Demographic and Socio-economic Profile of HDB Applicants in Last Two Years
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the demographic and socio-economic profiles of HDB rental flat applicants and the reasons for their applications as raised by Mr Zainal Sapari. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling noted that approximately 7,300 households apply annually, with 90% earning $1,500 or less and nearly half having previously owned a flat. Applicants often cite divorce, unemployment, or medical issues as reasons for needing housing, while rejections are typically based on financial sufficiency or available family support. For those without family support, Senior Parliamentary Secretary Sun Xueling explained that HDB refers applicants to Family Service Centres for mediation and counseling. If mediation fails and applicants cannot afford to buy a flat, HDB provides housing options such as interim rental or public rental flats.
Transcript
The following question stood in the name of Mr Zainal Sapari –
32 To ask the Minister for National Development (a) what is the total number applications for HDB rental flats in the last two years; (b) what is the demographic and socio-economic profile of these applicants; (c) what is the percentage of rental flat applicants who have owned a HDB flat before; (d) what are the reasons why applications are not successful; (e) what are the usual circumstances that lead to the applicant needing rental housing; and (f) what housing options are available when family support is not forthcoming for the applicants in terms of alternative accommodation.
Ms Rahayu Mahzam (Jurong): Question No 32.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for National Development (Ms Sun Xueling) (for the Minister for National Development): HDB’s public rental flats cater to households with no viable housing options or family support. In the last two years, an average of about 7,300 households requested for rental flats each year. The demographic and socio-economic profile of these households is varied. 90% had a household income of $1,500 or less. Seventy percent applied alone or as a pair. About 40% were divorced or widowed, and a similar proportion were married.
Applicants cited various reasons for needing rental housing, such as the inability to afford a flat after divorce or due to loss of employment or medical issues. Close to half of the households in public rental have owned an HDB flat before.
The most common reasons for unsuccessful applications include having sufficient budget to buy a flat, not meeting the citizenship requirement, or having family support for alternative accommodation.
In cases where family support is not forthcoming, HDB will refer them to a Family Service Centre for mediation or counselling assistance. If mediation is unsuccessful, and the applicants cannot afford to buy a flat, HDB will be prepared to offer an interim rental or a public rental flat.