Housing & estates — Topics

8 Jul 2019

Take-up Rate of 3Gen Flats

Liang Eng Hwa questioned the Minister for National Development on the take-up rate of 3Gen flats at recent BTO launches, the reasons for the current response, and HDB's plans for unsold units after repeated balance sales.
Lawrence Wong stated that 3Gen flats are designed for multi-generation families, with an encouraging take-up rate of about 70% since their introduction in 2013.
The take-up rate for BTO flats depends on factors such as proximity to the city, transport nodes, and neighbourhood amenities.
Unsold 3Gen flats are offered through Sale of Balance Flats and Re-Offer of Balance Flats exercises, with any remaining units available for open booking.
HDB will continue to monitor demand for 3Gen flats and adjust the supply accordingly.

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8 Jul 2019

Extending 3-room HDB Flats to Applicants Below Age 55 with Bigger Families and Less Financial Resources

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry proposed that HDB extend the option for younger applicants with bigger families and tight finances to purchase new 3-room flats, not just 2-room Flexi flats.
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that short-lease 2-room Flexi flats are restricted to seniors aged 55 and above to ensure the lease covers them until at least age 95 for retirement security.
He noted that younger buyers can purchase larger 3-room flats on the open market with varying leases and may receive a Proximity Housing Grant of up to $30,000 for family proximity.

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8 Jul 2019

Reviewing Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act for Part of Monthly Maintenance Fee to be Set Aside for Sinking Fund in Private Estates

Zainal Sapari queried why the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act does not mandate a fixed percentage of monthly fees to be allocated to the sinking fund and suggested amending the Act to simplify funding without requiring majority votes at AGMs.
Lawrence Wong explained that setting a minimum percentage is impractical due to varying maintenance needs and costs across different private estates, so the Act allows flexibility for management corporations to determine contributions based on specific requirements.
He added that the current process requires passing an ordinary resolution at a general meeting, which lets the management council present details and enables owners to discuss and decide collectively.

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8 May 2019

Number of Displaced Persons in Shelters

MSF collaborates with HDB and community agencies to assist homeless individuals and families, offering Transitional Shelters, Crisis Shelters for family violence victims, and long-term Welfare Homes for those unable to support themselves.
Between 2016 and 2018, MSF supported an average of 290 homeless or destitute individuals yearly, with an average of 180 families in shelters annually and about 60 foreign cases assisted each year.
Reasons for displacement include debt, divorce, family conflicts, inability to work, or seeking safety from abuse, with social workers addressing underlying issues and securing long-term housing.

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8 May 2019

Living in Private Properties but with No Declared Income

About 164,000 adult Singaporean citizens live in private properties and have no declared income, falling into groups with no income, non-taxable income, or taxable income below the filing threshold.
The government uses broad-based schemes like GST Vouchers and healthcare subsidies, which mainly target lower-income households in HDB flats, leaving some private property residents feeling excluded despite having low or no income.
Officials acknowledge the challenge of identifying those in genuine need within the private property group and encourage applications for assistance, noting that specific schemes like the Pioneer and Merdeka Generation Packages apply regardless of property type.
The debate highlighted concerns about equity, as some private property residents with modest incomes feel disadvantaged compared to HDB dwellers who receive more benefits, despite the former's contributions to the nation.

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7 May 2019

Proposal for Enclosed HDB Deck Space to be Designated Pedestrian-only Paths to Prevent Accidents with PMDs

Murali Pillai proposed that enclosed HDB void deck spaces, especially lift lobbies and letter box areas, be designated pedestrian-only under the Active Mobility Act to prevent PMD-related accidents, citing an incident in Bukit Batok where an elderly resident was injured.
The Senior Minister of State for Transport explained that void decks are exempt from the Act, so Town Councils can set their own PMD rules, citing safety, connectivity, and clarity principles, and noted void decks have blind spots and are not critical for connectivity.
Dr. Lam Pin Min agreed safety is paramount and clarified that Town Councils can ban PMDs in void decks, including ground floor lift lobbies and letter box areas, under their by-laws, while the Ministry is considering legal amendments to allow Town Council officers to enforce rules in non-void deck areas.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about crowded town centres where enforcement was previously possible but is now hindered by the Act, and Pritam Singh urged the Ministry to standardize PMD bans in void decks nationwide for consistency and safety given Singapore's aging population.

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6 May 2019

Transfer of Flats under 2-room Flexi Scheme for Seniors

Sylvia Lim asked whether HDB allows or would consider allowing the transfer of 2-room Flexi flats for seniors to family members or estate beneficiaries if the lessee dies before the lease ends, and under what conditions such transfers would be approved.
Lawrence Wong stated that if the sole owner of a short-lease 2-room Flexi flat dies before lease expiry, the flat can be transferred to a named beneficiary who meets HDB’s eligibility criteria for owning such a flat.
If the beneficiary is not eligible to retain the flat, HDB will reimburse them the value of the residual lease.

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6 May 2019

HDB BTO Applicants Who Obtained Housing Grants

Over 48,600 first-timer households, representing 61% of those who booked a BTO flat from 2014 to 2018, received housing grants such as the Additional CPF Housing Grant and Special CPF Housing Grant.
First-timer households can receive up to $80,000 in housing grants to purchase a subsidised flat from HDB.
The government has provided tables detailing the percentages and numbers of grant recipients by flat type and the lowest prices paid by successful grant applicants for each flat type.

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6 May 2019

Trees Uprooted and Fallen in Public Spaces Last Year

In 2018, 217 trees were uprooted and fell in public spaces, primarily due to strong winds and heavy rainfall.
NParks conducts rigorous tree inspections every 12 to 24 months, with additional annual checks for larger trees, and uses measures like pruning and replacing vulnerable species.
The Ministry is working with Town Councils and HDB to create a nationwide tree registry for public housing estates to improve tree management and care regimes.

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6 May 2019

Cases of Suspected Unauthorised Subletting of HDB Flats

HDB conducts proactive inspections and investigates all public feedback on suspected unauthorized subletting or overcrowding, with flat owners held responsible for compliance during rental periods.
Penalties for breaches include written warnings, financial fines up to $50,000, compulsory flat acquisition, or debarment from renting for tenants who sublet without owner knowledge, which are deemed sufficient deterrents.
The Ministry engages the community through outreach programs like Heartland Talks and publicizes enforcement cases to raise awareness, while encouraging residents to report suspected infringements.

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6 May 2019

Complaints from Owners of DBSS Flats about Recurrent Defects or Discoloured Floorings

Lily Neo inquired about complaints from DBSS flat owners regarding recurring defects like discoloured flooring and what help the Ministry would provide to resolve issues with developers after the defects liability period.
Lawrence Wong explained that DBSS developers are contractually responsible for construction and defects rectification within a one-year period, while HDB facilitates discussions but is not a party to the agreements.
HDB surfaces defects complaints to developers and urges resolution, but advises owners to seek legal advice if disagreements persist, as disputes can be complex and require independent recourse.

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6 May 2019

Government's Stand on Developers Offering Two-year Deferment Schemes to Home Buyers

The Ministry of National Development does not allow deferred payment schemes for uncompleted private residential properties, only for completed ones, and urges buyers to exercise due diligence.
Buyer and seller stamp duties are based on the date the Sale and Purchase Agreement is executed, not the earlier Option-to-Purchase date under a deferment plan.
Developers must pay stamp duty for unsold units after five years if the Sale and Purchase Agreement is not executed, even if an Option-to-Purchase was obtained.

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6 May 2019

Appeals by Persons who have Obtained BTO Flats more than Twice in Five Years

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Ministry for National Development for statistics on appeals from BTO applicants who have obtained more than two flats in five years and whether the scheme could be revised to allow a conditional third chance.
Lawrence Wong stated that while most households are limited to two subsidised BTO flats, seniors aged 55+ may buy a third 2-room Flexi flat, but extending subsidies to non-elderly households is not fiscally sustainable.
HDB considers such appeals case-by-case, receiving about 790 appeals over five years and approving about 150 based on exceptional circumstances, such as when one spouse is a first-timer.

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1 Apr 2019

CPF Members with and without Basic Retirement Sum in their Retirement Accounts on Reaching 55 in Last Three Years

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira requested data on CPF members turning 55 in 2016–2018 who set aside the Basic Retirement Sum, disaggregated by gender and housing type as a proxy for household income.
Ms Anthea Ong asked for the number and percentage of inactive CPF members broken down by gender, the percentage without the Basic Retirement Sum when they turned 55 in the last three years, and the difference in CPF balances between inactive men and women.
Mrs Josephine Teo noted that Basic Retirement Sum attainment has improved over time, narrowed the gap between men and women, and varies by housing type, with private property owners having the highest attainment and owners of smaller HDB flats the lowest.
She added that drawing conclusions from economically inactive members is difficult as they may have other means of support, but they can use voluntary top-ups or CPF transfers from family to save through the CPF system.

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1 Apr 2019

Total Area in Singapore Used for Housing, Industries, Parks, Nature Reserves and Water Catchment

Png Eng Huat requested the Minister for National Development to specify the percentage of Singapore’s land area used for public housing, private housing, industrial land, and parks, nature reserves, and water catchment.
Lawrence Wong responded that approximately 8% of Singapore’s land is used for public housing.
He stated that about 7% of land is allocated for private housing, mainly in low-rise and low-density zones.
Wong noted that 13% of Singapore’s land is designated for industrial use.
He added that 14% of the land is used for parks, nature reserves, nature areas, and waterbodies.

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1 Apr 2019

Update on Redevelopment Plan for HDB Flats at Dakota Crescent

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether the redevelopment plan for HDB flats at Dakota Crescent is finalised and if details can be shared on the six retained blocks.
Lawrence Wong confirmed the estate will be redeveloped for public housing, with plans being finalised and more details to be shared when ready.
Agencies are discussing potential community uses for the six retained SIT blocks, including ground-level activation and upper-storey accommodation like hostels.
Feasibility studies are underway by interested parties, and further information will be shared with stakeholders after completion.

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1 Apr 2019

Extension of Fresh Start Housing Scheme to Bigger Flats for Big Families

Murali Pillai asked whether the Fresh Start Housing Scheme could be extended to allow larger families with three or more children to purchase bigger short-lease flats.
The Fresh Start Housing Scheme currently offers short-lease 2-room Flexi flats to second-timer families with young children in public rental flats, along with a housing grant to make ownership more affordable.
Lawrence Wong explained that many eligible families already struggle to afford 2-room Flexi flats despite the shorter leases and grants, making larger flats even less feasible.
He emphasized the need to encourage home ownership in a sustainable way without overextending families' finances, which limits the expansion to bigger flats.
The response highlighted the government's focus on balancing affordability and support for vulnerable families while maintaining fiscal prudence.

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1 Apr 2019

Priority for Senior Citizens Applying for Two-room Flexi Flats with Peers as Group Application

Gan Thiam Poh proposed giving priority to senior citizens applying for two-room Flexi flats in group applications so they can be neighbours with peers.
Lawrence Wong noted HDB already sets aside a high proportion of two-room Flexi flats for elderly applicants aged 55 and above, with stable application rates and most seniors invited to book flats.
He explained that seniors can use the Senior Priority Scheme to improve chances of living near their current home or married child, enabling them to be neighbours with one another in new projects.

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1 Apr 2019

Genuine HDB Upgraders Looking to Buy Private Property but Hampered by Transitional Taxes

Ms Foo Mee Har raised concerns about genuine HDB upgraders facing difficulties in buying private property due to the Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty (ABSD).
Minister Lawrence Wong explained that ABSD is designed to moderate demand for private residential properties and that any changes would affect the overall market.
The government monitors the property market closely and will take necessary measures to ensure stability and align prices with economic fundamentals.
The Minister emphasized that such measures ultimately benefit more Singaporeans, including HDB upgraders.

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1 Apr 2019

Causes of Cracks on Walls of HDB Flats

Cracks on HDB walls are usually non-structural plaster or skim coat cracks caused by natural material expansion, nearby construction vibrations, or initial renovation activities.
HDB reduces crack incidence through end-of-construction inspections, using less crack-prone skim coats instead of plaster, improving joint designs, and adopting advanced construction methods with fewer joints.
During the 1-year Defects Liability Period, flat owners report internal cracks to Building Service Centres for repair; after this, owners maintain internal walls, while Town Councils inspect and repair external walls, with HDB conducting annual audits on selected blocks.

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