Housing & estates

Yip Hon Weng raised concerns about fire safety for elderly residents in mature estates, particularly around unattended cooking and electrical faults. K Shanmugam emphasized the importance of early fire detection and mentioned the mandatory installation of Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFADs) in new and renovated residential premises since 2018. The Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) program has been expanded to subsidize HFAD installation for seniors, offering up to 95% off. The Housing and Development Board conducts checks and replacements of faulty electrical systems in older flats through the Home Improvement Programme. The SCDF will continue to assess and implement fire safety solutions for the elderly and engage the community to raise awareness about fire safety practices.

Valerie Lee asked if HDB could provide more detailed Home Improvement Programme (HIP) renovation schedules, specifying exact months for work to commence, to help residents plan. Chee Hong Tat responded that HDB posts estimated HIP schedules on their website and notice boards at least a month in advance, and gives reminders before work starts. He noted that providing exact timings in advance is difficult due to various factors, including ongoing works and the need for contractors to survey flats. Residents can contact the HIP Information Centre for further inquiries.

Gerald Giam Yean Song raised questions regarding the solar reflectance standards for cool coatings under the Green Towns Programme, specifically about the limitations on using darker colors like red brick. Chee Hong Tat responded that the HDB is expanding the cool coatings initiative across all HDB towns, with the paint required to comply with the Singapore Standard Specification for solar reflective coatings. There are currently over 60 colors that meet these standards, and suppliers may offer more options if there is demand. HDB will provide guidance to Town Councils on best practices for implementing cool coatings.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik raised a question about whether the Ministry of National Development is reviewing bicycle parking capacity standards in HDB estates, considering personal and shared bicycles. Chee Hong Tat explained that since 2014, HDB has provided dedicated bicycle parking in new Build-To-Order projects, with a current standard of one bicycle lot for every six dwelling units. For older estates, this provision was updated in 2019 where feasible. HDB is collaborating with Town Councils to identify locations for additional bicycle racks where demand exists. The Land Transport Authority is also working with HDB to enhance designated parking spaces for shared bicycles.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong raised concerns about prolonged vacancies in HDB-managed commercial properties and their impact on public value, as well as how HDB balances rental benchmarks with occupancy and neighborhood vibrancy. Chee Hong Tat responded that HDB prioritizes sustained occupancy and a suitable tenant mix to provide residents with convenient access to amenities instead of maximizing rental income. HDB does not always choose the highest bids for rentals, employing a Price-Quality Method that emphasizes quality factors such as affordability and community focus. When vacancies occur, HDB assesses necessary changes and works to quickly reintroduce rental units to minimize disruption, maintaining a low overall vacancy rate of 1.6% in 2025.

Gerald Giam Yean Song asked about standardizing a cooling-off period and timeline for re-polling in HDB blocks that narrowly fail the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) threshold. Chee Hong Tat responded that the review of HIP voting is ongoing, aiming to balance benefits for older estates with respect for flat owners' decisions. Currently, a minimum of 75% support is needed for HIP to proceed, as essential works often impact residents' units and overall block conditions.

Cassandra Lee asked if the Ministry for Home Affairs will extend Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFADs) to all HDB flats at subsidised rates and enable alerts to homeowners' mobile devices. K Shanmugam stated that since June 2018, HFAD installation has been mandatory for new residential premises and those undergoing alterations, while existing homes are encouraged to install them for fire safety. Financial support for installation is available, including subsidies for elderly residents and free HFADs for public rental flat tenants. The government is open to reviewing fire safety solutions and financial support options for HFAD installation.

Yip Hon Weng asked about the use of HDB void decks for parcel sorting despite the Courier Hub Scheme and requested information on the scheme's take-up rate by logistics providers and possible penalties for companies obstructing common areas. Chee Hong Tat indicated that the take-up rate was previously addressed in a response regarding the effectiveness and extension of the Courier Hub Scheme. He noted that Town Councils can enforce by-laws to address activities, like parcel sorting, that obstruct common property.

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for National Development about considerations for installing ramps at older HDB flats with multi-steps and alternative measures for seniors without caregivers. Chee Hong Tat explained that HDB provides subsidized accessibility solutions under the Enhancement for Active Seniors programme, including portable ramps, customized ramps, and wheelchair lifters. Assessments for solutions will consider corridor space, maintenance, fire escape routes, and potential alterations to existing structures. For cases where ramps are unsuitable, HDB will explore other options like wheelchair lifters.

Yip Hon Weng inquired about the monitoring of the impact of the new industry-led guideline on property flyer distribution in HDB estates set to take effect in April 2026. Chee Hong Tat explained that the guideline comes from an MOU involving the Singapore Institute of Estate Agents (SIEA) and major estate agents, aimed at addressing complaints about improper flyer distribution. The MOU includes rules for non-visible distribution and a "three strikes" penalty system for breaches, with penalties potentially leading to suspension. The Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) will monitor feedback and assess the effectiveness of the framework, determining if further regulatory measures are needed.

Valerie Lee asked about the monitoring of take-up rates for the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme based on geographical areas, housing types, and households. Chee Hong Tat confirmed that the data on EASE (Direct) applications since its launch in July 2012 is available and categorized by HDB zones and flat types. Further details on this breakdown were offered in response to her inquiry.

He Ting Ru raised questions about regulations on pet ownership in HDB flats, including limits on the number of animals, recourse for neighbors affected by issues like noise and odor, and the need for updated enforcement measures. Chee Hong Tat stated that residents can keep up to two cats and one dog of an approved breed, and small pets like birds, without causing disturbances. HDB received around 4,000 pet-related feedback annually from 2021 to 2025, with a significant percentage concerning dogs and excessive numbers of pets. To address complaints, HDB encourages pet owners to take corrective actions and may involve community mediation, and in severe cases, may require re-homing. Public education efforts are also emphasized, including mandatory courses for first-time pet license applicants to promote responsible ownership.

Yip Hon Weng raised questions about the voluntary framework established through an industry-led MOU regarding property flyers to HDB homes, asking why a voluntary approach was preferred over statutory measures, what policy considerations influenced this decision, and whether there would be a formal review for compliance across all agencies. Chee Hong Tat explained that the MOU was initiated due to rising complaints about flyer distribution and reflects the industry's commitment to addressing community concerns. The MOU includes a "three strikes" penalty system for errant agents, allowing the industry to promote responsible practices while considering agents' livelihoods. The Council for Estate Agencies will monitor the framework's effectiveness after its implementation on 1 April 2026 and evaluate if further actions are needed.

Lee Hong Chuang asked about how the Ministry of National Development plans to balance accelerated construction of BTO flats in 2026 with rising costs of materials and labor. Chee Hong Tat explained that the Housing and Development Board considers various factors, including demand and construction capacity, when determining flat supply. The shorter waiting times for SWT flats are achieved by initiating development processes earlier while maintaining safety and quality standards. The Ministry is also collaborating with industry partners to improve productivity in the Built Environment sector to reduce time, costs, and manpower needs.

Henry Kwek proposed a $100 reduction in the budget allocation for the Ministry of National Development, citing concerns about HDB housing policies, particularly regarding accessibility for various demographics like singles and families. He stressed the need for proactive involvement from the Ministry in addressing housing challenges for groups facing income restrictions and suggested enhancing support for town councils managing rising maintenance costs. Members also discussed improving connections between public transport and new HDB developments, the accessibility of services for seniors, and the affordability of executive condominiums. The Minister for National Development revealed plans to continue increasing public housing supply and enhance existing HDB support measures in response to changing demographic needs.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the proportion of HDB blocks in Singapore equipped with solar panels under the SolarNova programme and the potential for future increases. Chee Hong Tat responded that approximately 5,300 HDB blocks, or about half of all blocks, had solar panels installed as of December 2025. HDB plans to continue installing solar panels on more blocks as long as the sites are suitable.

Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for National Development about the number of appeals related to the Ethnic Integration Policy received by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) for each ethnic group in 2025, including how many were accepted and how many received buyback assistance. He also inquired about the number of HDB flat units that remained under HDB's ownership after being compulsorily acquired or bought back through the Ethnic Integration Policy buyback assistance by the end of 2025. Chee Hong Tat stated that these questions were previously addressed in a response to a similar inquiry made on 25 February 2026.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the percentage of HDB BTO homeowners reporting defects post-key collection and the measures taken by HDB to reduce defects. Chee Hong Tat stated that HDB maintains a high construction quality score of 95 out of 100 over five years, aligning with or surpassing private developments. HDB offers a one-year Defects Liability Period (DLP) for new flat owners, with 65% providing feedback, primarily on minor defects, which are mostly resolved within 14 days. HDB aims to enhance standards of workmanship and improve the move-in experience for flat buyers.

Cai Yinzhou asked if the myResponder app could expand to cover all HDB residential fires and include a tier to assist elderly and mobility-impaired residents during evacuations. K Shanmugam explained that the app currently activates Community First Responders for minor fires, but more serious fires are managed by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) due to safety concerns for untrained responders. In HDB fire incidents, SCDF prioritizes evacuating residents from the affected floor and two floors above, advising others to stay in place for their safety. SCDF collaborates with grassroots organizations to conduct evacuation drills for vulnerable residents.

Fadli Fawzi asked the Minister for Manpower about the funding provided to NESST Singapore Limited, the total construction cost of NESST Tukang Dormitory, and its estimated annual operating costs. Tan See Leng stated that the Tukang Dormitory was built for $58 million and is owned by the Ministry of Manpower, while NESST operates it under a lease agreement. The Ministry has provided approximately $6.2 million to NESST since March 2023 for initial setup and innovation in housing. Operating costs for Tukang PBD could not be disclosed due to commercial sensitivity.