Lesson 15 Flashcards
What was the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT)?
SIT was a former government organization responsible for urban planning and renewal in Singapore, established in 1927.
When was the Housing & Development Board (HDB) established?
HDB was established on 1 February 1960 to address the housing crisis in Singapore.
What significant housing issue did Singapore face in 1960?
There was a housing crisis, with many citizens living in unhygienic slums and crowded squatter settlements; only 9% lived in government flats.
How many flats did HDB build in less than three years after its establishment?
HDB built 21,000 flats in less than three years.
What are the primary roles and purposes of HDB?
- Act as the public housing authority.
- Administer the Home Ownership Scheme for 80% of Singaporeans.
- Plan, construct, and develop public housing towns.
- Renew and upgrade public housing flats.
- Provide housing loans for HDB flat purchases.
- Formulate and administer public housing policies to meet national objectives.
What are the HDB housing options available for Singapore Citizens?
- Public Rental Flats
- Direct Purchase
- Resale Flat
- Design Build Sell Scheme Flat
- Executive Condominium
What are the different methods of direct purchase for HDB flats?
- Build-To-Order (BTO) - new flat
- Sales of Balance flats
- Open Booking
- Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme
What are the different modes of sale for HDB flats?
- New flat
- Repossessed flat
How is the price determined for a new HDB flat?
New flats are sold at a subsidized price by HDB.
How is the price determined for a resale flat?
The price of a resale flat is negotiated between the flat owner and the buyer.
Where are new HDB flats mostly located?
New HDB flats are mostly located in non-mature estates.
What is the location flexibility for HDB resale flats?
HDB resale flats can be located anywhere.
What is the mode of purchase for new HDB flats?
Sale launches are held periodically, and flat buyers apply directly to HDB for a flat.
How can HDB resale flats be purchased?
Resale flats can be purchased from the open market at any time.
What is the ownership condition for occupants applying for a subsidized flat?
Spouse or occupants cannot own private residential properties.
What is the waiting period for individuals who have sold a private residential property before applying for a subsidized flat?
They must have sold the property at least 30 months before applying for a subsidized flat.
What is the waiting period after selling a private residential property before purchasing a resale flat?
Applicants must wait 15 months prior to purchasing a resale flat.
Does the waiting period apply to seniors aged 55 and above buying a smaller resale flat?
No, the waiting period does not apply to seniors aged 55 and above moving to a 4-room or smaller resale flat.
What are the eligibility requirements for single unwed parents looking to buy from HDB?
Single unwed parents aged 21 years old can buy up to a 3-room flat from HDB.
How many subsidized housing flats can a Singapore Citizen enjoy?
A Singapore Citizen can enjoy a maximum of 2 subsidized housing flats.
What is the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) for subsidized flats?
The MOP may be 5, 10, or 20 years, depending on the scheme.
What is the income ceiling requirement related to subsidized flats?
Applicants must meet the income ceiling criteria to qualify for subsidized flats.
What are the general rules regarding private property ownership during the Minimum Occupation Period?
- No private property ownership within the MOP.
- Concurrent ownership of another HDB flat, executive condominium, or private residential property is also not allowed during the MOP.
What happens after the Minimum Occupation Period for Singapore Citizen households?
After the MOP, Singapore Citizen households are allowed to invest in private property.
What must PR households do after the Minimum Occupation Period?
After the MOP, PR households can purchase private residential property but must sell their HDB flat within 6 months.
What are the consequences of violating HDB rules?
Violation of HDB rules can result in the repossession of the flat.
Who are the priority applicants for HDB housing schemes?
First-timer applicants with urgent housing needs.
What are the privileges and priority schemes available for first-timer applicants?
Priorities for Build-To-Order (BTO) and Sale of Balance Flat (SBF) sales launches.
Which types of flats have priority for first-time applicants?
Design Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS) flats and Executive Condominiums (EC).
What is the percentage of flat supply set aside for first-timer applicants in HDB?
85% of the 3-room flats and 95% of the 4-room and larger flats.
What additional benefits do first-time applicants in HDB receive?
More ballot chances, staggered downpayment options, temporary loan schemes, and deferred downpayment schemes.
What percentage of flat supply is set aside for first-time applicants in DBSS flats?
95% of flat supply is set aside during the first month of the initial launch.
What percentage of flat supply is set aside for first-time applicants in Executive Condominiums (EC)?
70% of flat supply is set aside during the first month of the initial launch.
Is the Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme (FPPS) available for DBSS?
No, FPPS is available only for HDB.
Which priority schemes are available for HDB but not for DBSS?
Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme (FPPS), Assistance Scheme for Second-Timer (Divorced/Widowed Parents) (ASSIST), Tenants’ Priority Scheme (TPS), and Senior Priority Scheme (SPS).
Which priority schemes are common in both HDB and DBSS?
Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS) and Third Child Priority Scheme (TCPS).
What happens to BTO and SBF applicants with a queue position that falls within the flat supply?
They cannot apply for a flat in later exercises until after their booking appointment.
What is the new rule for first-timer applicants who fail to choose a BTO flat starting from August 2023?
They will be deemed second-timers for a year in the computer ballot.
What happens to applicants who do not select a BTO flat when invited?
Their existing applications for later exercises will be cancelled.
What is the waiting period for second-timers who accumulate one non-selection count?
They will have to wait one year before they can apply for a flat again.
Who qualifies for the Family and Parenthood Priority Scheme (FPPS)?
1st timer married Singapore Citizen couples expecting at least one Singapore Citizen child or a Singapore child below 18 years old.
What is required for applicants under the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS)?
Parents must submit a joint application with their married child and can only apply for a 2-room Flexi or 3-room flat.
What can a married child’s household apply for under the MGPS?
They can apply for a 2-room Flexi or larger flat.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS)?
At least one of the parents or the married child must be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident, and they must stay within 4 kilometers of each other.
What is the Minimum Occupation Period that both parties must fulfill under the MCPS?
Both parties must fulfill a 5-year Minimum Occupation Period.
What are the priority ranks for the Married Child Priority Scheme?
1) Applicants applying to live together with their parents/married child.
2) Parents who own a flat in a mature estate applying for a flat in a non-mature estate to be closer to their married child.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Third Child Priority Scheme (TCPS)?
1) Must be a Singapore Citizen.
2) Family must consist of at least 3 children (natural or legally adopted).
3) The third child must be a Singapore Citizen born on or after 1 January 1987.
4) Other children must be Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents.
5) Must not have previously bought a flat under the TCPS.
What is the Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/Widowed Parents) (ASSIST) about?
It provides access to BTO 2-room Flexi and 3-room flats in non-mature estates for individuals with 1 child aged below 18 years old (natural or legally adopted).
What is a requirement for applicants under the ASSIST scheme regarding property ownership?
Applicants must not have acquired any interest in an HDB flat or private residential property (except for their matrimonial flat/property) after the date of divorce, separation, or demise of their spouse.
Who qualifies for the Tenants’ Priority Scheme (TPS)?
TPS is applicable to tenants of SERS flats (relocation) who have been living in a flat rented from HDB for at least 2 years.
What types of flats are eligible under the Tenants’ Priority Scheme (TPS)?
Tenants can apply for 2-room Flexi and 3-room BTO/SBF units.
What type of flats can seniors apply for under the Senior Priority Scheme (SPS)?
Seniors can apply for a short lease 2-room Flexi flat located within the same town or estate, or within 4 kilometers of their current flat or private property.
Who is eligible to apply for a Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat?
Singapore Citizens aged 55 and above.
What is the lease duration for a Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat?
The lease is between 15 and 45 years in 5-year increments.
What age must buyers be covered by the lease period for a Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat?
The lease period must cover buyers up to the age of at least 95 years.
What is the maximum monthly household income to be eligible for a Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat?
The monthly household income cannot exceed $14,000.
What is the condition for owning other properties if you purchase a Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat?
You must not own private residential property, and if you do, it must be sold within 6 months from the date of taking possession of the flat.
What limitation applies to previous property purchases when applying for the Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat?
Applicants can only have purchased and sold two subsidized flats and must not have previously purchased a Studio Apartment or Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat.
What is one condition regarding the use of the Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat?
You cannot sublet your bedroom or the whole flat.
After what period can you invest in private property while still living in the Short Lease 2-Room Flexi Flat?
You can invest in private property after the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) while continuing to live in the flat.