STUDIO APARTMENT SCHEME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

Dr S. Vasoo asked the Minister for National Development whether the studio apartment scheme will be open to senior citizens not living in Housing and Development Board flats.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Mah Bow Tan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Studio Apartment (SA) Scheme was introduced as another housing option primarily to cater to the needs of elderly HDB flat owners. The scheme allows them to sell their existing larger HDB flats, buy the smaller studio apartments that are purpose-built to serve their needs, and then use the balance of the sales proceeds to meet their old age needs.

Since the launch of the Studio Apartment Scheme, HDB has received requests from MPs and members of the public to open the scheme to senior citizens who are non-HDB flat owners. HDB will bear in mind this request when it reviews its policy.