Statistics on HDB Studio Apartments Sold by Families upon Demise of Lessee

35 Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked the Minister for National Development (a) since 1998, how many HDB Studio Apartments have so far been sold by the families upon the death of the lessee; and (b) whether the sale proceeds of the Studio Apartments have been released to the beneficiaries of a deceased's estate who are the children or relatives of the deceased.

Mr Lawrence Wong: Studio Apartments (SAs) were sold on a 30-year lease to eligible senior citizens for occupation. SAs cannot be re-sold on the open market.

If the lessee passes away, the SA will be passed to the owner's estate. Family members, if eligible, can continue living in the SA for the remaining lease. Alternatively, the SA can be returned to HDB, and HDB will reimburse the residual lease value to the estate of the deceased owner.