HDB HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (Measures to promote)

Mr Yeo Choo Kok asked the Minister for National Development (a) in view of its recent liberalisation of the property ownership rules, whether the Housing and Development Board will raise or even waive the ceiling of income in order to make it easier for people to purchase types of flats according to their needs; (b) whether the HDB will waive the present age requirement so that two single adults can apply to rent HDB flats; and (c) whether the HDB will allow single persons alone to purchase one or two-room flats in the foreseeable future.

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the current income ceilings of $3,500 per month for HDB flats and $6,000 per month for HUDC flats already bring public housing within the reach of more than 90% of the population. However, the HDB continually reviews the ceilings. An upward revision will be made when the need arises.

In view of land constraints, public housing is limited and must therefore be confined to the accommodation of family units. The HDB is unable to waive the present age requirement to cater for single citizens who wish to stay on their own, away from their parents or family.

For similar reasons, the HDB is unable to allow single persons to purchase 1- or 2-room flats. These flats are currently rented out to the lower income section of the population. When not required anymore, they will be converted to bigger sale flats or demolished for redevelopment, to meet the demand from families.

Dr Koh Lip Lin (Nee Soon): Sir, will the Minister consider the possibility of allowing single persons who are brothers and sisters, whose parents are owners of property or HDB flats and whose family members exceed a certain number, to apply for HDB flats because it is too difficult for them to live in one HDB flat?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: Sir, the HDB rule is that one flat will be allocated to each family. In other words, the family with a large number of children will not be given a special privilege over the family with a smaller number of children.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok (Delta): ( In Mandarin): Sir, will the Minister tell the House whether the HDB at present will allow single persons to rent HDB flats?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: ( In Mandarin): Sir, the present HDB regulations allow a single person together with another person to rent or to buy HDB flats. However, in the case of a male, he must be at least 50 years old and, in the case of a female, 40 years old. The reason for such regulations is that in our society, those who are above 40 do not have much chance of getting married. Therefore, it is difficult for them to set up their own families and the Government allows them to rent or to buy a flat together with another person.

As for the male citizen, if he is above 40, he still has the opportunity of getting married. However, if he is above 50 years old, the chances of his getting married are very slim. Therefore, the Government allows him, together with another person, to rent or to buy an HDB flat.

Mr Yeo Choo Kok: ( In Mandarin): Sir, my point is that if both are males who are above 30 years old, will the Minister allow them to rent or to buy an HDB flat? We cannot force them to get married. If they are unable to get suitable spouses and if they are paying tax, will the Minister consider allowing them to rent or to buy an HDB flat?

Mr Teh Cheang Wan: ( In Mandarin): Mr Speaker, Sir, at present, the HDB will not consider changing these regulations.