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Housing

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DPM Wong’s remark on BTO flat prices “moving in tandem” with income draws backlash from netizens

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed housing affordability concerns in Singapore, insisting that public housing remains accessible and affordable. He cited the rise in median household incomes in tandem with BTO flat prices and available housing grants. However, netizens criticized Mr Wong’s remarks as disconnected from reality, pointing to the high inflation and struggling families unable to meet housing and living expenses.

Elderly Singaporeans share struggles in securing decent and affordable living spaces

On 13 March, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee launched a new…

Professor Tay Kheng Soon highlights selling of HDBs as assets as Singapore’s greatest housing mistake

Renowned architect and housing policy expert Professor Tay Kheng Soon expressed concern over Singapore’s public housing policies at a town hall meeting organised by “Workers Made Possible” on 9 April. He believes the government’s decision to promote public housing as an asset has resulted in weakened society and a housing problem that has no solution.

Fernvale Dew residents criticize HDB’s rectification work as “secondary school student”-like

A resident of the Fernvale Dew HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) estate launched an online petition two weeks ago, alleging that owners received keys to their flats even though the project was incomplete, and claiming that the workmanship was shoddy. The petition, which had 119 signatures as of April 5, demanded that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) rectify the alleged poor workmanship and delays in the estate. The HDB responded that the majority of the reported issues have been resolved within two weeks. Despite this, netizens have expressed disappointment with the HDB’s workmanship, with one resident lambasting the quality of the rectification work as being done by a “secondary school student”.

Residents of Fernvale Dew HDB BTO estate petition against poor workmanship and delayed rectification works

Fernvale Dew HDB Build-To-Order estate residents claim poor workmanship and delayed rectification works in an online petition, with over 110 signatures, alleging that keys were issued despite ongoing construction works in the estate, citing multiple defects. Responding to the allegations, HDB stated that the majority of reported issues have been resolved within two weeks and that the feedback pertains to “minor defects”. HDB claims that contractors have concealed defects instead of carrying out proper rectification work, which it described as “unprofessional and lacking in integrity”.

3-room Bidadari flat rented out at S$4,100, before reaching MOP, with HDB approval

A 3-room HDB flat in Bidadari was rented out for S$4,100 per month, with HDB’s approval despite the five-year mandatory occupation rule. HDB stated that exceptions are granted on a case-by-case basis due to unforeseen circumstances. Some netizens urge HDB to regulate rental prices, citing concerns about high rental prices being exploited for speculation.

Controversial theme-coloured HDB lobbies will have their tiled walls and ceiling repainted white

Housing Development Board (HDB) will have all the ceilings and non-tiled walls of the controversial Tampines GreenVines lift lobbies painted white, to apply a consistent approach to all blocks.

Desmond Lee says Singaporeans accept high-price BTO flats in mature estates

Singapore’s National Development Minister, Desmond Lee, believes that location and other attributes should be taken into account when setting prices for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, which should remain affordable and accessible to eligible Singaporeans. The affordability of BTO flats, even for upper-middle-class families, has been questioned based on the Housing Price to Annual Income Ratio (HPI), with an HPI of more than three being considered unaffordable. Netizens commenting on the Straits Times’ Facebook post of the report questioned the definition of affordability by Mr Desmond Lee, arguing that being able to afford does not mean that the price is affordable. 

Netizens question PM Lee’s repeated narrative on HDB’s value as retirement nest and affordability

Towards PM Lee’s comments on HDB flats being good homes and valuable nest eggs for retirement at the same time, many netizens have voiced their doubts over the viability of such claims in light of the recent controversy surrounding the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) and the rising property prices. For those who are not aware, residents of 43-year-old flats at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 are being forced to move out and purchase a replacement flat of equivalent size and convenience using their own funds or CPF.

PM Lee repeats narrative on HDB flats being good homes and valuable nest eggs for retirement

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the ruling People’s Action Party(PAP) government had promised that all Housing Development Board (HDB) flats would be both good homes and valuable nest eggs for retirement. However, narrative has been contested by the recent controversy over the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), where residents at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 are being forced out of their 43-year-old flats and having to fork out additional cash or CPF funds to purchase a replacement flat of equivalent size and convenience.