Housing & estates — Topics

19 Nov 2018

Computation of Land Cost in Sale Price of New HDB Flats

Lawrence Wong explained that new HDB flats are priced to be affordable, with monthly instalments for first-timer families in non-mature estates often below a quarter of their income.
The sale prices of new HDB flats do not cover full development costs, including land and construction, leading to annual deficits for HDB.
HDB provides housing grants of up to $80,000 to further support lower- and middle-income families purchasing their first home.
The land cost included in the sale price is part of the overall development costs that HDB absorbs, contributing to the subsidised pricing of new flats.
The pricing approach ensures public housing remains accessible, with the government covering the shortfall to maintain affordability.

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2 Oct 2018

Transition Period for HDB Dwellers on Welfare Assistance to Adjust to Higher Rent from Salary Increase

Joan Pereira asked if HDB dwellers on welfare assistance who receive a salary increase can be given a transition period before facing higher rent based on their new income.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB already provides a rent transition period for public rental tenants when their income rises, including waiving rent increases for up to two tenancy terms under certain income thresholds.
HDB collaborates with Social Service Offices to support families on ComCare schemes, with rent determined through individual assessments for those on Short-to-Medium Term Assistance and automatic eligibility for the lowest rent tier for those on Long Term Assistance.

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2 Oct 2018

Improving Level of Soundproofing of HDB BTO Flats

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether soundproofing in HDB BTO flats has declined with the use of non-concrete walls and new designs, and if there are plans to improve it.
Minister Lawrence Wong stated that HDB buildings use reinforced concrete according to codes, and design changes do not reduce soundproofing, with drywall systems providing acoustic insulation comparable to or better than concrete walls.
The drywall systems used since 2014 have a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of at least 45, which is higher than the STC of about 40 for traditional brick or concrete walls.
Residents are also encouraged to be considerate to maintain a pleasant living environment in high-density HDB blocks.

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2 Oct 2018

Schedule for Implementing Extension of Home Improvement Programme

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah sought clarification on the timetable for extending the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) to newly eligible HDB estates.
Minister Lawrence Wong stated that around 80,000 flats built up to 1986 are awaiting HIP, with upgrades expected to be completed by 2021.
After completing the current batch, HIP will be extended to blocks built between 1987 and 1997, covering about 230,000 flats.
The exact schedule for implementing HIP for these newly eligible flats depends on the Government’s fiscal position and budget availability.

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2 Oct 2018

Singles who Have Applied Successfully to Secure HDB BTO Flats

Gan Thiam Poh asked for data on singles who successfully secured HDB BTO flats in the past three years and the ratio of successful applications for 2-room flexi flats among singles, seniors, and low-income families.
Lawrence Wong explained that since 2015, 40% of 2-room flexi flats are reserved for seniors aged 55 and above, with the remaining 60% split equally between families and singles, and any unused quotas are reallocated to singles.
From 2015 to 2017, the success rate for 2-room flexi flat applicants rose from 52% to 84%, with singles making up about 60% of those invited to book flats during this period.
Over 5,500 non-elderly singles booked a BTO 2-room flexi flat between November 2015 and end-2017.

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2 Oct 2018

Sale of 2-room Flexi Flats or Studio Flats of Shorter Leases on Open Market

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the number of 2-room flexi or studio flats sold on the resale market and the reasons for sales, and whether buyers can top up their lease.
Lawrence Wong explained that these flats are meant for seniors, who are told they cannot be sold on the resale market; seniors can return the flat to HDB for a refund of the unused lease value.
The 2-room Flexi Scheme allows seniors to buy flats with leases of 15–45 years, covering them until at least age 95, reducing the need for future lease top-ups.
Owners of earlier Studio Apartments can apply to top up their lease by 5, 10, or 15 years at prevailing market value at any time.

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2 Oct 2018

Dependants of HDB Flat Owners Who Have Benefited from Home Protection Scheme

From 2015 to 2017, the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) helped pay the remaining mortgage for about 1,800 HDB lessees who died.
There were 70 unsuccessful death claims, primarily due to undeclared pre-existing illnesses, lapsed coverage from unpaid premiums, or suicide within the first year of coverage.
Of the 22 dependants who appealed the unsuccessful claims, only one was approved.
Dependents with unsuccessful claims can explore other options with HDB, such as reducing or deferring mortgage payments or right-sizing to a more affordable flat.

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2 Oct 2018

Expedite Upgrading Works in Common Areas of Private Estates under Estate Upgrading Programme

Mr Chong Kee Hiong urged the Ministry for National Development to expedite and extend upgrading works in common areas of private estates under the Estate Upgrading Programme, with priority for estates above 30 years old.
Minister Lawrence Wong affirmed that the EUP already prioritizes older estates based on need and improvement scope.
The Ministry is coordinating with other agencies to minimize resident inconvenience during upgrading works.
Citizens' Consultative Committees will be contacted soon to seek nominations for the next batch of EUP estates.

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2 Oct 2018

Elderly Parents Rendered Homeless after Being Chased out of Adult Children's Flats Bought with Proceeds from Elderly Parents' Flats

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar asked the Minister for National Development about the number of elderly parents rendered homeless after their adult children used the proceeds from their parents' sold flats to buy new flats and then chased the parents out.
The Minister for National Development replied that HDB does not have specific data on such cases and highlighted available support channels like Family Service Centres and the Office of the Commissioner for the Maintenance of Parents.
The Minister added that if mediation fails, elderly parents can apply for maintenance through the Tribunal for the Maintenance of Parents, and HDB will consider allocating rental flats to those with no other housing options.

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2 Oct 2018

Difficulty to Sell HDB Flats Affected by Ethnic Integration Policy

Ministers emphasized that the Ethnic Integration Policy is crucial for racial harmony and is applied consistently to all ethnic groups, with no plans to buy back flats from owners who claim difficulty selling due to the policy.
Concerns were raised about sellers, particularly minorities, facing price squeezes and difficulty selling flats, with suggestions for monthly pricing guidelines and a lease buyback-style scheme to assist them.
The government highlighted that flat saleability depends on multiple factors beyond the EIP, such as location and market conditions, and that HDB provides transaction data and case-by-case flexibility to help sellers.
MPs pointed out that despite extensions, some owners, especially the elderly, receive no viewings or offers, and sought data on feedback and minority ownership to understand the policy's impact better.
The Minister committed to monitoring the situation, considering more information provision to facilitate market matching, and continuing flexibility for exceptional cases while upholding the EIP's goals.

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2 Oct 2018

Elderly Residents Who Do Not Participate in Lease Buyback Scheme but Seek Financial Assistance from Help Schemes

Murali Pillai raised concerns about seniors who decline the Lease Buyback Scheme but apply for financial aid from help schemes.
Desmond Lee explained that ComCare serves as a safety net, encouraging seniors to monetize assets first, with referrals for Lease Buyback while offering interim support.
The Minister noted that seniors may have valid reasons for not taking up the scheme, such as subletting or wanting to pass the flat to children, and assured continued assistance.
He emphasized that each case is unique, with support coordinated across various schemes, and social workers work to understand and address individual concerns.
The approach focuses on family and community support first, with the state stepping in as a last resort to ensure basic needs are met.

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1 Oct 2018

Trend of Illegal Foreign Worker Dormitories Discovered over Last Three Years

The number of illegal foreign worker housing cases discovered has remained stable over the last three years, with 24 instances found in HDB flats in 2017.
MOM and HDB investigate all complaints and take enforcement actions against employers and flat owners, including fines, debarment, prosecution, and revocation of rental approvals.
MOM collaborates with agencies like HDB, URA, and SCDF to review housing standards and conduct inspections, with 3,900 employers and dormitory operators penalized between 2015 and 2017.
MOM maintains a strict enforcement stance and continues to monitor the situation to ensure proper housing and fire safety for foreign workers.

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1 Oct 2018

Extras for Home Improvement Programme

Gan Thiam Poh asked whether HIP can include window replacements and aircon ledges for older flats, how many households have chosen deferred payment under HIP, and whether buyers of resale flats where the owner opted out of HIP are properly informed.
Minister Lawrence Wong stated that window replacement is the responsibility of flat owners due to varying preferences, and that safety for aircon units is ensured by existing regulations requiring stainless steel brackets, so ledges are not needed under HIP.
As of August 2018, 90,000 households were billed under HIP, with 11.5% opting for deferred payment and 88.5% paying in full, half of whom paid by cash.
The minister confirmed that the status of flats under upgrading programs like HIP is publicly available on HDB InfoWeb, and buyers must check with sellers about HIP components to factor them into price negotiations.
The response emphasizes that no changes to HIP are needed to address the specific queries on windows and ledges, and existing mechanisms ensure transparency for buyers.

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1 Oct 2018

Compensation Payable to Flat Buyers Who have to Cancel Their Purchase due to Divorce or Nullity of Marriage

Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for National Development to review compensation for flat buyers who cancel purchases due to divorce or nullity of marriage.
The Minister explained that forfeiture is necessary to ensure commitment and cover HDB's costs, with partial refunds before key collection and up to 95% compensation after key collection.
HDB allows flat retention by adding an eligible person in divorce cases without forfeiture, and exercises flexibility for extenuating circumstances like financial hardship.

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1 Oct 2018

Disputes between Neighbours Linked to Cigarette Smoke

HDB received 3,493 neighbour disputes in 2017, with 216 (6%) linked to cigarette smoke.
Disputes are ideally settled informally, but mediation via the Community Mediation Centre is available; in 2017, 24 smoke-related cases were registered, two proceeded to mediation, and both were successful.
Intractable cases can be escalated to Community Disputes Resolution Tribunals, but no such smoke-related cases were filed in 2017.

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1 Oct 2018

Eligibility of Unemployed Single Person above 35 years old with Disability for Additional and Special CPF Housing Grants

An unemployed single person above 35 years old with a disability is not automatically eligible for the Additional CPF Housing Grant or Special CPF Housing Grant when buying an HDB flat under the Singles Scheme, as eligibility typically requires at least one applicant to have worked continuously for 12 months before application.
The grants are intended for low- to middle-income households with steady employment to ensure long-term financial ability to service housing loans and sustain flat ownership.
Individuals unfit for work due to disability can apply for the grants with eligible family members or other singles under the Joint Singles Scheme.
For those wishing to buy a flat alone under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, HDB may assess requests on a case-by-case basis, considering medical certification of disability and the ability to sustain the purchase long-term without employment.

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1 Oct 2018

Advice for HDB Flat Applications on Eligibility for HDB Loan and Instalment Amounts

Henry Kwek asked whether HDB flat applicants receive detailed advice on their loan eligibility and quantum to prevent over-commitment.
Lawrence Wong stated that applicants must obtain an HDB Loan Eligibility letter before booking a flat, which provides key financial details like loan amount, interest rate, and monthly instalment.
HDB conducts financial counselling during flat booking to explain costs, financing options using CPF, loans, or cash, and their implications.
HDB continues to remind home seekers to exercise financial prudence and purchase a flat within their budget.

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1 Oct 2018

Scope of Work Covered in Home Improvement Programme

Members of Parliament asked about the scope of upgrades, safety, and manpower for Home Improvement Programme II (HIP II), including its differences from Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) and Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), and whether older rental flats are included.
The Minister confirmed HIP II will target ageing HDB flats around 60-70 years old, will include older rental flats, and that fiscal sustainability and construction capacity will guide its pacing and scope.
The Minister agreed to minimise unnecessary expenditure between HIP II and VERS, outlined inspection regimes (including Periodic Structural Inspection every 5-10 years), and clarified voting rights under Lease Buyback depend on whether the resident or HDB owns the flat.
Suggestions on hydrostatic solutions and shower trays for upgrades were noted for consideration, with the Ministry committed to reviewing feedback and improving future upgrading programmes.

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1 Oct 2018

Review of Criteria for Lease Buyback Scheme

Mr Gan Thiam Poh and Mr Alex Yam raised questions about the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS), including the number of households that have joined, flat-type breakdowns, exceptions, rejections, and the possibility of lowering the minimum age requirement.
Minister Lawrence Wong reported that about 3,100 households have used the LBS since 2009, with rejections mainly due to not meeting the age requirement of 65, though HDB has granted about 50 exceptions since April 2015 for circumstances like ill health or financial difficulty.
Miss Cheng Li Hui highlighted a specific case of a resident aged 65 being rejected due to his wife not meeting the age criterion, prompting the Minister to offer to review the case separately if more details are provided.

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10 Sep 2018

Criteria for Rental of Flats under HDB’s Public Rental Scheme

Murali Pillai questioned whether HDB’s Public Rental Scheme should calculate income ceilings and rent based on per capita household income instead of total monthly household income.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB uses a needs-based approach, considering household size, expenses, and ability to pay when assessing rental applicants and tenants.
Most rental tenants have three or fewer members, with over half paying basic rents as low as $26–$33 monthly for 1-room flats and $44–$75 for 2-room flats.
HDB offers flexibility to adjust rents for tenants facing difficulties, based on individual circumstances.
The debate highlighted the current system’s focus on household income but acknowledged the potential relevance of per capita considerations in assessing affordability.

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