Housing & estates — Topics

5 Apr 2021

Impact of Rapidly Rising US Long-term Interest Rates on Singapore and Singaporean Households with Exposure to Property Mortgages

Rising US long-term interest rates, driven by expectations of a strong US economic recovery and higher inflation, are expected to lead to higher domestic interest rates in Singapore, which will increase debt servicing costs for borrowers.
The Singapore economy is projected to grow 4–6% this year, benefiting from global recovery, with improved employment and income prospects, though households with mortgages may face higher repayment costs.
Most households should be able to manage mortgage payments due to the Total Debt Servicing Ratio framework, which limits repayments to 60% of income based on a 3.5% interest rate, but a small segment in the private property market could experience cash flow strains.
Households are advised to exercise caution in property purchases, assuming interest rates will rise and ensuring they can service loans before committing to long-term financial obligations.

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5 Apr 2021

Public Education for the Young That High-rise Littering, Laundry Dripping and Non-return of Food Trays are Unacceptable Social Behaviours

The Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment will collaborate with other agencies to educate the young on rejecting high-rise littering, laundry dripping, and non-return of food trays.
Schools integrate civic-mindedness and clean environment lessons into the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, while the National Environment Agency engages students through creative campaigns like the Clean Tables Campaign.
The Housing and Development Board runs the OHYAY! programme to teach youth about maintaining clean common spaces and being considerate neighbours.
These initiatives aim to reinforce positive social behaviours among the young and foster a more gracious society through multi-agency efforts.

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5 Apr 2021

Number of Low-income Families Renting HDB Units in Open Market

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for National Development for the current number of low-income families renting HDB units in the open market and the mix of flat sizes for this group.
The Minister responded that HDB does not collect income data from tenants renting in the open market, as flat owners are not required to report their tenants' income.
HDB provides rental flats to eligible families in need after assessing their circumstances, ensuring they have no other housing options within their means.

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5 Apr 2021

Profile of Those who Apply to Rent Flat under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme

Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for National Development for the breakdown of PPHS applicants by married couples, fiancé/fiancée scheme couples, and divorced or widowed parents with children.
The Minister responded that in 2020, HDB received 2,350 applications under the PPHS.
66% of the applications were from married couples.
31% were from couples under the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme.
The remaining 3% were from divorced or widowed applicants with children.

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5 Apr 2021

Number of Cases of Obstruction along HDB Corridors

The average number of obstruction cases along HDB corridors is one per block per year, with obstructions defined as clear passage widths below 1.2 metres.
Town Councils are responsible for managing and resolving these obstruction cases in HDB common areas, not HDB itself.
HDB does not track resolution timelines, but Town Councils report that cases can take from a few days to several months to resolve, depending on complexity.

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5 Apr 2021

Wheelchair-bound HDB Residents Living on Floors Without Lift Access

Hazel Poa inquired about the number of wheelchair-bound HDB residents living without lift access and the annual complaints received over the past three years.
Desmond Lee outlined ongoing efforts to improve accessibility, including retrofitting HDB blocks, the Lift Upgrading Programme, and the Lift Access Housing Grant, noting that about 150 blocks still lack direct lift access due to cost or technical constraints.
The government has introduced initiatives like the Enhanced EASE programme and wheelchair lifter pilots, with over 1,900 ramps installed and 10 lifters deployed as of February 2021.
HDB does not track the exact number of wheelchair-bound residents but handles every request for mobility assistance and received 27 feedback cases on accessibility issues in the past year.
Ongoing programmes such as the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme aim to further improve estates, with recognition that more can be done to assist less mobile residents.

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5 Apr 2021

Clearing of Fallen Leaves to Prevent Forming of Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether public cleaning contractors are required to clear fallen leaves daily and if additional efforts can be made to prevent mosquito breeding grounds.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that cleaning frequency ranges from daily to every three days, with increased efforts during peak leaf-shedding months from February to March and June to July.
The National Environment Agency monitors contractor performance to maintain service standards, while Town Councils engage pest control operators to inspect and remove potential mosquito breeding habitats.

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5 Apr 2021

Number of HDB Flats that Have Undergone Home Improvement Programme

As of end-February 2021, about 375,000 HDB flats have been selected for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) since 2007, with 218,000 of them completed.
Around 173,000 eligible flats are pending selection for HIP.
HIP works were halted during the two-month Circuit Breaker period and have resumed, but completion dates are delayed by six to nine months due to manpower issues and safe management measures.
HDB is collaborating with BCA and MOM to mitigate delays and will update residents on their HIP schedules.

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5 Apr 2021

Impact of COVID-19 Spending on HDB's Estate Improvement Programmes

Darryl David asked if HDB estate improvement programmes like HIP, SLRP and NRP are affected by COVID-19 spending in the short to medium term.
Desmond Lee confirmed that funding for selected projects under these programmes was secured before project selection and remains unaffected by the pandemic.
He added that HDB will continue implementing HIP, SLRP and NRP for eligible blocks, contingent on the government's overall fiscal position and budget availability.

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5 Apr 2021

Emergency Interim Public Housing Available at Short Notice to Victims of Domestic Violence

The Minister clarified that emergency interim public housing for domestic violence victims is primarily provided through MSF-funded crisis shelters when safety risks are high and no safe alternatives exist, with social service professionals assisting in securing longer-term housing.
For less severe cases, victims are encouraged to stay in their residences with safety plans supported by Family Violence Specialist Centres, and courts can issue Domestic Exclusion Orders to restrict perpetrators from entering shared homes.
HDB may exercise flexibility in allocating public rental flats to victims with no other housing options, as part of their longer-term accommodation assessment.
The government is addressing family violence through the National Family Violence Networking System and a Taskforce that is developing recommendations to increase awareness, improve reporting, strengthen victim protection, and enhance perpetrator accountability.

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5 Apr 2021

Managing Construction of Backlog of BTO Flats Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic Measures

The Minister for National Development acknowledged that all 89 ongoing HDB BTO projects resumed after the Circuit Breaker but most are delayed by six to nine months due to safe management measures, supply chain issues, and manpower shortages.
HDB is monitoring progress, working with contractors on revised timelines, and seeking exemptions for extended construction hours on Sundays and public holidays to mitigate delays.
Affected flat buyers are being updated on new completion dates, and households unable to secure interim housing may contact HDB for assistance, with about 240 households receiving Interim Rental Housing support as of February 2021.

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8 Mar 2021

Number of Requests for Third HDB Loan

In 2020, HDB received approximately 6,000 appeals for a third housing loan, which constituted about 20% of all loan appeals received by HDB.
HDB provides up to two housing loans at a concessionary rate, with any further financing needing to be sought from financial institutions, though case-by-case flexibility is exercised for urgent housing needs.
Of the 6,000 appeals for a third HDB loan, about 1% were due to children being added as co-owners to assist with loan repayments.

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5 Mar 2021

Policy of Providing HDB Flats to 80% of Singapore’s Resident Population

The Minister affirmed that the Government remains committed to home ownership and will continue providing HDB flats to 80% of Singapore’s resident population under current policies.
Eligibility conditions such as the income ceiling are regularly reviewed and adjusted to ensure subsidies are targeted at those most in need, with the current ceiling of $14,000 qualifying about 80% of citizen households.
HDB offers various support measures, including generous subsidies for first-timers and the Proximity Housing Grant for resale flat buyers, without an income ceiling.
The Government will monitor the housing market to keep policies relevant and responsive to population needs, including reviewing existing measures to further assist Singaporeans in owning HDB flats.

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4 Mar 2021

Increase in Executive Condominiums to Meet Demand of HDB Upgraders

Gan Thiam Poh questioned the need to increase executive condominiums (ECs) to meet HDB upgraders' demand.
Desmond Lee explained that URA and HDB collaborate on housing supply planning, including ECs, to ensure a balanced mix of public and private housing.
The government considers unsold stock, take-up rates, and market conditions when planning EC land supply and will adjust future GLS programmes as needed.

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4 Mar 2021

Computation of HDB Loan Eligibility Based on Higher Incomes Prior to COVID-19 Effect

Denise Phua asked if HDB could calculate housing loan eligibility based on pre-COVID-19 incomes and adjust it before key collection.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB's Loan Eligibility letter uses current income to ensure realistic budgeting and prevent over-commitment.
He noted that using higher pre-pandemic incomes could mislead buyers and risk their inability to complete the purchase if incomes drop later.
Lee emphasized financial prudence, advising buyers to plan based on current income and choose affordable flats.
He added that HDB would assess extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis for those needing assistance.

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4 Mar 2021

Appeals for Reduction of Minimum Occupation Period for HDB Flats Due to Changes in Homeowners’ Income Situations

Ms Carrie Tan asked about the number of HDB appeals for reduction of the minimum occupation period due to income changes, any increase in 2020 from job losses, and financial counselling for young couples.
Desmond Lee responded that HDB approved about 260 households per year in 2019 and 2020 to sell flats early due to financial or medical reasons, with no upward spike in 2020.
HDB assists flat owners facing financial difficulties to downsize during the minimum occupation period but does not track unique appeals.
HDB requires a Loan Eligibility letter for housing loans, provides financial counselling to help plan budgets, and collaborates with institutions to guide prospective buyers.

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4 Mar 2021

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

Parliament debated how to keep HDB estates liveable and inclusive, with MPs proposing more community spaces, better support for vulnerable groups, and greater resident involvement in upgrading plans, while the Ministry outlined plans to transform the built environment sector and introduce new housing models for prime locations.
Concerns were raised about ageing flat maintenance, rental housing shortages, and the impact of the Ethnic Integration Policy, with the Ministry responding by highlighting initiatives like the Home Improvement Programme, increased rental options, and targeted support for lower-income households.
The discussion also covered transforming the construction industry through technology and green standards, while ensuring public housing remains affordable, with the Ministry emphasising that flat pricing is based on affordability rather than cost.

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3 Mar 2021

Proposal to Increase BTO Flats in New Towns in North East

Gan Thiam Poh asked if HDB could increase BTO flats in new towns in the north east for a better islandwide mix across exercises.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB launches BTO sites across Singapore each year, with flat numbers in any location depending on site readiness and infrastructure capacity.
He noted that over 8,000 BTO units have been launched in the north east region since 2018, with another 1,300 to be launched in Hougang in August 2021.

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2 Mar 2021

Making Mediation Before Community Mediation Centre Mandatory Measure in Resolution of Neighbourly Disputes between Dwellers or Owners of HDB Flats

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed making mediation at the Community Mediation Centre mandatory for resolving neighbourly disputes among HDB dwellers or owners.
Desmond Lee outlined the existing Community Dispute Management Framework, which involves grassroots leaders, mediation at the CMC, and last-resort legal action through the Tribunal.
The Ministry of National Development and HDB are part of a Whole-of-Government review led by MCCY to strengthen dispute resolution measures, including considering mandatory mediation.
The government will carefully consider the suggestion as part of ongoing efforts to improve community dispute management.

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2 Mar 2021

HDB Flats Resold to HDB in Past Five Years

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the number of HDB flats resold to HDB in the past five years, the reasons for such resales instead of open market sales, and whether HDB could include these flats in its open booking system.
Senior Minister of State Sim Ann reported that about 1,700 flats were surrendered to HDB, with half being 2-room flats, one-sixth 3-room, and one-third 4-room or larger; about 1,000 were short-lease flats, while the rest were surrendered due to owners becoming ineligible during the Minimum Occupation Period, often due to divorce or relationship breakdowns.
HDB compensates owners for surrendered flats and offers them through Sale of Balance Flats exercises, with any unsold units then made available via open booking.
Lim Biow Chuan questioned the 5% penalty or 95% compensation for flats surrendered before meeting the Minimum Occupation Period, suggesting the loss should not fall on owners since HDB can resell the flats at market value.
Sim Ann defended the policy, stating that subsidies and eligibility conditions are designed to ensure fair access to public housing and deter speculation, with penalties serving to uphold commitment to these rules rather than reflecting resale value.

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