to meet MOP conditions.
The rules aim to prioritize limited HDB supply for those without other properties and prevent speculative buying by those with urgent housing needs.
After completing the five-year MOP, all HDB flat owners, including those who previously owned private property, can buy private property.

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4 Oct 2021

Number of Vacant Units and Vacancy Rate of Total Completed HDB Dwelling Units for Sale in Last 10 Years Broken Down by Flat Type

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis requested a ten-year breakdown of vacant units and vacancy rates for completed HDB flats for sale, including those with TOP but not yet handed over, categorized by flat type.
As of 31 August 2021, HDB reported 1,607 vacant flats (0.2% of stock) from a total of over one million completed homeownership units.
Most vacant units were awaiting assignment in sales exercises or open bookings, with details provided in an accompanying table.
From 2016 to 2020, HDB launched about 16,500 flats annually, and as of the report date, 3,772 booked flats were completed with key collection scheduled.

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4 Oct 2021

Determining Projected Number of Dwelling Units and Timeline to Reach Said Number and Breakdown of FY2019/2020 Projection into HDB Flats and Private Developments

The projected ultimate number of 1,557,000 dwelling units is derived from the land area zoned for residential use in the Master Plan within HDB town boundaries and includes existing and future developments.
This figure is an estimate for land-use planning, not a target to be reached, and may change with regular reviews of land use and development plans.
Of the 1,557,000 units, 82% are HDB flats and 18% are private housing, including Executive Condominiums.

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4 Oct 2021

Proposal to Provide Rental Rebates Support to Small Landlords Who Depend on Rental Income for Their Livelihood

Christopher de Souza asked if rental rebates could be extended to small landlords who rely on rental income for their livelihood.
Lawrence Wong explained that the government balances support for both tenants and landlords, requiring landlords to give a two-week rent waiver to eligible tenants severely affected by the pandemic.
The government allows landlords facing genuine hardship to apply for exemptions from the rental waiver, which are assessed case-by-case.
Landlords experiencing cashflow issues due to the waiver can seek assistance and loan restructuring from local banks.

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4 Oct 2021

Appeals to Waive Two-time Criterion for HDB Home Loan Eligibility

Abdul Samad inquired about appeals to waive the two-time limit for HDB home loans, including the number of approvals and rejections and the conditions for success.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB generally provides up to two loans per household, but offers flexibility for those in urgent need who have exhausted other financing options.
Between September 2020 and August 2021, about 2,900 households appealed for another loan, with roughly one in five appeals approved.

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4 Oct 2021

Imposition of Income Ceiling of $7,000 for HDB Flat Applicants under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme

Murali Pillai questioned the rationale for the $7,000 income ceiling under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme and suggested considering per capita household income instead.
Desmond Lee explained that the income ceiling aims to prioritize families in greater need of subsidized temporary housing amid rising demand and limited supply of PPHS flats.
The $7,000 threshold is above the median income of PPHS applicants and aligns with the income ceiling for 3-room BTO flats in non-mature estates.
HDB will consider case-by-case exceptions for households exceeding the income ceiling but facing high expenses or larger family sizes.
The government plans to increase PPHS flat supply over the next two years to address the current shortage and delays in BTO completions.

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4 Oct 2021

Strengthening Capability and Solutions to Resolve Persistent Water Seepage and Leakage Problems in HDB Flats

Member of Parliament Liang Eng Hwa asked if HDB has the expertise to identify and solve persistent water seepage issues in older flats and if HDB and BCA can work with contractors to improve repair efficiency and industry capability.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that external wall and roof leaks are managed by Town Councils, with HDB providing technical advice, training, and guidance on appropriate repair methods.
For ceiling leaks, repair costs are shared between upper and lower-floor flat owners with HDB co-paying 50% under the Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme, and HDB assists with complex cases.
HDB and contractors are developing new repair methods like nanotechnology waterproofing and overlaying membranes to offer alternatives to traditional tile hacking.
Town Council contractors can attend BCA-approved training courses on waterproofing to strengthen industry capabilities, with course details available on BCA's website.

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4 Oct 2021

Update on Use and Beneficiaries of Climate-Friendly Households Programme

Murali Pillai questioned how many of the 30,000 eligible HDB households have used the CFH Programme e-vouchers and sought a breakdown by appliance type, while also asking if the programme could be extended to cover items like air-conditioners, water heaters, or washing machines.
Grace Fu Hai Yien reported that over 65,700 households registered for e-vouchers, with about 14,000 vouchers utilised as of August 2021, including 6,600 for energy-efficient refrigerators, 5,200 for LED lights, and 2,200 for water-efficient shower fittings.
The Minister explained there are no plans to extend the programme to additional appliances, as it is targeted at essential items for lower-income households to take climate action and save money, with ongoing outreach efforts and future reviews based on take-up rates.

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4 Oct 2021

Current Wage for Singaporeans to Acquire a Decent Living for Themselves

The government is committed to supporting Singaporeans' ability to achieve a decent living through a targeted and holistic approach, including enhanced social safety nets and subsidies in housing, healthcare, and education.
Key strategies to uplift lower-wage workers include extending the Progressive Wage Model to more sectors, enhancing the Workfare Income Supplement, and enforcing the Local Qualifying Salary to ensure a minimum monthly income.
Comprehensive family support is provided through enhanced Marriage and Parenthood packages, including increased Baby Bonus and Child Development Account benefits, as well as affordable preschool access for low-income families.
The government regularly reviews assistance criteria, such as ComCare, based on statistical data and stakeholder input, and encourages community outreach to connect those in need with available support.

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4 Oct 2021

Financial Subsidies for HDB Flat Buyers to Rent Interim Housing in Open Market Given COVID-19-related Construction Delays

Edward Chia asked if the Ministry could provide subsidies for HDB buyers to rent interim housing in the open market due to COVID-19 delays and limited PPHS supply.
Desmond Lee acknowledged the inconvenience from BTO delays and noted that many buyers find alternative housing or use the PPHS, which is being expanded and prioritized.
The Minister stated that direct subsidies for open-market rental are not planned, as they could drive up rents, but low-income households without options may receive Interim Rental Housing on a case-by-case basis.
HDB will also consider waiving penalties for flat buyers who cancel BTO bookings to purchase resale flats due to delays.

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14 Sep 2021

Proposal to Review Eligibility Conditions to Retain Matrimonial Flat upon Divorce

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked HDB to review allowing divorcees below 35 and without children to retain their matrimonial flat, and to provide annual case numbers for the last five years.
Desmond Lee explained that priority is given to larger families, and singles can own HDB flats only from age 35, but divorcees without children can retain the flat if at least 35 or with a family member.
HDB does allow exceptions on a case-by-case basis for divorcees below 35 without children if they cannot form a family nucleus or stay with family, with 37 such cases approved annually from 2016 to 2020.

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14 Sep 2021

Proposal to Allow Permanent Residents to Purchase HDB Flat without Singaporean Joint Applicant

Gan Thiam Poh asked if HDB could allow Permanent Residents (PRs) to buy resale HDB flats without a Singaporean joint applicant, provided they have been PRs for at least three years.
The Ministry noted that PR households without a Singapore Citizen owner or essential occupier can already buy resale flats if all PRs in the household have been PRs for at least three years and meet other criteria.
PR households face stricter conditions and do not receive housing subsidies to prioritize public housing for citizens.
The Ministry has no plans to change the three-year waiting period for PRs at this time.

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14 Sep 2021

Islandwide Implementation of Electric Vehicle Charging Points

The government is deploying EV charging points in public carparks to improve geographical coverage quickly, with over 600 points set for installation in the next year across about 200 carparks.
The eight EV-Ready Towns were highlighted because they require minimal electrical upgrades, but all HDB towns will become EV-Ready Towns by the 2030s.
For private developments, owners must assess their own deployment needs, and the government supports this through incentives like the EV Common Charger Grant.

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14 Sep 2021

Review Ways to Narrow Gap between Cash Over Valuation and Valuation of HDB Flat

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry raised concerns about the high Cash Over Valuation (COV) making it difficult for young couples to buy resale HDB flats due to long BTO delays.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that the recent resale price increases are driven by higher demand and low interest rates, but most buyers pay $0 COV, with prices negotiated between buyers and sellers based on market data.
The Minister highlighted that the resale process was reviewed in 2014 to allow price negotiations upfront, avoiding a system where COV was common, and any changes to cap COV could restrict market efficiency.
The Government will continue monitoring the housing market to ensure affordable public housing for Singaporeans.

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14 Sep 2021

Impact of COVID-19-related Delays on Flats under Home Improvement Programme

Minister Desmond Lee stated that despite COVID-19 affecting construction capacity, the government aims to complete the extended Home Improvement Programme within its 10-year projection, with selections progressing based on fiscal and construction considerations.
The Lift Upgrading Programme has faced delays of about a year due to the circuit breaker, manpower crunch, and safe management measures, though work on all ongoing projects has resumed and residents are being updated on progress.
About 150 blocks remain without feasible lift upgrades due to cost or technical constraints, but HDB is exploring cost-reduction methods and alternatives, with affected residents eligible for a Lift Access Housing Grant of up to $30,000 if they need to relocate for direct lift access.

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14 Sep 2021

Measures to Reduce Amount of Light Emitted by Public and Commercial Buildings at Night

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked whether the Ministry would consider reducing light emissions from public and commercial buildings at night and if there are plans to replace public area lights with ambient light sensors to cut energy use.
The Ministry highlighted that lighting makes up 15% of built environment energy use, regulated through MELS and MEPS to ensure efficiency, and most public sector buildings have already adopted energy-efficient lighting.
Smart lighting solutions that adjust based on motion and ambient light are being rolled out in new public housing since 2018 and are being extended to existing estates under HDB’s Green Towns Programme.
Building owners are encouraged to adopt smart lighting that dims or turns off when not needed, supported by BCA’s Green Mark Scheme, while individuals are also urged to switch off lights when not in use.

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