Number of HDB Flats Built Specifically for Senior Citizens Yearly since 2002

22 Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the number of HDB flats completed each year since 2002 that are catered specifically for senior citizens; and (b) how many of such flats are due to be completed in each of the next five years.

Mr Lawrence Wong: HDB introduced the Studio Apartment (SA) scheme in 1998 to cater to the housing needs of seniors aged 55 and above. Nine thousand one hundred and nineteen SAs were completed between 2002 and June 2017. Another 1,875 SAs are under construction and are expected to be completed progressively by 2019.

In November 2015, the SA scheme was merged with the 2-room flats scheme and replaced with the 2-room Flexi scheme. Under the new 2-room Flexi scheme, at least 40% of the 2-room Flexi flats in any Build-To-Order (BTO) project, subject to a minimum of 100 units, is set aside for seniors. Nine thousand one hundred and forty-seven 2-room Flexi flats were launched in BTO exercises between November 2015 and May 2017. These units are under construction and are expected to be completed progressively by 2021.