HDB ensures that public housing remains affordable, inclusive and liveable for Singaporeans

Singapore, 8 March 2021 – Minister for National Development (MND), Desmond Lee, announced various measures to ensure that public housing remains affordable, inclusive and liveable for Singaporeans.

As Singapore will continue to be rejuvenated in the years ahead, the government will be launching Housing Development Board (HDB) flats in prime locations. Given the high market value of flats in these locations, a new housing model is necessary to ensure that these flats remain affordable and inclusive to Singaporeans. MND and HDB will further engage stakeholders and the public to hear their views and suggestions before finalising the details of the new housing model.

HDB will also continue to support the housing needs of Singaporeans who live in rental flats. Today, two or more singles may jointly apply for a public rental flat under the Joint Singles Scheme (JSS). They are encouraged to apply with someone they know, like a relative or friend, or they can approach HDB to source for a flat mate.

The majority of JSS tenants are able to find a flat mate and live together amicably. However, some may not be able to do so. Therefore, HDB will also pilot an alternative JSS model that will allow single tenants to apply for public rental flats without having to find a flat mate first. HDB will appoint a social service agency as the operator to manage these flats, including the flat-sharing arrangements.

Currently, families with three or more members who are living in one-room rental flats can request to transfer to a two-room flat. Families that form two nuclei, such as families with children, parents, and grandparents living together, can apply for another flat and HDB will offer them a second rental flat in the same block where possible.

To better support large families with children, while taking into account the limited supply of three-room rental flats, HDB will be working with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) under the Community Link (ComLink) to offer three-room rental flats to these families on a case-by-case basis.  At the same time, all families with children living in public rental flats will receive holistic support under ComLink to enable them to achieve stability, self-reliance and social mobility, including home ownership, where possible.

As part of HDB’s ongoing efforts to ensure that HDB flats and estates remain highly liveable, HDB is studying additional ways to rejuvenate and revitalise Singapore’s housing estates, including how to better engage and involve residents and stakeholders in the process.

– Construction+ Online

Source: HDB