Housing & estates — Topics

6 Nov 2017

Solutions for Estates with Private Properties with Less than 20 Years in Remaining Lease

Miss Cheryl Chan inquired about interim housing options for elderly owners of private properties with leases under 20 years and measures to prevent such areas from being dominated by short-term rentals or foreign workers.
Minister Lawrence Wong responded that seniors can plan ahead and consider short-lease two-room flexi flats without any debarment period, with agencies available to assist in their transition to new housing.
He added that private property owners can only rent out their units for a minimum of three months with no more than six unrelated occupants, and authorities will enforce these rules and prosecute violators.
The government encourages early planning to avoid housing expiry issues and maintains regulations to preserve the residential character of private estates.
Overall, the response emphasizes support for elderly homeowners while ensuring neighbourhoods remain stable and suitable for long-term living.

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6 Nov 2017

Prosecutions Involving Operation of Illegal Brothels

Over the past five years, police arrested 790 people for abetting vice activities, with about 12% involving illegal brothels in HDB flats, and offenders face fines up to $10,000, up to five years' imprisonment, or both under the Women's Charter.
When brothels are detected in HDB flats, police investigate the flat owner; complicit owners are prosecuted, while non-complicit owners receive notices and may be prosecuted if the flat is reused for vice, with HDB imposing fines, acquisition, or debarment, creating deterrence without repeated misuse.
The Women's Charter was amended to criminalize operating websites that facilitate paid sexual services, leading to the first conviction in May with a two-year jail term and $83,000 fine, and police also disrupt online vice by terminating phone numbers and blocking websites.

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6 Nov 2017

Strategies to Ensure Retirement Adequacy as More HDB Flats Approach End of 99-year Leases

Ms Foo Mee Har questioned the strategies available to Singaporeans to monetize their HDB flats for retirement as leases approach 99 years.
Minister Lawrence Wong outlined options including selling flats, right-sizing, applying for the Silver Housing Bonus, or subletting and using the Lease Buyback Scheme.
He emphasized that HDB flats remain a good store of value if buyers plan ahead and make prudent housing choices.

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6 Nov 2017

Allowing Estate Agents to Refuse Instructions from Clients who Exclude or Favour Prospective Tenants Based on Race or Nationality

Kok Heng Leun asked the Ministry for National Development to consider requiring estate agents to refuse discriminatory advertisements and client instructions based on race or nationality.
Lawrence Wong stated that the Council of Estate Agents already prohibits agents from placing discriminatory ads or indicating ethnic preferences unless required by law, and they must inform clients of these rules.
Agents who breach these guidelines may face written warnings, suspension, or revocation of their license.
The debate highlighted existing regulations but did not propose new mandatory refusal policies.
The focus was on enforcing current guidelines rather than creating additional obligations for estate agents.

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6 Nov 2017

Massage Establishments Bill

The Bill significantly increases penalties for operating unlicensed massage establishments, introducing fines up to $20,000 and imprisonment for repeat offenders, and empowers Police to issue premises closure orders to halt illegal operations immediately.
It introduces stricter licensing criteria, including assessing the fitness of all "relevant persons" linked to a business and requiring landlords to evict convicted tenants, with penalties for non-compliance to curb irresponsible leasing.
The regulatory regime is refined to focus on higher-risk activities, exempting low-risk services like manicures from licensing, while enhancing Police powers for enforcement, such as forced entry and modified licence conditions.
Members raised concerns about vice activities in residential areas, suggesting quotas for massage establishments in HDB estates, advertising guidelines, and better coordination between HDB and Police, with the Minister confirming stricter location assessments and operating hour restrictions.
The debate highlighted the need to address both supply and demand sides of vice, with calls for studies on root causes and support for sex workers transitioning to legitimate employment, though the Minister emphasized ongoing enforcement and holistic approaches.

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3 Oct 2017

Mandatory Installation of Smoke Alarms in Newly Built Homes

Joan Pereira raised concerns about maintenance responsibilities for smoke alarms in rental flats and suggested connecting them to a central alert system for elderly residents with sensory impairments.
The Second Minister for Home Affairs clarified that mandatory installation is still being studied, citing data on reduced fire fatalities and noting that owners/occupiers are generally responsible for maintenance, with SCDF encouraging voluntary installation.
The Minister assured that maintenance checks and battery replacements would be coordinated with HDB and grassroots organizations, especially for elderly residents, and confirmed that all rental flats—not just those with elderly—would have the alarms installed.

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3 Oct 2017

Sensor-activated Alarm Systems in HDB Studio Apartments for Elderly

Ms Sun Xueling asked whether HDB will pilot sensor-activated alarm systems in elderly studio apartments or new flats, and what the cost increase would be.
The Minister for National Development said HDB is trialling elderly monitoring systems in Yuhua and will study outcomes, costs, and business models before deciding on wider implementation.
The Minister noted that elderly adoption of such systems depends on personal choice and awareness, and HDB is working with agencies to identify seniors who would benefit most.
A Member of Parliament suggested adopting a Japanese hot water pot sensor system, and the Minister responded that HDB is exploring a range of sensor technologies, including wearables, motion detectors, and app-based alerts.

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3 Oct 2017

Rationale for 75% Support Level from Households in Neighbourhood Renewal

The Minister explained that the 75% support level for the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme ensures resident needs are met and fosters ownership and belonging, with Town Councils encouraged to follow a 12-month timeline for tenders, though delays may occur due to project complexity.
MP Png Eng Huat questioned the 75% requirement, arguing that extensive consultations and optimized plans already ensure resident needs are addressed, suggesting a possible review to a lower threshold like 50%.
Residents have raised concerns about voting on projects they do not pay for, but the Minister maintained that the support level is necessary to confirm majority endorsement despite awareness efforts.
The debate highlighted differing views on balancing resident engagement with practical efficiency, as the Minister emphasized the importance of consensus while acknowledging project-specific variations.

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2 Oct 2017

HDB Flat Owners Illegally Acquiring Another Property within Minimum Occupancy Period and Selling Their HDB Flat Thereafter

Murali Pillai asked whether HDB should update its powers to take enforcement action against flat owners who illegally acquire another property during the minimum occupancy period and then sell their HDB flat to avoid compulsory acquisition.
Lawrence Wong stated that acquiring another property within the minimum occupation period is an infringement under the H&D Act, with penalties including compulsory acquisition of the flat or financial penalties.
HDB currently monitors and enforces regulations, with safeguards to prevent flat sales during investigations to ensure appropriate action is taken before any sale proceeds.
The minister emphasized that HDB already has sufficient legislative powers to handle such infringements, and no updates are currently necessary.

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2 Oct 2017

Review of HDB's Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme

Dr Intan Azura Mokhtar proposed that the Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme be revised to either have HDB fully cover repair costs for ceiling leaks or have owners who caused leaks through renovations share the cost.
Minister Lawrence Wong affirmed that flat owners are responsible for maintaining their flats' interiors, with party structure repairs being the joint responsibility of upper and lower floor owners.
He explained the current Goodwill Repair Assistance Scheme involves HDB paying 50% of ceiling leak repair costs, with the remaining 50% shared equally between upper and lower floor owners, and no plans to increase HDB's contribution.
The Minister highlighted that if leaks result from renovations, the upper floor owner bears the full repair cost, underscoring that full HDB funding would diminish owner responsibility for flat upkeep.

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2 Oct 2017

Adequacy of Common Areas to Use for Funeral Wakes in View of Ageing Population and Smaller Void Deck Space

Tan Wu Meng questioned whether limited void deck space for funeral wakes in newer HDB precincts affects government forecasts for funeral parlour capacity and how adequate capacity will be ensured in the future.
Masagos Zulkifli stated that most funeral wakes are held at HDB void decks and precinct pavilions, with a smaller proportion in other venues, and that overall wake spaces remain sufficient.
He explained that HDB plans new precincts to meet community needs and that agencies collaborate to provide sufficient land for funeral parlours.
The Ministry will continue monitoring demand for funeral spaces to ensure adequate wake spaces as Singapore's population ages.

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2 Oct 2017

Provision of Shared Common Space to Facilitate Informal Interactions

Dr Tan Wu Meng questioned how HDB plans for shared common spaces in new precincts, whether provisions have declined per resident, and how future spaces will be ensured for informal interaction, community gatherings, and bereavements.
Lawrence Wong explained that HDB evolves its design with taller, more compact blocks, which reduce void deck space but are compensated by purpose-built facilities like precinct pavilions, playgrounds, and sky parks.
HDB has introduced amenities such as Community Living Rooms and integrated facilities to maximize informal interactions, with surveys showing resident satisfaction, and will continue reviewing provisions to meet changing community needs.

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2 Oct 2017

Update on Batch 10 of Estate Upgrading Programme

Batch 10 of the Estate Upgrading Programme has been deferred and nominations have not yet been called, as the government is focusing on completing 17 ongoing projects from earlier batches to better manage resources.
The evaluation of nominations typically takes eight to ten months, depending on the number and completeness of applications, with Batch 9's 55 nominations taking about eight months to process.
Private estates rely on the EUP for upgrades, and while urgent repairs can be addressed separately, the Ministry is pacing new projects to ensure quality and resource management before activating Batch 10 nominations.
The EUP process is ground-up, with residents providing input through neighbourhood committees, and MPs are notified of plans once timelines are settled, regardless of party affiliation.

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2 Oct 2017

Declarations by Town Councils of Secretaries who Fall under New Disqualification Criteria

Sylvia Lim asked the Minister for National Development how many Town Councils had declared their secretaries or key officers fell under new disqualification criteria under sections 20(1A) and 20(3) of the Town Councils Act, and which Town Councils made such declarations.
The Second Minister for National Development explained that amendments to the Act disqualify Managing Agents and auditors from key Town Council roles to reduce conflict of interest risks, with the criteria applying to auditors, owners, substantial shareholders, or executive decision-makers of the Managing Agent firm.
The Ministry of National Development requested in May 2017 that all Town Councils inform it if any existing key appointment holders met the new disqualification criteria, and all Town Councils responded that none of their key appointment holders fell within the criteria.

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11 Sep 2017

Number of Older HDB Multi-storey Car Parks Installed with Lifts

Over the past five years, HDB has installed lifts in 510 older multi-storey car parks, representing 94% of the 544 such facilities without lifts.
Plans are in place to install lifts or other barrier-free access solutions, such as ramps, in the remaining 34 car parks.
The average cost for installing a lift in a multi-storey car park is approximately $350,000, with annual maintenance costing about $13,000.

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11 Sep 2017

Assistance to Arts Groups to Cope with Rising Rental and Maintenance Cost

The National Arts Council offers two main schemes—the Arts Housing Scheme and the Framework for Arts Spaces—that provide significant rental subsidies, with tenants paying only 10–20% of already reduced rates set by the Singapore Land Authority.
Maintenance costs are kept low through subsidised service charges and sinking fund contributions that have remained unchanged for years, with the council providing top-ups when needed to cover upkeep.
To address high demand exceeding supply, NAC works with community partners to free up alternative spaces, such as housing arts groups at Our Tampines Hub, while ensuring fair access for all artists and groups.

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11 Sep 2017

Lack of Fire-rated Entrance Door at Some HDB Flats

Louis Ng asked whether the lack of fire-rated entrance doors affects flat design as a fire compartment and about additional safety measures for blocks without them.
Lawrence Wong stated that HDB blocks comply with fire codes, and fire-rated doors are only required where specified, such as for units near lift lobbies or staircases.
He explained that all residential units are designed as fire compartments with concrete walls and floors to prevent fire spread, regardless of door type.
Additional fire safety features include cross-ventilated staircases and lift lobbies, accessible exit staircases, and firefighting equipment like extinguishers and fire engine access roads.
These measures ensure safe evacuation and firefighting, even in blocks where many flats do not have fire-rated entrance doors.

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11 Sep 2017

Prioritise Installation of Solar Panels in Mature HDB Estates with More Senior Citizens

Mr Gan Thiam Poh proposed prioritizing solar panel installation in mature HDB estates with many seniors to provide cheaper common corridor lighting.
HDB explained that solar PV deployment under the SolarNova programme considers technical feasibility, logistics, and cost-efficiency rather than demographic factors.
Energy savings are also pursued through initiatives like replacing common area lighting with LEDs to reduce consumption.

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11 Sep 2017

Requests to HDB for Goodwill Repairs

Lim Biow Chuan asked about the number of goodwill repair requests HDB received in 2016 and whether HDB is sufficiently resourced to handle them quickly.
Lawrence Wong explained that flat owners are responsible for interior maintenance, but HDB assists through the Goodwill Repair Assistance scheme for cases like ceiling leaks.
HDB helped about 12,000 households under the scheme in 2016 and has appointed contractors to manage the volume, ensuring sufficient resources for timely repairs.

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11 Sep 2017

Review Lease Period of Flexi Scheme for Flats

Mr Zainal Sapari asked the Minister for National Development to review the 2-room Flexi Scheme to allow lease periods covering elderly citizens and their spouses up to age 85 instead of 95.
Lawrence Wong explained that the current scheme requires the lease to cover the elderly flat owners and their spouses up to at least 95 years to ensure the flat lasts for their lifetime.
He stated there are no plans to reduce the age requirement to 85 years, as the current policy addresses concerns about elderly flat owners outliving their leases.
The Minister noted that households with alternative housing can return their short-lease flexi flat to HDB and receive a refund for the unused lease portion.
The debate highlights a proposed policy change to adjust lease periods for elderly flat owners under the 2-room Flexi Scheme, which the government currently does not intend to implement.

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