Housing & estates — Topics

10 Jul 2018

Flexi Flats Returned to HDB after Demise of Owners

Mr Png Eng Huat asked about 2-room flexi flats returned to HDB after the demise of the elderly owners, how soon they are resold, and whether buyers are informed about their pre-owned status.
From August 2015 to June 2018, three short-lease flats were returned to HDB due to the death of the elderly owners.
HDB puts returned flats for sale in the next Sale of Balance Flats exercise as "repurchased flats" and informs shortlisted applicants before selection.

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9 Jul 2018

Effectiveness of Deployment of Recycling Bins to HDB Blocks under Enhanced National Recycling Programme

The enhanced National Recycling Programme increased blue bin provision to one per HDB block since 2011, boosting recyclables collected from 25,300 tonnes in 2011 to 44,400 tonnes in 2017, though domestic recycling rates remain at around 20%.
Public Waste Collectors are required to return bins to designated spots, with NEA conducting spot checks and, from 2018, introducing floor markings to demarcate locations, allowing public reporting and penalties for breaches.
NEA is trialing larger, harder-to-move bins with side-loader trucks to reduce unauthorized relocation and will assess further measures like geo-fencing after evaluating the trial's effectiveness.

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9 Jul 2018

Subsidy for Replacement of Non-fire Rated Doors under Optional Improvement Works Scheme

Ong Teng Koon asked if there is a subsidy for replacing non-fire rated doors under the Optional Improvement Works Scheme and whether the same subsidy would apply to fire-rated doors.
Lawrence Wong explained that since 1996, HDB has provided fire-rated main doors for flats built after that year and conducted a free door replacement exercise for older flats needing fire-rated doors to comply with the Fire Code.
HDB will not provide further subsidies for replacing fire-rated doors because residents have already benefited from a free replacement.
The debate focuses on whether subsidies for non-fire rated doors under the Optional Improvement Works Scheme should be extended to fire-rated doors.
The response clarifies that HDB's policy does not support additional subsidies for fire-rated door replacements due to prior free replacements.

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9 Jul 2018

Sold and Unsold Two-room HDB Flexi Flats

Mr Png Eng Huat asked about the number and percentage of 2-room HDB Flexi flats sold under 99-year leases, sold under 15- to 45-year leases, and unsold as of June 2018.
As of May 2018, 15,200 such flats had been offered for sale since August 2015, with 7,000 (46%) sold under 99-year leases and 6,300 (41%) sold under 15- to 45-year leases.
There were 1,900 unsold flats, representing 13% of the total offered.

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9 Jul 2018

Extending Lease Buyback Scheme to 5-room HDB Flats

Henry Kwek asked if the Lease Buyback Scheme could be extended to 5-room HDB flats due to selling difficulties in mature estates.
Lawrence Wong explained the scheme started in 2009 for low-income elderly in 3-room or smaller flats and was extended to 4-room flats in 2015.
He noted that elderly owners of 5-room flats already have monetisation options like renting out rooms, moving in with family, or right-sizing to smaller flats with possible Silver Housing Bonus.
The Ministry and HDB remain committed to providing varied monetisation options and will monitor the situation for potential scheme extensions.

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9 Jul 2018

Installation of CCTVs in Multi-storey Car Parks and Lifts

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked whether HDB can install CCTVs in multi-storey car parks and lifts to deter crime and smoking, Lawrence Wong responded that Police cameras are already in place at strategic spots in car parks and that HDB will add CCTVs in lifts where necessary.
Wong noted that the Singapore Police Force collaborates with HDB and Town Councils on security, while the National Environment Agency handles smoking violations, with enforcement officers deployed.
The Minister emphasized that residents must be considerate and avoid smoking in lifts, and that current measures are effective in deterring crime.

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9 Jul 2018

Successful Applicants for HDB Rental Flat Awaiting Vacant Unit

Mr Zainal Sapari asked about the number of families successful in their HDB rental flat application but awaiting a vacant unit, the improvement in waiting times, and the target number of households under the Fresh Start Housing Scheme in the next three years.
As of the debate, about 450 families are waiting for a rental flat, with the waiting time for allocation now around two months if location is not a concern, a significant drop from 21 months in 2008 due to factors like assessment processes and housing policies.
The Fresh Start Housing Scheme has emplaced 70 households as of May 2018, with no specific target but an aim to place another 100 households in the next three years.

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9 Jul 2018

Waiver of Resale Levy for Senior Citizen Applicants Aged 55 and Above for 2-room Flexi Flats

Gan Thiam Poh proposed waiving the resale levy for senior citizens aged 55 and above purchasing 2-room flexi flats.
Lawrence Wong explained that the resale levy ensures fair allocation of housing subsidies, as first-time buyers receive greater subsidies than repeat buyers.
He noted existing measures to assist seniors, such as waiving accrued interest on the percentage resale levy and capping the levy for short-lease 2-room flexi flats.
The government will continue reviewing policies to balance fairness and support for seniors in public housing.

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9 Jul 2018

Measures to Prevent Concrete Structures from Falling Off HDB Blocks

Miss Cheryl Chan asked the Minister for National Development about nationwide audits since the 2016 concrete sunshade fall, recommendations for design compliance changes, and further measures to prevent future incidents.
The Minister stated that building owners must maintain exteriors under the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act, with Town Councils conducting regular facade inspections and HDB performing annual audits, especially on blocks with more facade elements.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will introduce a Periodic Facade Inspection regime by end of year, focusing on buildings over 20 years old, to enable early detection and maintenance of deteriorating facade elements.
BCA has provided a Facade Access Design Guide since 2017, is developing inspection guidelines and certifying inspectors, and is collaborating with HDB on drone inspection systems to improve facade maintenance.

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9 Jul 2018

Conversion of Former School Compounds into Retirement Villages or Assisted Living Facilities

Murali Pillai proposed converting vacant former school compounds into retirement villages or assisted living facilities to avoid the high capital costs of building new facilities.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that the Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Health are jointly studying such conversions, noting potential benefits like community integration and large-site capacity, but also acknowledging costs for rejuvenating old school properties.
Both ministries are examining various models for senior housing to meet elderly needs and plan to share further details once ready.

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9 Jul 2018

Cat Ownership in HDB Flats

Murali Pillai asked whether the cat ownership ban in HDB flats could be replaced with responsible ownership rules and if the Chong Pang pilot could be expanded.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB’s pet policies must balance pet lovers and non-pet lovers, emphasizing responsible ownership to prevent disamenities in high-density living.
He noted that AVA, HDB, Town Councils, and animal welfare groups are working together to promote responsible behavior, including appointing the Cat Welfare Society as a mediator for disputes.
The Chong Pang pilot relies on community support, with measures like cat sterilization and microchipping to ensure accountability and minimize conflicts.
Expansion of the pilot to other constituencies will be considered only after successful outcomes in Chong Pang and strong community interest elsewhere.

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9 Jul 2018

Purchase of HDB Flats while Retaining Ownership of Local or Overseas Private Properties

Zainal Sapari asked how many Singaporeans are allowed to buy resale HDB flats while keeping private properties, when HDB might waive the rule to dispose of private property within six months, and whether the policy has cooled the property market.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB flats are meant for owner-occupation, so buyers of resale flats generally cannot retain local or overseas private properties, but HDB considers appeals case-by-case based on factors like ownership share and necessity.
The policy has helped dampen demand from buyers without urgent housing need, contributing to price stability in the resale market and maintaining affordability for Singaporeans, alongside other cooling measures since 2009.

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9 Jul 2018

Affordability of Current Private and Public Housing Compared to Five Years Ago

Over the past five years, affordability for both private and public housing has improved as household income grew 18.5% while private property prices fell 8.4% and HDB resale prices dropped 9.6%, with enhanced grants further aiding affordability.
Compared to other major cities, Singapore’s housing affordability is better, with a price-to-income ratio of 4.8 versus 5.7 for New York, 8.5 for London, 12.9 for Sydney, and 19.4 for Hong Kong.
The private property market has recently recovered while the HDB resale market remains stable, and the government will continue to monitor conditions to ensure a sustainable property market.

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18 May 2018

Number of Subsidised and Non-subsidised Rental Flats in Singapore

Lawrence Wong stated that HDB manages about 60,600 subsidised rental flats under the Public Rental Scheme, Interim Rental Housing, and Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme, with no non-subsidised rental flats.
The distribution of subsidised rental flats by room type is provided in a table, with details on Singaporean residents and their gender, race, and age profiles in separate tables.
Patrick Tay’s questions sought current numbers, flat type distribution, resident counts, and demographic profiles for subsidised rental flats.

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17 May 2018

Debate on President's Address

Several MPs called for greater trust in the 4G leadership and among Singaporeans, emphasizing that trust is the foundation for partnership and unity in facing future challenges.
The debate highlighted the need to adapt to a changing world, with suggestions for pro-business regulatory reforms, support for SMEs, and balancing economic growth with social inclusion.
Housing policies, including lease decay, elderly-friendly design, and affordability, were central concerns, with calls for clearer long-term plans and more support for vulnerable groups.
MPs urged the government to be more consultative and responsive, addressing inequality, improving social mobility, and ensuring policies are fair and just for all citizens.
The future of Singapore was framed as requiring bold, collective efforts in urban planning, infrastructure, and social compact, with an emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.

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15 May 2018

Debate on President's Address

Multiple MPs emphasized that tackling income inequality and social stratification is a top priority for the new generation of leaders, arguing that while meritocracy is a core value, the government must provide targeted support in housing, education, and employment to ensure a fair starting point and uphold the social compact.
Several speakers highlighted the need for Singapore to undergo bold economic transformation, particularly by embracing the digital economy, investing in lifelong learning and skills upgrading, and preparing the workforce for technological disruptions and the rise of Southeast Asia's markets.
Concerns were raised about specific groups being left behind, including low-wage workers, mature workers, freelancers in the gig economy, and single parents, with calls for more robust policies such as expanding the Progressive Wage Model and improving retirement and housing adequacy.
MPs urged the government and tripartite partners to strengthen social mixing and inclusivity across different socio-economic groups through housing, education, and national service policies to prevent the formation of entrenched class divides.

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14 May 2018

Debate on President's Address

The debate highlighted the need for education reforms, including pilot programs for special-needs students, de-emphasizing academic excellence by valuing community involvement, and fostering soft skills and creativity from a young age to prepare students for a dynamic future economy.
Speakers emphasized strengthening Singapore's global connectivity through trade agreements, digital infrastructure, and talent development, while urging a collaborative government-business approach to drive economic transformation and support workers in a changing job landscape.
Discussions focused on addressing housing affordability for aged HDB flats, supporting women and seniors through targeted policies, and tackling the cost of living by differentiating needs from wants while promoting a culture of giving and volunteerism to build a more inclusive society.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry will maintain a sustainable supply of affordable HDB flats, shorten waiting times for new builds, and launch a new "Forest Town" in Tengah with smart and eco-friendly features.
There will be a focus on the housing needs of seniors, with new assisted living models and updated home improvement schemes, as well as support for vulnerable groups to aspire towards home ownership.
Singapore's urban development will include more public and green spaces, support for local farming to enhance food security, and a transformation of the construction industry to raise productivity.
Major infrastructure projects like Changi Terminal 5 and new connections to Malaysia will be developed to strengthen Singapore's status as a regional and international hub.
The Ministry aims to create a more liveable and inclusive city by expanding green corridors, developing new regional centres, and partnering the community to shape a better Singapore for future generations.

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20 Mar 2018

Removal of Gantry Barriers in URA and HDB Car Parks with Implementation of Parking.sg

The Ministry has no immediate plans to remove gantry barriers in all URA and HDB car parks, as the Parking.sg app is designed to complement the existing Electronic Parking System (EPS) rather than replace it, particularly for kerbside parking where EPS is not feasible.
The app has logged over two million parking sessions by about 250,000 vehicles since its launch, but it currently does not display real-time parking lot availability due to the continued use of physical coupons by some motorists.
The Ministry plans to enhance the app by encouraging more users to switch from coupons, which will eventually allow for features like real-time lot availability, and has already added parking history and expiry notifications to improve user experience.

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20 Mar 2018

Smoke and Fire Alarms for HDB Rental Flats

The installation of home fire alarm devices for all 60,000 HDB rental flats will begin in June 2018 and be completed by 2021, starting with estates with more elderly residents.
The Minister confirmed the installation will cover all rental flats, not just those with senior residents, and Nee Soon South will be in one of the initial phases.
The government is currently focusing on rental flats due to their unique circumstances, and there are no immediate plans to extend the installation to studio apartments or other senior-owned homes.

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