Committee of Supply 2023 debate, Day 5: Cheryl Chan on meeting changing housing needs

In Parliament on Thursday (Mar 2), Speaker Tan Chuan-Jin dealt with the expenditure estimates for the Ministry of National Development. Following that, MP Cheryl Chan offered several suggestions to meet changing housing needs and aspirations in Singapore. First, HDB could build more four- or five-room or larger flats and reduce the number of three-room units in newer precincts for a specific period of housing supply. Ms Chan said as more young families aspire to upgrade or move to bigger flats over time, they could get a larger unit from the start and live in it for longer. This way, market demand will not increase on a cyclical basis and the Minimum Occupation Period can be increased to curb near-term price rises. The resale market for three-room flats can be sustained for those who need it and be kept more affordable without competing with new BTO supply. Second, allow singles to rent or share flats directly from HDB, for flats that will undergo the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme. Third, create a new variety of flats for seniors who right-size. Ms Chan said HDB could refurbish and reconfigure existing blocks of flats to allow for better caregiving and active ageing, instead of having nursing homes.