Solutions for Estates with Private Properties with Less than 20 Years in Remaining Lease

34 Miss Cheryl Chan Wei Ling asked the Minister for National Development (a) for elderly Singaporeans living in private property with a remaining lease of about 20 years, whether the Ministry will consider offering them transition or interim housing during the debarment period for the purchase of a HDB flat; and (b) what measures are taken to ensure that the neighbourhood of such properties will not be disproportionately populated by short-term rentals or become quarters for foreign workers predominantly.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Singaporeans living in properties with short remaining leases are encouraged to plan ahead for their lease expiry, and source for alternative housing early. Senior citizens have various housing options, including short-lease two-room flexi flats, for which there is no debarment period for purchase. Residents can approach agencies for assistance if they need help transitioning to their next housing arrangement.

To safeguard the residential environment of private housing estates and minimise disturbance to neighbours, owners of private residential premises are only allowed to rent out their properties with a minimum tenancy period of three months. Each unit should also only have a maximum of six unrelated occupants. The Urban Redevelopment Authority will proactively enforce against subletting arrangements that flout the rules, including prosecuting egregious offenders in Court.