Housing & estates — Topics

14 Sep 2021

Use of Liquidatable Financial Investments as Equivalent to Bank Savings to Meet Home Loan Eligibility Criteria

Member Kwek Hian Chuan Henry proposed that HDB allow self-employed persons to use liquidatable investments like stocks and bonds to meet home loan eligibility criteria, similar to bank savings, as many young Singaporeans invest instead of keeping low-yielding deposits.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that HDB’s credit assessment for loans is based on income and cash flow, with employed persons using CPF contributions and self-employed persons using bank statements to prove stable cash surpluses for mortgage payments.
The Minister noted that stocks and bonds are dynamic and market-dependent, making them less reliable than bank statements for assessing an applicant’s latest financial situation and creditworthiness at the point of application.
HDB assesses each case individually and exercises flexibility where feasible to assist applicants who do not meet standard credit guidelines, aiming to support homeownership aspirations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Effect of Changing Weather Patterns on Landscaping, Maintenance and Plant Species in HDB Estates

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked how changing weather patterns affect landscaping in HDB estates, whether Town Councils work with NParks to adjust maintenance schedules for different plant species, and if the Ministry will consider including landscaping in Town Council management reports for its carbon reduction role.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that HDB provides greenery in new estates while Town Councils maintain existing ones, with NParks sharing best practices on plant selection and tree risk management to address climate change impacts.
HDB selects hardy trees and secures rooftop garden trees with anchors since 2018 to reduce fall risks, and NParks trains and certifies arborists to help Town Councils update maintenance schedules based on weather patterns.
NParks advises on storm-vulnerable species, provides pre-monsoon advisories for tree checks and pruning, and Town Councils must get HDB approval to remove trees and replace them, while the existing management report already assesses landscape maintenance.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Requirement for Management Corporation Strata Titles to Clean Common Touch-points in Immediate Vicinity of Positive COVID-19 Cases

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if NEA requires Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) to clean common touch-points near positive COVID-19 cases and if not, whether NEA will consider it.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that NEA advises MCSTs or managing agents to clean and disinfect all common touch-points in affected strata developments, similar to other premises, and provides guidelines for proper cleaning and protective equipment.
She noted that MCSTs have been responsive, and NEA can compel uncooperative ones through an order under the Infectious Diseases Act if needed.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Sustainability Practices in Built Environment in Singapore

The Ministry for National Development is implementing sustainability practices under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, focusing on transforming Singapore into a City in Nature through new parks and nature corridors.
Sustainability standards for buildings and HDB towns are being raised, including the refreshed Green Mark scheme, Super Low Energy standards for residential buildings, and the HDB Green Towns Programme to introduce green features.
R&D in urban sustainability is being driven through programs like Cities of Tomorrow and a Marine Climate Change Science programme to address environmental challenges.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

14 Sep 2021

Assessment of Effectiveness of Existing Property Cooling Measures

The Minister confirmed that property cooling measures have effectively moderated price increases, citing a drop from 9.1% to 1.2% growth between 2017–2018 and 2018–2019.
The Government aims to ensure a stable property market aligned with economic fundamentals and will adjust policies as needed, including through Government Land Sales.
The Ministry will continue monitoring the market closely and is prepared to calibrate the supply of private housing land to meet demand.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Measures for Owners of Older HDB Flats to Maintain and Ensure Their Air-conditioner Brackets are Securely Affixed

Home owners must engage trained personnel to install and maintain external air-conditioner units and brackets, with regular checks every three to six months for corrosion or rust.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) can direct owners to rectify poorly maintained brackets, and HDB will notify owners to address immediate risks, with educational materials available.
A Periodic Façade Inspection (PFI) regime starting early 2022 will require seven-year inspections of brackets on older buildings, with Town Councils assisting owners in necessary works.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Mode of Communication to Inform BTO Buyers of Quantum of Resale Levy They Have to Pay

Dennis Tan asked the Minister for National Development about the stage and modes by which HDB informs BTO buyers of the resale levy amount, including non-online methods.
The Minister explained that HDB provides clear information on resale levies online, in press releases, and through acknowledgements and reminders during the selling and buying process.
Second-timers are informed of the levy amount when applying for a flat, at flat booking, and before key collection, with required acknowledgements at each stage.
The Minister emphasized that HDB uses multiple touchpoints to ensure buyers are aware of the resale levy, including in-person interactions to address any questions.
The response highlighted that information is consistently communicated across digital and non-digital channels to ensure transparency and fairness in housing subsidies.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Data and Statistics on Neighbourhoods where at Least One Ethnic Integration Policy Limit was Reached

Pritam Singh requested detailed statistics from 1990 to 2020 on HDB neighborhoods where Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) limits were reached, including neighborhood names, total HDB units, and breakdown by ethnic ownership/rental.
Desmond Lee responded that the number of affected neighborhoods declined from 33 in 1990 to 24 in 2020, with an average of around 6,000 dwelling units per neighborhood in 2020.
Of the 24 neighborhoods affected in 2020, seven were also affected in 1990, with specific areas highlighted based on the EIP limits reached—e.g., Chinese limits in Alexandra North, Malay limits in Bedok North, and Indian/Others limits in Little India.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Average Percentage of Applicants in Excess of 30% of Flats Set Aside under Married Child Priority Scheme in HDB BTO Projects within Mature Estates and Non-mature Estates over Last Five Years

From 2016 to 2020, the average application rate for all first-timer families for 3-room and bigger HDB BTO flats was 4.2 times in mature estates and 2.8 times in non-mature estates.
About 30% of these first-timer applicants were eligible for the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS), which sets aside 30% of such flats for them.
Among MCPS applicants, about 20% in mature estates and 30% in non-mature estates were balloted within the MCPS quota.
Overall, about 50% of all first-timer MCPS applicants in mature estates and 60% in non-mature estates were successful in their flat application, higher than first-timer applicants without priority schemes.
MCPS applicants not balloted within the quota were entered into a second ballot with other public applicants.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Number of Singles who Bought HDB Resale Flats in Past Three Years by Regions

Gan Thiam Poh asked for the number of singles who bought HDB resale flats in each of the five regions over the past three years.
Desmond Lee stated that from 2018 to 2020, about 17,800 resale flats were bought by singles under the Single Singapore Citizen and Joint Singles Schemes.
A breakdown by region is available in Table 1, as referred to by the Minister.
The response specifically covers the North, North-East, East, West, and Central regions as requested.
The figures provided are based on the Single Singapore Citizen and Joint Singles Schemes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Proposal for Private Condominiums to Allocate Parking Space Within Their Compounds for Delivery Riders and Drivers

Miss Rachel Ong proposed legislation to prevent private condominiums from encouraging illegal parking by delivery riders on public pavements and to require them to allocate safe parking spaces within their compounds for delivery personnel.
Desmond Lee confirmed that parking on public pavements is illegal under the Road Traffic Rules and enforcement action will be taken, while urging residents and management corporations not to request such illegal parking.
Authorities are developing best practices with stakeholders to guide condominium management in facilitating safe deliveries, including considering the provision of appropriate parking spaces based on each development’s specific needs and circumstances.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Increase of HDB Loan Tenure In View of Delays in Construction of HDB Flats and Rise in HDB Resale Prices

Murali Pillai proposed increasing the HDB loan tenure from 25 to 30 years to address housing affordability amid construction delays and rising resale prices.
Desmond Lee explained that the current 25-year limit promotes financial prudence, noting that a longer tenure could increase total interest paid and potentially fuel resale market prices.
He highlighted existing support measures, such as housing grants of up to $160,000 for eligible first-timer families, to keep resale flats affordable.
HDB is on track to launch about 17,000 BTO flats this year, exceeding previous years' launches, with additional supply from balance flats and open bookings.
The government will continue monitoring the market to ensure public housing remains affordable and accessible for Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Factors in Pricing HDB Flats of Different Sizes

HDB prices new flats by first assessing market value based on comparable resale prices and individual attributes such as location, size, storey, and accessibility, then applying a significant subsidy to keep prices below market for affordability.
The price difference between 2-room Flexi and 3-room flats is mainly due to floor area differences, with 3-room flats being 1.4 to 1.8 times larger (20 to 30 sqm), and 2-room Flexi flats also having short-lease options that lower prices.
Standard sizes are 36–46 sqm for 2-room Flexi flats and 66 sqm for 3-room flats, with all flat types designed to be functional and meet universal design requirements to cater to diverse buyer needs and budgets.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Details for Increase in Supply of Rental Flats under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme

Mr Xie Yao Quan inquired about the projected timeline for releasing the additional 800 rental flats under the PPHS beyond Q4 2021, potential withdrawal of supply after clearing COVID-19 backlogs, and exploring private housing stock to meet demand.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that PPHS supply is limited and opportunistic, relying on vacant flats from schemes like SERS, and that HDB will add 800 flats over two years, with 200 ready by end-2021, 500 in 2022, and 100 by mid-2023.
He noted that PPHS demand has risen due to BTO delays, remote work, and rental market competition, while supply has tightened due to stalled returns and slowed sprucing-up works.
The Ministry is exploring other short-term supply sources, such as vacant staff apartments, but private housing stock is also tight; eligibility conditions have been refined to prioritize families in greater need.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Ensuring HDB Resale Market Remains Affordable to Aspiring Home Owners

Xie Yao Quan questioned whether the HDB resale market remains affordable for aspiring homeowners.
Desmond Lee attributed recent price increases to higher demand and low interest rates, but affirmed that resale flats remain affordable with a stable mortgage servicing ratio of 23% over the past three years.
First-time buyers typically have little to no cash outlay, as mortgages can be paid using CPF contributions, supported by housing grants of up to $160,000.
The government will continue monitoring market conditions to ensure affordable public housing for Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Proposal for Sale Price of HDB Flats to be Set at a Level of Not More Than Four Times the Average Annual Income of Applicants

Gan Thiam Poh asked if the government will cap the sale price of HDB flats at no more than four times the average annual income of applicants.
Desmond Lee affirmed the government's commitment to affordable public housing, noting that new BTO flats are priced below market rates and enhanced CPF grants provide significant support.
He stated that in 2020, BTO flats in non-mature estates were priced at about five times or less of the median income of first-timer families, with monthly mortgage payments typically below a quarter of household income.
The government will continue prioritizing affordability in HDB pricing and offers a variety of flat types to meet different needs, urging buyers to make financially prudent choices.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Financial Viability of HDB BTO Contractors and Assistance for Subcontractors in Greatearth’s Public Projects

The government is working with Greatearth’s liquidators to appoint new contractors to complete the five affected HDB BTO projects and is facilitating discussions between new main contractors and existing subcontractors to help them continue their work.
HDB is providing affected flat buyers with updates on revised completion dates and offers case-by-case assistance, including temporary housing options, waiver of forfeiture fees, and flexible cancellation policies for those choosing to purchase resale flats.
HDB has implemented extensive support measures for contractors, including co-sharing increased foreign manpower and operating costs, providing substantial advance payments, extending steel price protection, and supplying additional concreting materials to help them cope with COVID-19-related challenges.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

13 Sep 2021

Erroneous Payments of CPF Housing Grants as Highlighted in Auditor-General's Report for FY2020/2021

HDB explained that erroneous CPF housing grant payments to ineligible applicants were mainly due to applicants failing to declare material information like income or property ownership, with manual verification processes unable to detect all omissions; immediate recovery actions and process improvements, including automation, are being implemented.
Ministers emphasized systemic improvements across agencies, including more automated processes, intensified internal audits, and training to uphold integrity, while noting that some lapses were isolated and not widespread.
The PA contractor issue is being addressed through an external review by Ernst & Young, with findings to be disclosed, and a framework exists to consider past conduct in future government tenders.
Parliament will receive updates on remedial actions through the Public Accounts Committee, and HDB expects to complete investigations into flagged cases by year-end, with findings made public.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

Number of Repossession Notices Issued by HDB in Last Five Years for Owners' Non-compliance with Court Orders for Transfer or Sale of Flat upon Divorce

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the number of HDB repossession notices issued in the last five years for owners' non-compliance with court orders to transfer or sell flats upon divorce.
HDB did not issue any such repossession notices in the last five years.
HDB stated that compulsory acquisition is a last resort and that owners dissatisfied with court orders can seek further legal recourse.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

3 Aug 2021

HDB Blocks Found Not Amenable to Deployment of Surveillance Cameras for Detection of High-rise Littering

The Minister explained that with over 12,000 HDB blocks of varying designs, the National Environment Agency (NEA) assesses each block for camera feasibility and uses creative mounting solutions to deploy surveillance in tight spaces.
For blocks where cameras are unsuitable, NEA conducts site investigations and interviews to collect evidence, while partnering with Town Councils for timely information sharing.
Beyond enforcement, NEA and Town Councils use community-oriented strategies like informative standees and posters to shape norms and deter high-rise littering.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source