Housing & estates — Topics

6 Jan 2020

Measures to Enhance Income Mobility and Reduce Income Inequality

The government is strengthening social mobility by focusing on economic growth, innovation, and productivity to create good jobs with sustained wage increases.
Upstream investments include enhancing preschool subsidies, expanding KidSTART, and broadening education pathways like Work-Study Programmes and SkillsFuture to support lifelong learning.
Support for lower-wage workers is being intensified through the Adapt and Grow initiative, Workfare Income Supplement, and the Progressive Wage Model.
Public housing policies promote social inclusion by ensuring integrated estates and providing more support for families in rental housing and homeownership.
Recent data shows broad-based income growth and better social mobility compared to other advanced economies, with ongoing reviews to enhance programmes for all Singaporeans.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Nov 2019

Programmes to Promote Neighbourliness and Tolerance

Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development to review and enhance HDB programmes to promote neighbourliness and tolerance, and to do more to reduce neighbour disputes.
Lawrence Wong responded that promoting neighbourliness requires a multi-pronged effort involving the People’s Association, grassroots leaders, and community partners, not just HDB.
HDB initiatives include public education exhibitions, volunteer door-to-door outreach, the Good Neighbour Award, and community space design to encourage interactions.
The Lively Places Programme supports ground-up projects to foster collaboration and closer ties among residents.
Overall, the government’s approach combines housing design, community programmes, and recognition efforts to build neighbourly relations.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Nov 2019

Applications for HDB Rental Flats by Distressed Individuals and Assistance for Them to Buy Flexi Flats

Gan Thiam Poh asked about HDB rental flat applications over the last five years from specific groups like divorcees, bankrupts, and those facing financial or family difficulties, and whether help can be given to buy Flexi flats.
Lawrence Wong reported that HDB received about 10,300 rental applications from divorcees from 2015 to September 2019 but does not track other groups mentioned.
HDB has provided exceptional help, such as flexibility on age requirements, for rental applicants with sufficient budget to buy short-lease 2-room Flexi flats.
HDB will continue offering rental flats to households with no other housing options or family support.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Nov 2019

Requests for Use of CPF Retirement Account Funds to Service HDB Housing Loans or Purchase HDB flats

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for Manpower for data on the number of appeals received, approved, and rejected over the past five years for using CPF Retirement Account funds for HDB housing loans or flat purchases, and whether CPF and HDB would assist those with rejected appeals.
The CPF system is designed to support retirement needs, with Ordinary Account funds primarily used for housing, while Retirement Account savings are reserved for retirement payouts after meeting the Basic Retirement Sum, but the CPF Board allows flexibility on case-by-case appeals.
Over the last five years, the CPF Board approved around 80% of such appeals annually, mainly for cases where Ordinary Account savings were transferred to the Retirement Account after age 55.
For members whose appeals are rejected, the CPF Board collaborates with HDB to explore alternative assistance, such as reducing or deferring housing instalments to help flat owners manage repayments.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Nov 2019

Governance of Aljunied-Hougang Town Council

The Deputy Prime Minister moved a motion affirming the importance of integrity for MPs, citing a High Court judgment that found Workers' Party MPs Sylvia Lim and Low Thia Khiang dishonest and in breach of fiduciary duties, and calling for their recusal from financial matters at Aljunied-Hougang Town Council pending any appeal.
Workers' Party MPs, including Sylvia Lim and Pritam Singh, opposed the motion, arguing it was premature due to an ongoing appeal and denying claims of obstruction or hiding documents, while maintaining their commitment to accountability and stating the Town Council will decide on recusal.
Government ministers and MPs supporting the motion emphasized the serious findings of dishonesty and misuse of public funds, urging immediate recusal as a matter of good governance and noting that similar standards apply to all public officials regardless of party.
The debate highlighted broader principles of transparency, with government speakers asserting that MPs must be held to high standards and that the Workers' Party’s response would signal their values, while Workers' Party members defended their actions and questioned the motion’s timing and motives.
The motion’s outcome would be decided by Parliament, with government MPs pressing for action to safeguard residents’ interests and public funds, while Workers' Party members stressed due process and the need to await the appeal’s conclusion before any steps.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Nov 2019

Screening of Flatowners who Approach HDB for Mortgage Assistance for Visits to Casinos

Gan Thiam Poh questioned whether HDB screens flatowners seeking mortgage assistance for casino visits.
The Second Minister for National Development confirmed HDB does not screen for casino visits when providing mortgage assistance.
HDB offers financial counselling and tailored measures like payment deferment or loan extensions for flatowners in arrears.
Assistance is provided regardless of casino visits, focusing on the household’s financial circumstances.
The response emphasized that HDB’s support is based on need, not on screening for gambling activity.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Nov 2019

Application Rate for 2-room Flexi Flats by Singles and General Public

The Minister for National Development reported that the overall application rate for 2-room Flexi flats was 1.6 times in the first half of 2019, while for singles it was three times during the same period.
Singles wishing to live with their parents can form a family nucleus and jointly purchase a BTO flat of any type, but the Minister stated that allowing singles to buy larger 3-room flats would require careful consideration due to potential impacts on housing demand and supply.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah suggested that HDB look into cases of singles and young couples who have applied unsuccessfully multiple times for flats in non-mature estates, but the Minister responded that for first-timer couples in non-mature estates, virtually all succeed within three tries and that the market for singles is still stabilizing before further concessions can be considered.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Nov 2019

Review of Operation of Reinstatement Clauses for HDB Commercial Leases

Leon Perera proposed a review of HDB commercial lease reinstatement clauses to introduce cost sharing between outgoing and incoming tenants and to limit reinstatement to when there is an incoming tenant, aiming to reduce costs and environmental impact.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB requires outgoing tenants to reinstate premises to ensure they are ready for new tenants who can then customize the space, but allows retention of certain fixtures and fittings that are in good condition and useful to the next tenant.
The government’s current approach balances the need for premises readiness with efforts to reduce wastage and costs by permitting the retention of approved and functional fixtures and fittings.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Nov 2019

Announced Government Budget for Upgrading of Public and Private Estates over Next Few Years

Sylvia Lim asked how much of the $1 billion estate upgrading budget will go to private estates and how the allocation will be fair across different estates.
Lawrence Wong announced that $29 million will be set aside to upgrade 10 private estates under the Estate Upgrading Programme.
The selection prioritizes older estates with greater upgrading needs and scope for improvements like parks, playgrounds, barrier-free access, and covered drains.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Nov 2019

Subsidy for Replacement of Fire-rated Main Doors for HDB Flats

Tin Pei Ling asked whether HDB flat owners replacing fire-rated main doors would receive the same subsidy as those choosing non-fire-rated doors under the Home Improvement Programme to ensure equitability.
The Minister for National Development explained that since 1996, the Fire Code requires fire-rated doors for certain HDB flats, with new flats already equipped as needed and pre-1996 flats receiving free replacements during a one-off exercise.
The Minister stated that since these units have already benefited from a free door replacement, HDB will not provide further subsidies for fire-rated door replacements under the Home Improvement Programme.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Nov 2019

Impact of Community Disputes Resolution Act on Number of Disputes between Neighbours

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether neighbour disputes in HDB flats decreased after the Community Disputes Resolution Act was implemented.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB does not track comprehensive figures on neighbour disputes and questioned the direct link between the Act and dispute numbers.
HDB encourages amicable resolution or informal mediation before suggesting voluntary mediation or the Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals as a last resort.
The Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals are intended to resolve longstanding disputes, not necessarily to deter or reduce the overall number of disputes.
The debate highlighted that the Act’s purpose is to provide a resolution pathway rather than act as a preventive measure.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Nov 2019

Improved Chances in Additional Ballot for BTO Flats for First-time Buyers who had Failed Attempts

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the effectiveness of the current additional ballot chance for first-timers who fail to secure a BTO flat and suggested increasing chances by 20% per attempt.
Lawrence Wong explained that first-timer families receive two ballot chances initially and an extra chance after failing twice in non-mature estates.
He noted that virtually all first-timer families succeed within three tries for BTO flats in non-mature estates.
The government will continue reviewing policies to ensure HDB flats remain accessible to first-timer families.
No immediate changes were announced, but the policy’s success was highlighted as a reason for its continuation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Nov 2019

Update of Lift Upgrading Programme Status for Flats that Previously Did Not Qualify based on Cost Cap Quantum

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked for an update on the Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP) for flats that were previously ineligible due to cost cap quantum.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that the LUP has successfully upgraded over 5,150 of the original 5,300 blocks, with about 150 blocks still not feasible due to cost or technical constraints.
The government continues to explore cost-effective solutions for the remaining blocks while offering housing and financing assistance to residents with urgent mobility needs.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

4 Nov 2019

Proposal to Review BTO Queuing Method

HDB shortlists up to 300% of BTO flat supply, with a consistent take-up rate of about three in five invited applicants from 2013 to 2018.
Applicants can cancel their BTO applications at any time, but drop-outs typically occur too late to reassign slots to subsequent applicants without sufficient notice.
The Ministry is open to reviewing the BTO process, including allowing earlier drop-outs to expedite flat selection, as part of ongoing improvements to the system.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2019

Plans to Enhance Awareness and Strengthen Policing of Illegal Subletting in Private Properties

URA investigated an average of 600 cases of suspected breaches of the minimum stay duration and over 1,000 cases of suspected breaches of the occupancy cap annually in the past five years.
The Ministry raises awareness through Management Corporations and takes enforcement action against offenders, including landlords who fail to exercise due diligence, with penalties ranging from composition fines up to $5,000 to prosecution for serious offenders facing fines up to $200,000 or imprisonment.
Since May 2019, 23 composition fines have been issued, and 18 individuals or companies have been prosecuted, with 11 convicted and sentenced to fines as high as $70,000, while actions are also taken against complicit estate agents and employers housing foreign workers in poor conditions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2019

Mean and Median Mortgage Service Ratio for Single HDB Flat in Last Five Years

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development for the mean and median mortgage service ratio (MSR) over the last five years for those servicing a mortgage on a single HDB flat, and how many HDB lessees were allowed to exceed the MSR ceiling.
Minister Lawrence Wong responded that from 2014 to 2018, the mean and median MSRs for HDB housing loans were stable at around 20% for new flats and 25% for resale flats at key collection, with buyers required to dispose of other properties.
The MSR cap is 30% of a buyer's income, but some buyers shorten their loan tenure to reduce interest, leading to a small number—around 3% of 2018 key collectors—having monthly instalments that exceed the 30% cap despite the loan adhering to the MSR over the full tenure.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2019

Average Amount of Funds Seniors Received through Lease Buyback Scheme

The Lease Buyback Scheme has provided seniors with average proceeds of $177,000 per household, which includes a cash bonus, with the distribution between CPF Retirement Account and cash depending on their initial CPF balances.
Seniors who participated in the scheme generally have sufficient CPF Retirement Account savings to receive a lifelong monthly income of about $1,000 per household under CPF LIFE.
Most seniors also receive additional cash from the scheme beyond the cash bonus, enhancing their retirement adequacy while allowing them to continue living in their flats.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2019

Update on Response to Walk-in Selection of Balance Flats

HDB launched an open booking system on 11 June 2019, allowing daily online applications and bookings, with strong initial response leading to half of available flats taken up before a temporary suspension in August 2019 to add more flats.
The system resumed in September 2019 and HDB will continue tracking public response to balance flats, which are also offered through other exercises with advantages like priority for first-timer families.
HDB is monitoring public feedback and will refine sales processes as needed to better meet home seekers' needs, though there is no immediate move to make all balance flats available daily.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2019

State Which Party can List a Child as Essential Occupier for Purchase of HDB Flats in Divorce Rulings with Shared Custody of Child

Louis Ng asked whether divorce rulings with shared custody should specify which parent can list the child as an essential occupier for buying a subsidised HDB flat.
Desmond Lee explained that courts can impose conditions on care orders, but making this a mandatory requirement is not intended, as parents have equal rights to list children and should work out arrangements in the child’s best interests.
HDB will review cases where parents face genuine difficulties and exercise flexibility to protect the child’s interests.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

7 Oct 2019

Skybridges to Connect Flats without Lifts on Their Floor

Gan Thiam Poh asked if HDB could use skybridges to connect flats without lifts on their floor to the next available lift when direct lift upgrades are not feasible.
Lawrence Wong explained that the Lift Upgrading Programme has provided direct lift access to most of the original 5,300 blocks, with about 150 blocks still facing constraints like high cost or technical issues.
Skybridges would require extensive structural work and be very expensive, so HDB will study the idea carefully while continuing to explore cost-effective solutions for the remaining blocks.
Residents with urgent medical or mobility needs can approach HDB for case-specific assistance to obtain direct lift access.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source