Housing & estates — Topics

4 Jan 2021

Progress of HDB's Plans to Install 5,500 Solar Panels in HDB Blocks by End-2020 and Its Target for 2021 and Beyond

HDB has called or awarded tenders for about 280 MWp of solar capacity across over 5,700 blocks by 2020, exceeding the original target of 220 MWp for 5,500 blocks, with roughly half the panels installed and the rest to be rolled out over the next two to three years.
The 280 MWp capacity can power about 70,300 4-room flats and cut carbon emissions by 168,000 tonnes annually, aiding climate change mitigation.
A new target of 540 MWp on HDB blocks by 2030 has been set, more than double the previous goal, potentially generating 648 GWh of clean energy per year and contributing to the national aim of at least 2 GWp by 2030.
HDB will continue to call more tenders for rooftop solar installations and use higher-efficiency panels to optimise space and meet the higher target.

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4 Jan 2021

Assistance for Non-IT-savvy Elderly and Vulnerable Without SingPass Applying for Build-To-Order and Sale of Balance Flats Online

Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked what assistance HDB provides for elderly and vulnerable individuals without SingPass or IT skills to apply for Build-To-Order and Sale of Balance flats online.
Minister Desmond Lee stated that flat applications are online via HDB InfoWEB, and those without internet access can seek help from family, friends, or the community.
For those needing further assistance, such as seniors without devices or digital skills and without support, they can call the HDB Sales/Resale Customer Service Line for help.
If face-to-face engagement is needed, HDB will invite them to HDB Hub for in-person assistance while adhering to safe management measures.

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4 Jan 2021

Median and Average Discount or Premium for Flats Transacted by Minority Ethnic Groups vis-a-vis Chinese Ethnic Group Based on Resale Transactions in Same Year and Block in Last Five Years

The Minister explained that resale flat prices are negotiated based on various factors like market conditions, location, and lease length, making ethnic group comparisons not meaningful, as prices can vary widely across estates and ethnic groups.
Even within the same year and block, differences in storey height, flat condition, and other factors affect prices, and such comparisons are often not feasible due to low transaction volumes for specific ethnic groups in many blocks.
The Minister noted that asking for median or average discounts or premiums between minority ethnic groups and the Chinese ethnic group is not meaningful, as resale transactions are highly variable and influenced by individual circumstances rather than ethnicity alone.

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4 Jan 2021

Statistics on Private Residential Property Purchase Transactions and Rental Transactions Entered Into by Singaporeans in Last 10 Years

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for the number and percentage share of private residential property purchase and rental transactions by Singaporeans across four age groups (below 25, 25–29, 30–34, and 35–39) for each of the last 10 years.
Desmond Lee responded by providing two tables: one detailing purchase transactions (including Executive Condominiums) by Singapore Citizens broken down by the purchaser’s age, and another detailing rental transactions (including ECs) of whole units by Singapore Citizens broken down by the tenant’s age.
The response indicates that the data covers both purchases and rentals over the past decade, with age-based breakdowns for Singapore Citizens, but does not include the actual numerical figures in the debate text.

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4 Jan 2021

Rectification of Misaligned or Damaged Perimeter Drains due to Ground Movement and Settlement in Mature HDB Estates

Murali Pillai questioned whether HDB would fund or conduct repairs to perimeter drains damaged by ground movement in mature HDB estates.
Desmond Lee explained that drain misalignment or damage results from natural deterioration and soil subsidence over time.
He stated that maintenance and repair of drains in common areas fall under the responsibility of Town Councils, not HDB.

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4 Jan 2021

Liberalising Use of Under-utilised Upper Levels of Multi-storey Carparks for Childcare Centres and Activity Centres for Senior Citizens

Don Wee proposed liberalising under-utilised upper levels of multi-storey car parks for childcare centres and senior activity centres.
The Ministry noted that HDB already plans for such facilities and reserves space in void decks and car parks for future conversion.
If additional space is needed, HDB will consider upper levels but must assess parking demand, planning requirements, safety, and potential disamenities to residents.
Each proposal is evaluated on a case-by-case basis due to unique site constraints.

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4 Jan 2021

Appeals Received for Waiver of Minimum Occupation Period for HDB Flats

Over the past five years, HDB received about 5,000 successful appeals for waiver of the minimum occupation period (MOP) to sell flats early, out of approximately 112,000 resale transactions; HDB does not track total unique appeals due to duplicate requests.
Common reasons for appeals include financial hardship, divorce, or the demise of the flat owner, and HDB assesses each case individually based on the owners' circumstances.
The MOP policy is upheld to ensure flats are bought for genuine living needs rather than quick resale for profit, which helps deter speculation and maintain affordability.
HDB balances the social objectives of housing needs with policy consistency, continuing to evaluate waivers on a case-by-case basis without a broad policy review.

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4 Jan 2021

Planning for Childcare Centres within a Constituency and Ensuring Adequacy of Childcare Places

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) monitors child care demand across Singapore and collaborates with agencies like HDB and URA to integrate preschools into new housing developments and set aside space in private projects.
National infant and child care places have increased by almost 50% since 2015, with a focus on areas like Punggol and Sengkang; ECDA plans to add 20,000 new places by 2023, mainly in upcoming HDB developments.
The Preschool Search Portal (PSP) was launched in 2019 to help parents find centres based on proximity, vacancy, and quality, and ECDA assists families who cannot find placements through this or other channels.

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4 Jan 2021

Number of HDB Public Rental Scheme Applications Rejected in Last Five Years

From 2015 to 2019, HDB received an average of 7,400 rental flat requests per year, with an average of 2,400 successful annually; the rest included enquiries, incomplete requests, and rejections.
Common reasons for rejection include households being able to purchase a flat, having family members who can provide housing, and not meeting citizenship criteria.
HDB does not track the number of rejected applications that were later successful on appeal and assesses each request based on individual circumstances and housing options.

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4 Jan 2021

Common Design Standards to Guide All Statutory Boards for Public Housing Construction

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether there are plans to standardise designs for common parts like concrete panels across statutory boards for public housing.
The Building and Construction Authority encourages standardised designs through the Buildability Framework, requiring projects over 5,000 sqm to meet minimum buildable design scores.
HDB balances standardisation for cost-effectiveness with allowing design variation for unique project identities, standardising components like water tanks and partially standardising walls and slabs.
HDB allows variation in facade precast panels across projects but standardises components within each project to achieve economies of scale.
HDB regularly reviews standardisation and design guidelines to align with industry trends and stakeholder expectations.

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4 Jan 2021

Proposal for Community Gardens to be Built as Standard Communal Facilities in HDB Estates

Hany Soh asked whether community gardens should be a standard feature in HDB BTO developments and Neighbourhood Renewal Programmes to promote community bonding and food security.
Desmond Lee explained that since 2009, HDB has provided spaces like roof gardens in BTO projects, which can be converted into community gardens if residents show interest, and gardens can also be set up on ground levels.
HDB plans to include more community garden spaces in new towns like Tengah, while existing estates can adopt them through Town Council-led Neighbourhood Renewal Programmes after resident consultations.

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4 Jan 2021

Support for Homeless People with Health Problems

Mr Mohd Fahmi Aliman asked how the Ministry plans to support homeless people with health problems, citing a study on homelessness in Singapore.
Minister Masagos Zulkifli explained that MSF works with community partners through the PEERS Network to reach out to homeless individuals, provide social and financial assistance, and refer them to healthcare institutions for medical support, subsidies, and integrated care plans.
MSF collaborates with partners to set up Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3Ps), Transitional Shelters, and Senior Group Homes to provide safe rest and shelter, with the goal of helping them secure long-term stable housing.
The public can assist by calling the ComCare hotline or referring homeless individuals to Social Service Offices or Family Service Centres for help.

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4 Jan 2021

Increasing Number of Community Care Apartments

Alex Yam asked whether the Ministry has plans to increase community care apartments if the pilot is successful and if such services could be incorporated into regular HDB estates.
Desmond Lee responded that the first pilot at Bukit Batok will launch in February 2021, with plans for more pilots if initial take-up is good, but longer-term plans depend on evaluation of the initial pilot.
He noted that the services in community care apartments mirror existing community services, with a unique Shared Caregiving Service offering round-the-clock assistance, which will be monitored for suitability for broader application.

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4 Nov 2020

Property Owners Levied Non-owner-occupier Property Tax Rates Despite Residing in Their Own Homes

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat explained that property owners must declare owner-occupation to receive concessionary tax rates, as property tax is applied by default based on value and usage, and IRAS has no statistics on owners who reside in their homes but are taxed at non-owner-occupier rates.
IRAS automatically grants concessionary rates for certain new HDB, DBSS, and EC purchases, and for private properties bought after 2011 by eligible Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents who are not claiming the concession elsewhere, with owners required to report if the property is not owner-occupied.
For properties bought before 2011, IRAS conducted a 2012 exercise inviting owners to apply for the concession if residing in their property, but there is no automatic refund for excess tax paid after moving out; refunds are assessed case-by-case.

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4 Nov 2020

Temporary Housing for Individuals Undergoing Divorce Proceedings Or Division of Matrimonial Assets

Yeo Wan Ling asked the Minister for National Development about the number of rental or temporary housing offers in the past 12 months for individuals undergoing divorce or matrimonial asset division, and whether HDB would consider a structured scheme for such housing.
Desmond Lee responded that from October 2019 to September 2020, HDB assisted about 50 individuals undergoing divorce with rental housing.
He explained that individuals who have commenced divorce proceedings can apply for rental housing, with HDB considering each applicant's circumstances, housing options, and children's needs.
HDB provides rental housing if applicants have no other housing option and no family support, and those in urgent need can seek help from Ministry of Social and Family Development shelters while applying.
The response did not directly address the question about a structured scheme, focusing instead on existing ad-hoc assistance.

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4 Nov 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Circuit Breaker on Demand for HDB Rental Flats

Leon Perera asked about changes in demand for HDB rental flats since the circuit breaker started and whether supply would be increased due to pandemic difficulties.
Desmond Lee stated that from April to September 2020, average monthly rental applications rose to 240 from 230 in the same period of 2019.
He confirmed that current rental flat supply is sufficient to meet registered applications and HDB will monitor the situation to assist those without other housing options.

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4 Nov 2020

HDB Rooftop Farming in Support of Singapore's "30 by 30" Food Sustainability Goal

Murali Pillai inquired about the number of HDB rooftop farming sites to be established, their expected yield, and whether community engagement will be a tender requirement.
Grace Fu outlined Singapore’s "30 by 30" goal to produce 30% of nutritional needs by 2030, with HDB rooftops among alternative spaces for commercial urban farming.
The first tender for nine Multi-Storey Carpark sites yielded up to 1,600 tonnes of vegetables annually, with a second tender planned and more sites to be identified based on industry interest.
Urban farming on HDB rooftops supports food security, provides community benefits like employment, and encourages public support for local produce due to its freshness and sustainability.
The government calls for public support in purchasing local produce to achieve the "30 by 30" goal and reduce carbon miles.

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4 Nov 2020

Trend of Neighbour Dispute Complaints Received by HDB Given Work-from-home Arrangements

HDB received an average of about 3,400 reports on social disamenities per year from 2015 to 2019, with a significant increase during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period from April to July 2020, rising to about 2,100 cases per month as more people worked and studied from home.
The government acknowledged that while it does not track specific neighbour disputes, the rise in social disamenity feedback is linked to changes in living and work arrangements, and HDB is collaborating with partners like the Singapore Kindness Movement to promote consideration and harmony among residents.
From 2015 to 2019, about two-thirds of the 380 applications to the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunal (CDRT) were resolved amicably, and HDB plans to track neighbour disputes more closely in the future to evaluate and improve conflict resolution mechanisms.

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3 Nov 2020

Data on Outstanding Housing Loans Approved or Pending Approval by Banks and HDB for Repayment Deferments

From April to September 2020, 26,500 households with bank loans had deferred payments, with 77% owning private property and 23% owning HDB flats.
For HDB loans, 1,000 households were on deferred payments and 300 on reduced payments, with late payment charges suspended until March 2021.
Homeowners needing deferments were slightly more likely to be over 50, work in General Commerce and Business Services, and for HDB owners, live in 3-room or smaller flats.
HDB and banks provide financial counseling and have enhanced assistance measures during the pandemic.

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3 Nov 2020

Annual Number of Successful BTO Flat Applicants Cancelling Flat Applications over Last 10 Years

From 2010 to 2019, an average of about 2,300 successful BTO flat applicants cancelled their bookings each year, representing roughly 12% of the flats offered during that period.
The majority of cancellations came from the Public Applicant Scheme (52%), followed by the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme (36%), with the remaining 12% from schemes like the Single Singapore Citizen or Joint Singles Schemes.
Common reasons for cancellation included financial difficulties, break-ups under the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, and changes in housing plans.

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