Housing & estates — Topics

26 Jul 2021

Uncompleted Rectification Works for Ceiling and Wall Water Leakages in HDB Flats

Sharael Taha asked the Minister for National Development about the number of uncompleted rectification works for ceiling and wall water leakages in HDB flats from 2020 to March 2021 and the plan to finish them before the rainy season in November.
Desmond Lee explained that external wall leaks are managed by Town Councils, and HDB does not track pending repairs for these cases, advising regular maintenance to address wear and tear.
For ceiling leaks within flats, repairs are the joint responsibility of upper and lower flat owners, with HDB offering assistance through the Goodwill Repair Assistance (GRA) scheme for unresolved issues.
About 900 GRA cases from 2020 to March 2021 remain pending, with delays due to COVID-19 disruptions increasing repair times from 1-2 months to 4-6 months, and HDB is prioritizing urgent works under safe management measures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

Noise-related Complaints at HDB Estates and Measures to Ensure Conducive Work-from-home Environment

Liang Eng Hwa inquired about increased noise complaints in HDB estates since December 2020 and new measures to support a conducive work-from-home environment.
Desmond Lee reported that non-renovation noise feedback remained stable at about 1,400 cases monthly, while renovation noise ranged from 1,200 to 2,300 cases, peaking in May 2021 due to return to default work-from-home arrangements.
HDB has implemented measures including requiring contractors to give three-day advance notice to neighbouring units and allowing residents to view renovation notices via the OneService App, with exploration to extend the notice period.
Residents are encouraged to communicate first, with community mediation options available; HDB also provides information on alternative work spaces and collaborates with agencies to manage disputes and promote neighbourliness.
The government is reviewing community dispute frameworks and conducting studies on noise hotspots to develop new strategies, emphasising mutual understanding and accommodation in Singapore’s high-density living environment.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

Data on HDB Flat Transactions Affected by Ethnic Integration Policy and Help for Flat Sellers or Buyers Impacted by Policy

Members of Parliament raised questions about the financial impact of the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) on HDB flat sellers, particularly minorities, and suggested measures like discounts on resale levies, subsidies to attract buyers, and risk-pooling mechanisms to mitigate losses from selling below market value due to EIP constraints.
The Minister explained that while the EIP aims to maintain racial diversity, it can reduce the buyer pool for some sellers, potentially leading to lower prices or longer sale periods, though the exact financial impact is difficult to quantify due to other market factors.
The government is reviewing suggestions to help affected sellers, emphasizing that any measures must apply to all races and address unintended EIP effects, while also exercising flexibility on a case-by-case basis, such as granting more time to sell or waiving EIP limits in exceptional circumstances.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

Impact of En Bloc Sales on Environmental Damage and Rise in Housing Prices

The Minister explained that stricter consent thresholds apply to newer buildings, with 90% of owners needed for sales versus 80% for older ones, and that sale outcomes depend on market conditions, developer demand, and price expectations, which can help moderate housing prices by increasing supply.
He noted that every development proposal undergoes a robust planning evaluation process to assess environmental impact, traffic, and other factors, with technical agencies requiring detailed studies before approval.
To minimize environmental damage, Singapore promotes sustainable construction practices, including demolition waste recovery and the BCA Green Mark scheme, achieving over 99% debris recycling in 2020.
The Ministry has not introduced legislation to limit en bloc sales of newer developments, as the existing framework and processes are designed to balance housing needs with environmental responsibility.
The debate highlights the need to manage both housing affordability and environmental sustainability, with current measures focusing on high consent thresholds and green building incentives.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

Proposal for CPF Contributions to be Paid when Foreign Spouses of Singaporeans Work

Gan Thiam Poh proposed allowing foreign spouses of Singaporeans on Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus with Singaporean children to contribute to the CPF for housing loans.
The Ministry for Manpower explained that CPF is for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, and foreign spouses on such passes are supported through other measures, including housing flexibility.
The Ministry stated that foreign spouses can already support housing loans with cash, and HDB considers case-by-case appeals to include their income for loan computations.
Permanent Residency would require CPF contributions, but current measures provide sufficient support without extending CPF to Long-Term Visit Pass-Plus holders.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

Single Unwed Parents Who Apply for Interim Housing while Awaiting Completion of New Flats

Louis Ng queried the Minister on the number of single unwed parents applying for interim housing under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme over the past five years, including successful applications and follow-up for rejections.
Minister Desmond Lee responded that only two single unwed parents applied since 2016, both were invited to select a flat, one was allocated a flat while the other did not select one when invited.
The debate highlighted limited data on single unwed parents seeking interim housing and the HDB's response to such applications.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

Design of Common Areas in Residential Areas to Promote Greater Social Interaction

HDB designs common spaces such as community living rooms and precinct pavilions to facilitate social interaction across generations and group sizes, with amenities strategically located for convenience.
HDB continuously reviews its planning norms and communal area designs based on resident needs, introducing features like furnished spaces and co-located facilities to enhance community bonding.
The Sample Household Survey shows consistently high resident satisfaction with interaction spaces, with neighbourly interactions increasingly occurring within blocks, reflecting the effectiveness of current designs.
HDB collects ongoing feedback through surveys and public engagement to evolve community spaces, inviting residents to contribute ideas for future estate designs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

Increasing Supply for BTO Flats over Next Three Years to Make Up for COVID-19 Construction Delays

Gan Thiam Poh urged HDB to increase BTO flat supply by 10,000 units annually for three years to offset pandemic-related construction delays.
Minister Desmond Lee acknowledged severe disruptions from COVID-19 but confirmed HDB launched about 17,000 flats in 2021 and plans a steady supply without reducing 2022 launches.
Gan Thiam Poh reiterated calls for higher supply to address a growing demand backlog and stabilize prices, while Lee assured ongoing efforts to expedite construction without compromising quality or safety.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

HDB Resale Flat Price and Cash-over-valuation Trends in Past Year and Support for Families Opting for Resale Flats due to Construction Delays for BTO Flats

HDB resale flat prices increased by 5% in 2020 and 6% in the first half of 2021, with the proportion of buyers paying cash-over-valuation rising from one in five to one in three, though the median COV remained at zero.
HDB will consider waiving option fee forfeitures and one-year wait-out periods for families affected by BTO delays who urgently need resale flats, and eligible first-timer families can receive up to $160,000 in grants.
The government is increasing BTO supply, launching 17,000 flats this year and planning at least 17,000 for next year, to meet demand and help stabilize the resale market.
Cases such as divorced couples not considered first-timers or those ineligible for public rental will be assessed individually for possible housing support, including subsidies for resale options.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

26 Jul 2021

COVID-19 Impact on Construction Costs and Estate Upgrading and Greening Plans

Construction costs in Singapore increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by higher foreign manpower costs from border measures, additional costs and reduced productivity from safe management measures, and rising material prices, though government support packages and legislative reliefs have mitigated some impacts.
Public sector construction and upgrading projects, including public housing, have seen higher tender prices, but the government will not pass these cost increases to flat buyers and is working to keep projects on track while ensuring quality and safety.
The demand for green buildings remains steady, as the cost premium for green certification is small relative to overall costs, and the government is committed to achieving its Singapore Green Plan 2030 targets, with the overall progress on track despite some potential delays.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Data on HDB Resale Flats Sold Below and Over Valuation in Past 18 Months

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development for detailed data on HDB resale flats sold below or over valuation in the past 18 months, broken down by district and cash-over-valuation (COV) ranges.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB resale transactions are on a willing-buyer-willing-seller basis with prices negotiated and published on HDB InfoWEB to guide buyers and sellers, and COV arises when the resale price exceeds market valuation and must be paid in cash.
Between January 2020 and April 2021, less than one in four resale transactions involved a COV, with about six in ten paying $20,000 or less in COV and four in ten paying more than $20,000.
The minister provided a table with regional details on COV paid for resale transactions that involved COV, responding to the request for district-level data.
The debate highlights the dynamics of HDB resale pricing and the role of COV in transactions, emphasizing transparency through published data but noting the limitation of providing specific numbers for the past 18 months.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Requirement for Good Soundproofing during Renovation Works and Advanced Notices of Renovation Works

Joan Pereira asked whether the Ministry would require good soundproofing during renovations and at least one week's advance notice for neighbours, given the rise in working and studying from home.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB already regulates structural renovation works, limiting hacking to weekdays with strict tool and duration rules, and requires contractors to close doors and windows to minimise noise, though complete soundproofing is not always possible.
HDB mandates notices outside the renovated flat with contractor details and dates, but not at lift lobbies to avoid clutter; from July 2021, residents can view approved renovation notices via the OneService app, and contractors must notify nearby households at least three days in advance.
HDB will consider extending the advance notice to one week and advises on non-structural renovations to minimise noise and inform neighbours; management corporations in condos can adopt similar measures, and residents can seek help from HDB for alternatives like community spaces or returning to the office.
The government empathises with residents' challenges but notes that some noise is inevitable in high-density living, and encourages cooperation and patience as Singapore adapts to new work-life arrangements during the pandemic.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Data on Flat Rental Application by Single Unwed Parents in Past Five Years

Louis Ng asked for annual data on rental flat applications, rejections, and reasons for rejections from single unwed parents over the past five years, or if not collected, whether it would be.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB reviewed each application individually and received 1,218 requests from single unwed parents from 2016 to 2020, with 55% successful and a fourfold increase in approvals from 48 in 2016 to 214 in 2020.
Rejections occurred mainly when applicants could afford to buy a flat, had family housing options, or failed to provide complete information, and HDB pledged to continue holistic reviews and assist in the children's best interests.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Number of Cases of Breaches under HDB (Renovation Control) Rules Reported since Start of COVID-19 Pandemic

Murali Pillai asked about the number of breaches under HDB Renovation Control Rules since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, actions taken to ensure compliance, and whether a process can be set up for residents to request deferment of noisy renovations.
Desmond Lee reported that infringement cases have remained steady, with 52 cases in 2019 and 53 cases between April 2020 and May 2021, and that HDB enforces compliance through audits, investigations, penalties, and debarring of errant contractors.
HDB has measures to manage renovation noise, including requiring contractors to notify nearby residents in advance, posting renovation notices, and adding alerts to the OneService app, while urging mutual understanding and patience among residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Deploy Recycling Bins with Capacity Sensors at HDB Estates and Develop App to Show Locations and Availability of Recycling Bins

Murali Pillai proposed deploying recycling bins with capacity sensors at HDB estates and creating an app to show bin locations and availability to address the issue of full bins.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that NEA will trial bins with sensors in the Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh sector starting October 2021 to monitor levels and reduce overflow, with possible expansion to other sectors after evaluating impact on collection fees.
She added that bin locations are already available via OneMap and the OneService app, and residents can report full bins through NEA’s website or mobile apps, while urging proper recycling to avoid contamination and overflow.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Interactions between Residents in Private Properties and Individuals of Varied Socio-economic and Ethnic Backgrounds

The Ministry for Culture, Community and Youth has implemented shared infrastructure, community programming, and Residents’ Networks to encourage interaction among residents from public and private housing estates.
These initiatives include common spaces, virtual and in-person activities, and outreach to new immigrants, aiming to foster neighbourliness and social mixing across different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.
The government acknowledges the need to better publicise these opportunities to private estate residents and encourages active participation to reduce isolation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Additional Support to Resolve Disamenities from Cigarette Smoke and Noise Disturbance between Neighbours in HDB Blocks

HDB will issue a Joint Advisory on Smoking in Homes to advise smokers to consider their neighbors and reduce second-hand smoke, with Town Councils and NEA assisting in enforcement and communication.
For noise disturbances, HDB will convey feedback to neighbors to request quieter behavior, and has introduced measures like the OneService App to notify residents of approved renovation works to minimize disruption.
When disputes persist, residents can seek help from community leaders, mediation centers, or the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal, while an inter-agency review aims to strengthen the dispute management framework.
HDB and MSO are actively promoting public education and community initiatives, such as campaigns with the Singapore Kindness Movement and the Love Our ’Hood Initiative, to foster neighborliness and develop solutions for disamenities.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Data Related to Number of Vacant HDB Rental Flats Available for Allocation

Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the current number of vacant HDB rental flats, the number of approved applicants on the waiting list compared to the past five years, and the average waiting time compared to the past five years.
Minister Desmond Lee stated there are about 4,800 vacant rental flats intended for allocation, but more than half need sprucing up, which has slowed due to a construction labour crunch, leading to longer waiting times.
The number of approved applicants on the waiting list has risen from an average of 660 over the past five years to 1,500 now, and the average waiting time has increased from three months to about six months.
Although vacant flats exceed the number of applicants overall, matching flat types and locations creates delays, with higher demand in certain areas causing longer waits.
HDB is working to speed up sprucing works and prioritise applicants with urgent needs, such as medical grounds, with about a third of successful rental applicants granted priority allocation in 2020.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Allocating Bigger Proportion of BTO Flats for First-time Home Buyers in light of Construction Delays

Seah Kian Peng asked whether the Ministry would allocate a larger share of BTO flats to first-time buyers due to construction delays and longer waiting times.
Desmond Lee responded that the government already prioritizes first-time buyers by reserving at least 85–95% of BTO flats in non-mature and mature estates for them, with additional ballot chances and grants available.
He noted there are no plans to increase these proportions further, as the current policy already meets the needs of first-time applicants effectively.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Jul 2021

Unoccupied HDB Rental Flats for Use by BTO Flat Applicants Affected by Construction Delays

Lim Biow Chuan asked about the number of unoccupied HDB rental flats and whether BTO flat buyers facing construction delays could temporarily rent them.
Desmond Lee explained that flat buyers waiting for new homes are encouraged to seek temporary housing with family or on the open market, with options like the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme or Interim Rental Housing for those in need.
He noted that some vacant rental flats have already been offered under Interim Rental Housing, but priority is given to low-income and vulnerable households with no other housing options.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source