PERMANENT RESIDENTS (Purchase of HDB flats with CPF savings)

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for Labour if he will consider allowing Singapore permanent residents to use their Central Provident Fund for housing provided their spouse is a Singaporean.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Mr Speaker, Sir, the present HDB regulations allow a Singapore citizen and his or her spouse who is a permanent resident of Singapore to be co-owners of an HDB flat. Such permanent resident co-owners are allowed to use their CPF savings to pay for the HDB flat. The permanent resident must be a co-owner and not just a permitted occupier.

In the case of private properties, a CPF member can withdraw his CPF savings to purchase a property in Singapore on his own or jointly with members of his immediate family. The CPF member must be the owner or co-owner of the property. The member need not be a Singapore citizen.

Dr S. Vasoo (Tiong Bahru GRC): What about those who have permanent resident status but do not hold blue Singapore ICs. Can they be considered?

Mr Lee Yock Suan: I will have to confirm with HDB on this point, but I think there should be no problem.