Housing & estates — Topics

19 Mar 2018

Supply of and Demand for Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme Flats

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked the Minister for National Development about the current number of PPHS flats, households enrolled, and whether the 2017 rent reduction increased demand.
The Minister, Lawrence Wong, stated there are about 800 PPHS flats with approximately 650 taken up.
Since the rent reduction in March 2017, average applications for PPHS flats have increased by about 100%.
The rent reduction also led to a roughly 30% increase in the take-up of PPHS flats.
The debate highlights the relationship between rental adjustments and demand for provisional housing under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Mar 2018

Committee of Supply – Head T (Ministry of National Development)

Members raised concerns about housing affordability and support for vulnerable groups, including rental flat overcrowding, the need for more multi-generational flats, and challenges faced by single parents, divorcees, and elderly residents.
The Ministry outlined plans to enhance housing schemes, such as reducing the waiting time for new flats, increasing grants for resale buyers, and removing the three-year time bar for divorced persons to buy subsidized flats.
The debate also covered urban planning and infrastructure, with updates on the Rail Corridor, building safety inspections, and the push for a high-tech built environment sector through digital tools and industry transformation.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

27 Feb 2018

Criteria for Retention of Central Cluster over Other Buildings in Dakota Crescent

The central cluster of six blocks in Dakota Crescent was retained because it contains the distinctive architectural features of the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) flats and includes the central courtyard, which holds special meaning for residents.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority engaged various stakeholders, including residents and heritage groups, whose feedback highlighted the importance of the courtyard as a gathering place, influencing the retention decision.
The Ministry intends to study suggestions for civic and institutional uses for the central cluster while working closely with stakeholders, and will redevelop the remaining land for public housing.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

19 Feb 2018

Statistics on HDB Home Loan Arrears from 2015 to 2017

Over the past three years, 32,000 HDB households (7.9% of 405,000) were in mortgage arrears of three months or more, with nearly half aged 41–55, 38% above 55, and the rest 21–40.
By the end of 2017, 57% of these households (about 18,200) were no longer in arrears.
The most common reasons for arrears are a drop in household income, prolonged unemployment, and illnesses.
HDB offers financial counselling, referrals for employment and aid, temporary payment reductions or deferrals, and long-term solutions like joint ownership or right-sizing.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

19 Feb 2018

Minimum Space Standards for HDB Flats

HDB imposes occupancy caps on flats rented to unrelated persons to prevent overcrowding, with limits ranging from four to six occupants depending on flat size, and these rules are publicly available.
The Minister clarified that no occupancy cap applies to families living together in their own HDB flats, and the standards differ for rented versus owner-occupied units.
The Minister stated that Singapore does not adopt a minimum space standard like some other countries, as HDB already publishes flat sizes and space optimization is prioritized due to land constraints.
A Member suggested applying the rental occupancy cap to cases like single unwed parents or divorcees living with family, but the Minister maintained the distinction between rented and owner-occupied units.
Another Member requested a review of occupancy caps for "jumbo flats" (combined units), and the Minister indicated ongoing evaluation while noting alignment with Urban Redevelopment Board standards.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2018

Update on Design, Build and Sell Scheme for HDB Flats

Leon Perera requested an update on the review of the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) for HDB flats from the Minister for National Development.
Lawrence Wong stated that land sales for DBSS have been suspended since 2012 and there are no plans to reactivate the scheme.
The Ministry of National Development is focused on providing affordable housing options through Build-To-Order flats, Executive Condominiums, and the resale market.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2018

Review of Fire Code for HDB Flats

Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned whether the Ministry would review the Fire Code and consider adding requirements like central fire alarms and fire extinguishers in HDB blocks after the Toa Payoh fire.
K Shanmugam noted the SCDF investigation is ongoing, the fire was likely electrical, contained within the unit, and no casualties occurred, indicating current Fire Code measures are effective.
SCDF regularly reviews the Fire Code and will introduce the eighth edition, requiring Home Fire Alarm Devices in new and renovated units, with voluntary provision for rental units.
The Minister explained that fire extinguishers are not mandatory in homes due to cost and maintenance issues, with SCDF encouraging voluntary installation and using hose reels in common areas.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2018

Spalling Concrete Complaints Received after Defects Liability Period for Home Improvement Programme

The Minister explained that spalling concrete is a natural wear-and-tear issue, surface-level in nature, and can be mitigated with regular painting, with repairs fully funded under the HIP but re-occurrence possible over time.
HDB receives an average of about 13 cases of spalling concrete per 1,000 dwelling units per year after the one-year defects liability period for flats that have undergone HIP.
Flat owners can seek assistance under the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme, where HDB co-pays 50% of the repair cost for spalling concrete issues arising after the defects liability period.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2018

Applications received for HDB Season Parking for Persons with Disability

The Car Park Label Scheme (CPLS) has been in place since 1980 and offers two types of labels for drivers with disabilities and caregivers transporting persons with disabilities.
SG Enable processes over 3,000 applications annually for CPLS, with more than 90% approved.
Unsuccessful applications are primarily due to medical professionals assessing that the applicant can use standard parking lots without needing accessible spaces.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2018

Call to Allow Airbnb in Singapore

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Ministry for National Development to consider regulating Airbnb-style home rentals to balance the interests of homeowners and neighbours.
Minister Lawrence Wong stated that the government has engaged stakeholders on short-term accommodation and sees potential for allowing it with proper safeguards and controls.
The Ministry is currently developing regulatory parameters and plans to consult the public before finalizing any measures.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

6 Feb 2018

Rollout of SGSecure in Condominiums and Private Estates

The Ministry of Home Affairs is progressively extending SGSecure outreach to private estates and condominiums, with house visits currently focused on HDB estates but planned to include private areas, while SGSecure activities remain accessible to all residents regardless of housing type.
A pilot programme is being developed to install automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in selected condominiums, expanding the existing Save-A-Life initiative that has already placed over 2,000 AEDs in HDB blocks, with training in CPR and AED use packaged alongside the installations.
The success of AED rollout depends on community involvement, including grassroots volunteers promoting CPR/AED skills and condominium management cooperation, with criteria for pilot selection considering location accessibility, management receptiveness, and maintenance plans.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

Cost of Lift Upgrading Programme for Hougang SMC

Png Eng Huat asked for the total cost of the Lift Upgrading Programme in Hougang SMC, excluding resident and Town Council contributions, and the amount paid by residents.
Lawrence Wong stated the programme, launched in 2001, subsidises 75% to 90% of costs based on flat type, aiming to improve access for elderly and less mobile residents.
For Hougang, completed LUP works cost about $77 million, with the government covering around $64 million, while households pay 5% to 12.5%, capped at $3,000 per household.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

HDB Blocks Projected to be Redeveloped under Selective En-Bloc Redevelopment Scheme over Next 10-20 Years

Pritam Singh questioned the Minister for National Development on the number of HDB blocks projected for redevelopment under the Selective En-Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) over the next 10-20 years, noting that many flats will have less than 60 years left on their leases.
Lawrence Wong explained that SERS is implemented on a highly selective basis, with the Government announcing suitable precincts only after a site-by-site evaluation considering factors like redevelopment potential and financial resources.
The Minister stated that the Government does not disclose specific blocks or related information ahead of SERS exercises due to market-sensitive concerns.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

Citizens, PRs and Foreigners in Singapore Owning One or More Private Residential Properties and also HDB Flat

Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development for the current number of citizens, PRs, and foreigners owning one, two, three to 10, and more than 10 private residential properties, and how many of these also own an HDB flat.
Lawrence Wong responded that 381,000 people own one private property, 59,000 own two, 20,000 own three to 10, and fewer than 200 own more than 10.
Of the private residential property owners, 15% also own an HDB flat.
The figures include citizens, permanent residents, and foreigners in Singapore.
The answer provides a breakdown of property ownership across different categories of residents.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

Plan to Increase Supply of Executive Condominiums in Next Five Years

The government monitors the Executive Condominium (EC) market closely and calibrates supply based on factors like unsold stock, take-up rates, and market sentiments.
For the first half of 2018, three EC sites are included in the Government Land Sales Programme, potentially yielding about 1,700 units.
One EC site is on the Confirmed List, while the other two are on the Reserve List and could be triggered for sale if developer demand is strong.
The government did not specify a fixed five-year plan or yearly unit projections, as EC supply is adjusted dynamically in response to market conditions.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

Setting up of Inter-Ministerial Committee to Look into Better Integration of All Social Classes in Singapore

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stated that the government prioritizes social harmony and addresses inequality, social mobility, and integration through existing measures, noting that income inequality in Singapore has slightly declined over the past decade due to targeted support schemes and investments in education, housing, and healthcare.
He highlighted that social mobility remains strong compared to other countries, supported by policies like financial assistance, bursaries, and SkillsFuture, ensuring opportunities for all citizens regardless of background.
The government actively promotes social integration through urban planning, public housing, and community activities, which foster interactions across classes and races, reinforcing shared values and national identity.
Lee emphasized that a specific inter-ministerial committee is unnecessary because coordinated efforts already exist across ministries to tackle these issues holistically.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

Number of HDB Flats Eligible for Home Improvement Programme but Not Approved for Programme Yet

Png Eng Huat asked for the number and percentage of flats built up to 1986 eligible for the Home Improvement Programme (HIP) but not yet approved, and the timeline to complete HIP for these flats.
Lawrence Wong stated that over 300,000 flats were eligible for HIP when it launched in 2007, with 74,000 nominations received for remaining flats.
HDB aims to complete the selection exercise for the remaining flats by the first half of 2018, accounting for about 23% of all HIP-eligible flats.
A typical HIP project takes two to three years to complete after announcement, though timelines vary due to site-specific issues.
The response did not provide a specific number or percentage of flats built up to 1986 that are eligible but not yet approved.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

Review of Selected HDB Flats for Lift Upgrading Programme

The Lift Upgrading Programme has provided direct lift access to most of the over 5,300 HDB blocks that initially lacked full lift access, with innovative solutions reducing the number of ineligible blocks to about 150, representing less than 1% of sold flats.
HDB assists residents with urgent mobility needs on a case-by-case basis, having received 23 appeals in the past five years and acceded to 22% of them, provided they submit medical certifications.
The programme does not cover lift replacements for aging flats, as such duties fall to Town Councils under separate funds and grants, and the LUP is focused on providing new direct lift access where technically and financially feasible.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

Promoting Development of Retirement Villages in Singapore

Assoc Prof Daniel Goh Pei Siong queried whether the Government has studied retirement village models, their suitability for future ageing cohorts, and how land regulations could be adjusted to promote such developments.
Lawrence Wong confirmed that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of National Development have studied retirement village models from countries like Australia, the US, Hong Kong, and Japan, but emphasized the need to adapt them to Singapore’s context.
He noted that many seniors prefer to age in place, leading the Government to focus on integrating eldercare facilities and services within public housing, as exemplified by Kampung Admiralty’s Active Ageing Hub.
The Government is reviewing Development Control guidelines to clarify retirement housing developments and expand housing options for seniors in both public and private sectors.
More plans will be shared in consultation with community partners and the real estate industry when ready.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Feb 2018

Tailgating Detection System at Car Parks to Detect Motorcyclists who Avoid Payment

The Tailgating Detection System (TDS) can detect motorcyclists who evade payment by tailgating vehicles or riding on pavements around gantries.
HDB will enforce penalties against motorcyclists caught by TDS to deter errant behavior and improve pedestrian safety.
HDB will monitor TDS's effectiveness since it was recently introduced in HDB car parks.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source