Written answer by Ministry of National Development on help for senior citizens to apply for BTO flats
Nov 8, 2022
2344. Mr Christopher de Souza: To ask the Minister for National Development how HDB is helping senior citizens apply for BTO flats as second-timers so as to find a flat more suitable to their needs.
2345. Mr Christopher de Souza: To ask the Minister for National Development how is HDB is helping senior citizens who do not have the financial means to afford resale flats, to secure a BTO flat.
2388. Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling: To ask the Minister for National Development for seniors aged 65 and above who applied for 2-room Flexi flats in HDB's Build-To-Order and Sale of Balance Flats exercises in 2022 (a) what percentage of these seniors are applying for HDB flats for a second time or more; and (b) how many of them have been unable to secure a flat for their right-sizing needs.
Answer:
HDB offers various housing options to cater to seniors’ needs, and has measures in place to ensure that public housing remains affordable and accessible to seniors.
2 Eligible seniors aged 55 and older can purchase a 2-room Flexi flat on a short-lease from HDB, regardless of the number of housing subsidies they have enjoyed previously. In each Build-to-Order (BTO) project with 2-room Flexi flats, at least 40% or 100 units of such flats, whichever is higher, is set aside for seniors. In addition, of these flats, half are set aside for eligible seniors who wish to buy a 2-room Flexi flat to age-in-place or live near their parents or married child under the Senior Priority Scheme.
3 In 2022, about 6,500 seniors aged 55 and older applied for 2-room Flexi flats in HDB’s BTO and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercises. Among them, about 5,200 (or around 80%) had taken one or more housing subsidies before. About 2,000 (or around 30%) were unsuccessful in their flat applications, with the majority of such applicants applying for a flat in the SBF exercises, where there is limited supply and high demand. Seniors are encouraged to consider applying to BTO projects with lower application rates for a better chance of securing a flat.
4 For seniors who wish to live in the same precinct as their married child for mutual care and support, HDB offers the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme, which sets aside up to 15% of 2-room Flexi or 3-room flats for eligible seniors. HDB also offers 3Gen flats to facilitate multi-generation living under one roof, and Community Care Apartments (CCA) that integrate housing with care services to support seniors to age-in-place. We will be launching our second CCA pilot at Queenstown in the upcoming November sales exercise.
5 For seniors looking to right-size, HDB provides the Silver Housing Bonus of up to $30,000 in cash or the deferment of downpayment until key collection. HDB also holds frequent public outreach programmes to raise awareness of the various options and schemes available for seniors.
6 Seniors who require further assistance may approach HDB.