Housing & estates

16 Feb 2021

Reviewing HDB's Home Sales Programme to Shorten Waiting Time and Better Match Home Buyers’ Needs and Preferences

Liang Eng Hwa asked for the number of applications for HDB’s Sale of Balance Flats and Re-Offer of Balance Flats over the last three years and whether the home sales programme needs review to shorten waiting times and better match buyer needs.
Desmond Lee reported declining applications for both schemes, noting the Re-Offer of Balance Flats exercise was discontinued in 2020 in favor of open booking, which allows faster flat selection on a first-come, first-served basis.
Since November 2018, HDB has launched about 6,500 Build-to-Order flats with shorter waiting times of 2 to 3 years, including fitted interiors to help buyers move in sooner.
HDB will continue refining its sales processes and reviewing its programme to launch more flats with shorter waiting times and better meet home seekers’ needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

One-room Rental Flats Accommodating More Than Three Occupants and Measure to Minimise Spread of Diseases in Overcrowded Flats

The Minister reported that about 2,300 one-room rental flats, or 9% of such households, accommodate three or more occupants, with most larger families already residing in 2-room flats.
Households that have grown in size can apply to move to larger rental flats, such as 2-room or 3-room units, or request two separate flats in the same block if they form two distinct nuclei, subject to availability.
HDB conducts regular tenancy inspections to ensure only approved occupants live in flats and that properties are well-maintained, while also linking families needing additional assistance with social service agencies.
During the Circuit Breaker period, HDB performed extra checks on rental blocks to enforce safe distancing and maintain cleanliness in common areas to minimise disease spread.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Land Cost in FY2019/2020 and Breakdown of Payment to SLA, Government Organisations and Private Entities.

Hazel Poa asked the Minister for National Development for the amount HDB paid for land cost in FY2019/2020 and a breakdown of payments to SLA, other government organisations, and private entities.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB only purchases land from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) for public housing developments.
In FY2019/2020, HDB paid SLA approximately $3.2 billion for State Land, as detailed in HDB’s annual financial statements available on its website.
No payments were made to other government organisations or private entities for land in that fiscal year.
The response clarifies that all land costs for HDB public housing are directed solely to SLA.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Distributing Home Renovation Work Information Digitally and Protocols for Seeking Help Against Noisy Renovation Unit and Managing Recalcitrant Cases

HDB is exploring digital distribution of renovation notices, such as via the OneService app, to inform residents in advance, while currently requiring contractors to provide physical notices and serve advance notices to nearby flats.
The government emphasizes mutual understanding and tolerance for renovation noise in high-density living, with residents encouraged to show consideration, and contractors facing enforcement if rules are infringed.
Residents can seek help against noisy renovations by contacting HDB’s service line or management corporations, and may use mediation or tribunal services under the Community Dispute Management Framework for intractable cases.
HDB investigates feedback and takes action against contractors who break rules, but prefers cooperative solutions to preserve social fabric rather than excessive enforcement.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Trend for Number of Complaints Made by Executive Condominium Buyers to HDB against Developers

Darryl David asked whether the number of complaints by Executive Condominium buyers to HDB against developers has increased over the past five years, how HDB facilitates disputes, and if developers with poor delivery can be blacklisted from future EC bids.
Desmond Lee explained that EC buyers deal directly with developers under Sale and Purchase Agreements, and HDB does not track complaints but conveys any received feedback to developers for follow-up.
Developers are contractually responsible for defects during the 12-month Defects Liability Period and must address buyer concerns on design, finishing, and workmanship.
All EC developments must undergo CONQUAS assessment, and since October 2019, BCA imposes 100% checks on all unit locations if a developer had a private project with major defects in the past three years.
The response did not specify if developers are blacklisted for poor quality but highlighted enhanced quality checks under CONQUAS to protect home buyers.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Revising Eligibility Criteria and Housing Income Ceiling to Align with ComCare Assistance Schemes

Mr. Don Wee asked whether HDB will revise the eligibility criteria for rental flats and raise the income ceiling to $1,900 to align with ComCare assistance schemes.
Desmond Lee explained that HDB uses a needs-based approach, with the $1,500 figure as a guideline rather than a strict cap, and considers other housing options in assessments.
He noted that income thresholds vary across social assistance schemes to meet different needs, and the $1,500 guideline aims to encourage first-timer households to purchase flats with available housing grants.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Update on Remaining Number of HDB Blocks that Not Eligible for Lift Upgrading Programme

HDB has upgraded over 5,000 blocks under the Lift Upgrading Programme, with about 150 blocks currently not feasible due to cost, technical, or site constraints, but HDB continues to explore solutions.
Residents in urgent need of lift access due to medical or mobility reasons can receive up to $30,000 under the Lift Access Housing Grant to buy a flat with direct lift access, with a 6-month grace period to sell their existing flat.
Flat owners facing difficulties selling their old flat may request a case-by-case extension from HDB and can seek further assistance from their HDB Branch office.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Heat-reduction Retrofits in HDB Upgrading and Estate Renewal Programmes

Leon Perera questioned the Ministry for National Development on how HDB Upgrading and Estate Renewal Programmes incorporate heat-reduction retrofits like solar panels, green roofs, and cool paints, with focus on low-income areas.
Desmond Lee outlined HDB’s Green Towns Programme, which includes piloting cool coatings on building facades and driveways with Town Councils, with potential island-wide expansion if effective.
HDB has increased its solar target to install 540 MWp on 70% of HDB blocks by 2030, which may reduce heat by shading roofs from direct sunlight.
The plan also involves adding urban farms, greenery, and community gardens to Multi-Storey Car Park rooftops to help lower ambient temperatures in estates.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Building a Certain Type of HDB Flats that Can Be Used as "Stock Holding"

MP Henry Kwek proposed building a new type of HDB flats for couples to use as temporary "stock holding" homes while waiting for their BTO flats.
Minister Desmond Lee responded that interim housing options like staying with family, renting on the open market, or applying for the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) are already available, with priority given to couples with children.
The Ministry encourages couples to consider the lead time for BTO completion and explore other options such as buying resale flats with housing grants if they need to move in sooner.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Allowing Singaporeans to Buy Resale HDB Flats from Proceeds of Selling Local or Overseas Private Property

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry proposed allowing Singaporeans to buy resale HDB flats if they are downgrading from private property for retirement or if their overseas property's annual value is below a certain threshold or if they commit to divesting overseas property within a set timeline.
Desmond Lee responded that current rules already permit such purchases if buyers meet HDB eligibility and dispose of their private property within six months, ensuring HDB flats are for long-term occupancy and preventing speculation.
The policy aims to keep HDB flats affordable by prioritizing supply for those without other properties while allowing homeowners to cash out private property for retirement needs.
The debate highlights balancing support for retirees with maintaining the integrity and affordability of public housing.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Higher Priority for BTO Flats and Added Subsidies for Resale Flats for Singaporeans Staying Near Parents

Henry Kwek asked for higher priority or added subsidies for Singaporeans buying BTO or resale flats near their parents.
Desmond Lee explained existing schemes like the Married Child Priority Scheme and Multi-Generation Priority Scheme that already provide allocation priority for couples living near parents.
He also noted the Proximity Housing Grant offering $20,000–$30,000 for resale flat buyers living near or with parents.
The government currently has measures to support multi-generational living without additional subsidies or priority changes.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Measures to Protect Micro SMEs in Landlord-tenant Disputes

The Small Claims Tribunal does not handle non-residential tenancy disputes, so micro SMEs must use State Courts or alternative dispute resolution like mediation, with simplified processes and affordable schemes available to help them navigate without legal representation.
Micro SMEs with limited means can access legal aid through the Legal Aid Bureau on a case-by-case basis, even for commercial matters, and various COVID-19 relief measures like the Rental Relief and Re-Align Frameworks were introduced to support them.
The government is working with industry representatives through the Fair Tenancy Pro Tem Committee to establish fair tenancy practices and improve dispute resolution, while awareness of available support is promoted via multiple platforms, including social media, websites, and community associations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Water Seepages and Wear and Tear Problems at Common Areas of HDB Estates

Desmond Choo asked how the Ministry can support Town Councils in addressing water seepage and wear and tear in HDB common areas.
The Senior Minister of State replied that Town Councils are responsible for maintaining external walls, with HDB assisting in difficult cases through joint inspections and technical advice.
HDB provides training to Town Council staff on repair methods and holds regular dialogues to discuss estate maintenance issues.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

External Wall Seepages and Ceiling Leakages in HDB Flats

The Minister of State explained that HDB does not directly manage external wall seepages, as they are common property under Town Councils, but provides a 50% co-payment scheme for façade repairs and supports a new Periodic Façade Inspection regime for older buildings.
For ceiling leaks, repairs are jointly managed by upper and lower flat owners, with HDB offering a 50% cost share under the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme; HDB is also exploring new technologies like nanotechnology waterproofing for leak repairs.
MP Liang Eng Hwa urged HDB to intervene more in persistent seepage cases, especially for older flats built with specific techniques, and to integrate repairs into the Home Improvement Programme.
MP Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap proposed a national programme for façade repairs to achieve economies of scale and more thorough work, similar to other renewal programmes.
The Minister responded that while a dedicated national façade programme isn't planned, current measures like the inspection regime and co-payment scheme are sufficient, and the government is committed to working with Town Councils on long-term maintenance.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Eligibility for Community Care Apartments

The Minister for National Development announced the pilot launch of Community Care Apartments in Bukit Batok, which integrate senior-friendly housing with scalable care services, with eligibility depending on age, income, and care needs, and further expansion contingent on the pilot's reception.
Members of Parliament raised concerns about expanding eligibility to include caregivers under 65 and persons with disabilities below 65, with the Minister indicating openness to considering exceptions and studying adaptations of the model for persons with disabilities.
The debate highlighted the need to evaluate the pilot beyond demand, focusing on resident feedback, holistic well-being, social integration, and the effectiveness of new housing models in supporting seniors’ aging-in-place continuum.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

2 Feb 2021

Effectiveness of Anti-littering Enforcement Actions and Possibility of Scaling Up

The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported a multi-pronged approach to combat high-rise littering, including a 50% increase in surveillance camera deployments in 2020, leading to over 1,000 enforcement actions, while also emphasizing public education and community partnerships to foster social responsibility.
A Member of Parliament questioned the effectiveness of current measures, noting persistent littering in estates and asking whether the deterrent effect is failing, whether surveillance can be scaled up, and if new technologies and community efforts could reduce the problem.
The Senior Minister of State responded that high-rise littering is difficult to tackle due to dense housing, but NEA is enhancing enforcement through better technology, streamlined investigations, and increased penalties, with data showing a lower rate of repeat offenders indicating some deterrent effect.
Both speakers agreed that while enforcement and technology are being strengthened, long-term success requires community cooperation to cultivate good habits and collective responsibility to keep Singapore clean.
The debate highlighted ongoing efforts to scale up surveillance and adopt new technologies, with NEA committed to continuous improvement and community engagement to address high-rise littering effectively.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

Trends of Property Prices in 2020 for HDB Flats and Various Types of Private Housing

Breakdown on Number of Households by HDB Flat Type Participating in Lease Buyback Scheme in 2019 and 2020

Update on Efficacy of Commingled Collection System of Recyclable Waste from Blue Recycling Bins Provided at HDB Estates

Provision of Smoking Cabins or Rooms at HDB Void Decks for Smokers and Measures Taken to Reduce Incidences of Second-hand Smoke in HDB Flats

Reviewing HDB's Home Sales Programme to Shorten Waiting Time and Better Match Home Buyers’ Needs and Preferences

One-room Rental Flats Accommodating More Than Three Occupants and Measure to Minimise Spread of Diseases in Overcrowded Flats

Land Cost in FY2019/2020 and Breakdown of Payment to SLA, Government Organisations and Private Entities.

Distributing Home Renovation Work Information Digitally and Protocols for Seeking Help Against Noisy Renovation Unit and Managing Recalcitrant Cases

Trend for Number of Complaints Made by Executive Condominium Buyers to HDB against Developers

Revising Eligibility Criteria and Housing Income Ceiling to Align with ComCare Assistance Schemes

Update on Remaining Number of HDB Blocks that Not Eligible for Lift Upgrading Programme

Heat-reduction Retrofits in HDB Upgrading and Estate Renewal Programmes

Building a Certain Type of HDB Flats that Can Be Used as "Stock Holding"

Allowing Singaporeans to Buy Resale HDB Flats from Proceeds of Selling Local or Overseas Private Property

Higher Priority for BTO Flats and Added Subsidies for Resale Flats for Singaporeans Staying Near Parents

Measures to Protect Micro SMEs in Landlord-tenant Disputes

Water Seepages and Wear and Tear Problems at Common Areas of HDB Estates

External Wall Seepages and Ceiling Leakages in HDB Flats

Eligibility for Community Care Apartments

Effectiveness of Anti-littering Enforcement Actions and Possibility of Scaling Up