Written answer by Ministry of National Development on low take-up rate of Lift Access Housing Grant and possibility of converting segmented units into rental flats

Jul 3, 2023

Questions No: 3081 and 3082

Questions by: Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim

3081. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for National Development in light of the 28 approved applications as at December 2021 for the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) out of the estimated 2,000 affected HDB units that have no lift access (a) whether HDB is able to provide any update on the low take-up rate of the LHG after having monitored the situation; and (b) whether there any further enhancements to the LHG being considered.

3082. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim: To ask the Minister for National Development for segmented units in HDB blocks that have no lift access, whether HDB will consider to purchase the units from the owners and convert these units to rental flats under the public housing rental scheme.

Answer:

Residents living in blocks without direct lift access and who are in urgent need of direct lift access due to medical conditions or mobility reasons are eligible for the Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) of up to $30,000 when they buy another flat with direct lift access. LHG applicants are typically households with a significant need for direct lift access.

2        After taking possession of their new flat, LHG recipients are given 6 months to sell their existing flat. If they require more time to do so, they may approach HDB for assistance. 

3        HDB does not have plans to buy back segmented units without direct lift access. Nonetheless, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our policies as needed.