Housing & estates — Topics

20 Nov 2018

Actions to Mitigate Rain Splashing into Common Corridors for HDB Flats that Have Gone Through HIP

Patrick Tay asked what more can be done to prevent rain from splashing into common corridors and front doors of older HDB flats in Boon Lay that have completed the Home Improvement Programme (HIP).
Lawrence Wong explained that open-concept HDB corridors are designed for natural light and ventilation, and while canopies help, heavy monsoon rains with strong winds can still cause splashing.
When residents report severe splashing that could damage main doors, HDB may install rain screens subject to fire safety requirements, and this solution is available to all residents regardless of HIP completion.
Residents with specific block issues can approach HDB for assessment and possible mitigation measures.

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20 Nov 2018

Cases of Windows of HDB Flats Being Dislodged

In the past three years, there were 117 incidents of HDB windows dislodging and falling, affecting about 0.01% of HDB residential units.
The average age of the HDB flats involved in these incidents was about 33 years.
Flat owners are responsible for maintaining their windows and can decide on replacements, with financial assistance available through Community Development Councils for those in need.
The Minister noted that windows are custom-made and it is impractical to include window replacement in the Home Improvement Programme, as owners are best positioned to manage such maintenance.
The government encourages residents to proactively ensure their windows are well-maintained to prevent such incidents.

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20 Nov 2018

Waiving Requirement for Consent from Ex-spouse for Listing of Children as Occupiers in HDB Flat Application

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Ministry of National Development to consider waiving the requirement for ex-spousal consent when listing children as occupiers in an HDB flat application if the ex-spouse has already purchased a private property or another HDB flat after divorce.
Lawrence Wong explained that parents with shared care and control have equal rights to list their children, and the consent requirement respects each parent’s right to purchase an HDB flat with their children.
The Ministry adopts a needs-based, flexible approach on a case-by-case basis when mutual agreement is difficult, and takes into account if the ex-spouse has purchased another property.

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20 Nov 2018

Jumbo Flats as Category Separate from that of 4-room Flats for HDB Rental

Ong Teng Koon asked whether HDB will treat jumbo flats as a distinct category from 4-room flats when setting occupancy caps for renting out.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB flats primarily house owners and their families without an occupancy limit, but renting to unrelated persons is capped to prevent overcrowding.
Since May 2018, the occupancy cap for 4-room and larger flats, including jumbo flats, has been set at six persons, aligning with private residential properties.
HDB may allow flexibility to exceed the cap on a case-by-case basis if flat owners have special circumstances.

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20 Nov 2018

Mandating Home Protection Scheme for Those Who Service Loans for HDB Flats with Cash or CPF Funds

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether HDB should make the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) compulsory for flat owners using cash or CPF to service loans and how many such owners did not buy HPS in the past three years.
About 20% of HDB flat buyers in 2017 used cash for loan servicing, and among them, four in ten did not take up HPS voluntarily.
Overall, around 92% of recent HDB flat buyers with loans are covered by HPS or have purchased it voluntarily, with some also having private mortgage-reducing insurance.
HDB will continue to encourage HPS take-up with CPF Board and monitor the situation for potential future measures if needed.

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19 Nov 2018

Status of Backlog of Unsuccessful Applications for 2-Room BTO Flats

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked about the backlog of unsuccessful applicants for two-room BTO flats, including the number of singles affected, future supply over the next three years, and the Ministry’s plans to increase supply.
Lawrence Wong noted that the proportion of applicants invited to book two-room flexi flats rose from 52% to 84% between 2015 and 2017, and singles’ application rates have improved due to increased supply from 320 flats in 2012 to around 4,000 annually from 2014.
HDB will continue offering similar levels of two-room flexi flats in 2018 and finetune future supply to match demand from singles, while also highlighting resale flat options and housing grants of up to $60,000 for eligible buyers.

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19 Nov 2018

Take-up Rate for Home Protection Scheme

The current take-up rate for the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) is about 92% among recent HDB flat buyers with outstanding loans, as most use CPF funds which mandate HPS, while others voluntarily take it up.
HPS is compulsory only for those using CPF to service their housing loans; the Minister stated there are no current plans to make it mandatory for all HDB owners with outstanding loans, including those paying in cash.
The Ministry and HDB are enhancing awareness efforts, such as informational talks, distributing booklets, and explaining HPS benefits during flat purchase, to encourage voluntary take-up and monitor the need for further measures.

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19 Nov 2018

Income of Foreign Spouse of Singaporeans in HDB Housing Loan or Grant Applications

Zainal Sapari asked whether HDB considers the income of a foreign spouse married to a Singaporean when deciding housing loan or grant eligibility.
Lawrence Wong explained that housing grants are means-tested and based on the total monthly household income, with different grant amounts depending on income tiers and flat type.
For housing loans, HDB primarily uses the flat owners' income to determine the loan quantum, as they are responsible for repayments.
HDB allows case-by-case appeals to include the income of other occupiers, including foreign spouses, in loan computations.
The policy ensures support is targeted at households with lower incomes while maintaining flexibility through an appeals process.

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19 Nov 2018

Replacement of Analogue TV Signal Systems with Digital TV Starter Kit and Extension of Its Redemption Programme

The government confirmed that HDB households not subscribing to Pay TV are eligible for the Digital TV Starter Kit, and those terminating Pay TV before the 2019 analogue signal switch-off also qualify.
Private estate households facing financial difficulties can appeal to IMDA for the Digital TV Starter Kit, though the programme is not automatically extended to all households.
Managing agents for public areas like senior citizen corners can purchase Digital TV equipment from major retailers and Mediacorp's partners, but IMDA does not directly provide replacement services at these locations.

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19 Nov 2018

Decline in Total Fertility Rate

The Government acknowledges the seriousness of Singapore’s declining Total Fertility Rate, which stood at 1.16 in 2017, and attributes part of the decline to demographic shifts and lifestyle aspirations among the “echo baby boomer” cohort.
Singapore has implemented a comprehensive Marriage and Parenthood Package over the past 17 years, focusing on work-life support through parental leave, childcare, and flexible work arrangements; fostering shared parental responsibility; and defraying costs of raising children through cash gifts, savings accounts, and housing support.
Specific enhancements include up to 20 weeks of paid parental leave, increased paternal leave, expanded preschool places, financial incentives of up to $32,000 per child, and faster access to HDB housing for young couples.
The Government stresses that no single policy can reverse the trend, emphasizing the need for long-term mindset shifts and collective societal support to make marriage and parenthood achievable, enjoyable, and celebrated.

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19 Nov 2018

Public Education on Possible Safety Issues for Water Heaters Connected by Three-pin Plugs

Leon Perera asked HDB about educational or other measures to address safety issues with water heaters connected by three-pin plugs.
Lawrence Wong stated that water heaters should be connected to a 20-ampere socket switch, not a standard 3-pin socket, and installation must be done by a licensed electrical worker.
The Government will educate residents on proper water heater installation through HDB's Home Improvement Programme contractors and a public awareness campaign with the Energy Market Authority.

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19 Nov 2018

Complaints of Noise Generated by Pump and Lift Fixtures Due To Design Issues of HDB Flats

Png Eng Huat asked for the number of annual complaints over the past decade about noise from pump and lift fixtures due to design issues in HDB flats.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB flats are designed with noise insulation features like cavity walls to buffer mechanical services such as lifts and pumps.
He noted that noise complaints are typically directed to Town Councils, who then collaborate with maintenance contractors to resolve them, with HDB stepping in only when made aware to help implement mitigation measures.

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19 Nov 2018

Proportion of HDB Rental Flats Allocated to Singaporeans who Have Owned HDB Flats Previously

Sylvia Lim asked about the number and proportion of HDB rental flats allocated to Singaporeans who previously owned HDB flats and how prior home ownership affects allocation priority.
Lawrence Wong stated that about 24,000 households, nearly half of all public rental households, have previously owned HDB flats.
He explained that entry into public rental is based on needs, considering household income, family support, and affordability of other housing options.
For those who previously owned property, the proceeds from the sale of their last property are factored into assessing their housing budget.

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19 Nov 2018

Additional CPF Housing Grant and Special CPF Housing Grant for First-time Buyers of HDB Flats in Mature Estates

Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked if the Additional CPF Housing Grant and Special CPF Housing Grant can be extended to first-time buyers of HDB flats in mature estates to help them live near their parents.
Lawrence Wong explained that the Additional CPF Housing Grant is already available to all eligible first-timer families buying new flats in both mature and non-mature estates, while the Special CPF Housing Grant is targeted at smaller flats in non-mature estates to encourage prudence.
The government provides priority schemes and purpose-built 3Gen flats to support families wishing to live together or near each other, and first-time buyers of resale flats can receive up to $120,000 in grants regardless of estate type.
These measures reflect the government's ongoing commitment to affordable public housing and support for family proximity, with policies regularly reviewed to maintain their effectiveness.

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19 Nov 2018

Allowing CPF Members to Complete Purchase of HDB Flats By Using Retirement Account Funds

Murali Pillai asked about the circumstances and percentage limits under which CPF members aged 55 can use Retirement Account funds to complete HDB flat purchases if their savings fall below the Basic Retirement Sum.
Josephine Teo explained that RA funds are typically reserved for retirement income, but CPF Board allows flexibility in exceptional cases, considering retirement adequacy and outstanding loan amounts.
In specific appeals, the Board may permit using RA savings up to the amount originally from the Ordinary Account, even if it reduces RA savings below the Basic Retirement Sum.
The approach balances members' housing needs with safeguarding retirement savings, with decisions made on a case-by-case basis.

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19 Nov 2018

Additional Buyer Stamp Duty Remission for Singles who Bought Second Property and Sold First Property within Six Months

Lim Biow Chuan asked if the ABSD remission for married couples who sell their first property within six months could be extended to single Singaporeans who similarly buy a second home and sell their first within the same timeframe.
Heng Swee Keat explained that ABSD is designed to moderate demand and stabilize the property market for all buyers, applying to second and subsequent residential properties regardless of eventual disposal of the first.
An exception exists for married couples due to changing family needs, allowing ABSD refund if the first property is sold within six months, but this concession is not extended to singles or other buyer groups to maintain the policy's core objective of demand moderation.

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19 Nov 2018

Dealing with Pigeon Nuisance at HDB Estates

The Minister outlined a multi-stakeholder approach involving government agencies, Town Councils, and the public to manage pigeon issues.
Key strategies include restricting food availability through advisories, enforcement against feeders, and ensuring proper food waste management.
Town Councils maintain cleanliness and use deterrents like spikes or nets to prevent pigeons from roosting.
Trials on contraceptives have shown some success, but they must be combined with enforcement and education for sustained impact.
Authorities will continue testing contraceptives at other locations to evaluate their effectiveness further.

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19 Nov 2018

Distortion of Market Prices Given Minimum Built-up Area Requirement for Private Properties

Ong Teng Koon questioned whether a minimum built-up area of 85 square metres for private properties would distort market prices, but Lawrence Wong clarified that the government does not set a minimum area; instead, it limits the maximum number of units in a development to manage infrastructure and liveability.
Developers can choose unit sizes freely within these limits, and the guidelines use an average unit size (70 sqm previously, now 85 sqm outside the Central Area and 100 sqm in selected locations) to calculate the maximum number of units per development.
The changes were announced recently and will only take effect next year, making it premature to assess any impact on market prices, which are influenced by multiple factors like land bidding, buyer demand, and unit mix adjustments.
The government will continue monitoring unit size distribution and review guidelines periodically, considering infrastructure, lifestyle, and housing needs.

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19 Nov 2018

Smart Technology and Elderly-friendly Features for HDB Flats under Home Improvement Programme II

Joan Pereira proposed that HDB include smart toilet flushes and single-lever taps for wash basins under HIP II to make flats more elderly-friendly.
Lawrence Wong explained that HIP II is a second round of upgrading for ageing HDB flats, scheduled to start in about 10 years, focusing on common maintenance issues.
He noted that single-lever taps are already provided under the current HIP toilet upgrading, and the scope for HIP II will be studied closer to launch, considering user needs, maintenance, and fiscal sustainability.

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19 Nov 2018

Proposal for Installation of Fire Alarms at HDB Blocks

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed installing manual fire alarms at HDB lift lobbies to alert residents during in-unit fires.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB buildings meet fire code requirements, with units designed as fire compartments to contain fires.
The Fire Code does not require manual fire alarms in standalone residential blocks, as evacuations are generally unnecessary.
Fire alarm systems are installed only in mixed-use buildings where residential and non-residential uses coexist.
Existing fire safety measures in HDB flats include fire-rated doors, walls, floors, and firefighting infrastructure.

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