The SHS is a 5-yearly survey conducted by HDB on its residents. The objectives are to determine the demographic and socio-economic profile of HDB residents, identify emerging trends, and gather feedback on various aspects of public housing. The findings will provide inputs for HDB policy reviews and help identify aspects of the HDB environment for further improvement. In the latest survey, almost 8,000 households were interviewed.

2The HDB resident population, comprising Singapore Citizens and Singapore Permanent Residents, increased by 2.7% over 5 years to 2.92 million in 2008. This figure made up 96% of the total population in HDB flats (88% were Singapore Citizens and 8% were SPRs), while the remaining 4% were foreigners. The average age of the HDB resident population rose to 37 years old, compared to 30 years old about two decades ago. The proportion of elderly residents (aged 65 years and above) increased from 5.4% in 1987 to 9.8% in 2008, due to longer life expectancy.

3The workforce is better-educated today. The percentage of employed HDB residents with tertiary education had increased from 19.9% in 1998 to 31.4% in 2008. Proportionately, more residents were in white-collar jobs (from 29.5% in 1998 to 34.5% in 2008). The average household income from work had also risen from $4,238 in 2003 to $5,680 in 2008, reflecting the growing affluence of HDB households.

4The HDB Sample Household Survey 2008 (SHS 2008) revealed that:

 b) About 81% of homeowners indicated that they are proud of their flats; and

 c) About 86% of homeowners felt that their flats were value for money

596.4% of all HDB households surveyed said they were satisfied with their flats, while 95.1% were satisfied with their neighbourhood. These high levels were found across households of different flat types, length of stay, tenure of flat, age groups, ethnicity, educational qualifications, and household income. Satisfaction levels have been consistently high, at above 90% over the last few decades (Charts 1 and 2).

6Residents who indicated aspects they liked most about their HDB environment listed location (28.7%), transportation network (11.8%) and provision of estate facilities (11.2%) as the top three aspects. Cleanliness and maintenance (19.8%) and noise (17.4%) were two aspects residents expressed most-disliked.

7Estate facilities play an important role in promoting social interactions and forging community bonds. 94.4% of residents were satisfied with the overall provision of estate facilities - an increase from 87.2% in 1998 and 93.4% in 2003 (Chart 3). Satisfaction with specific categories of estate facilities was also high, ranging from 84.1% for transportation facilities to 96.5% for educational facilities (Table 1). Some 44.4% of residents visited the food courts and 72.6% of residents visited the supermarket at least once a week. Usage of sports and recreational facilities had also increased from 2003. These figures suggest that estate facilities had served residents’ needs comprehensively.

880.7% of households were proud of their flats. Residents attributed their pride mainly to home ownership as they were proud of their ability to own a flat. Other sources of pride include location and good design/ layout of their flats. Pride levels were also higher for residents living in newer flats, particularly those 5 years and below.

985.8% of residents considered their flats to be worth the money they spent, mainly because of the appreciation in flat value, good location, proximity to facilities, and affordability. Residents in newer blocks (i.e. 5 years and below) were more likely to feel that their homes were value for money. At the same time, a high proportion of residents residing in older flats (i.e. 21 years and above) also agreed that their flats were value for money. The main reasons given were the location of their flats, flat prices that had either already appreciated or were expected to have a good resale value in the future.

10The overall findings of the SHS2008 showed that the majority of HDB residents are pleased with their physical living environment and are proud of the flats they own. Over the next two months, HDB will be releasing more findings on the well-being of the elderly and families, and residents' sense of social well-being.