HDB's Reply

HDB flat sizes unchanged since 1997
Date: 5 Sep 2018

We refer to the letter from Mr Andrew Seow Chwee Guan, (Size of HDB flats not addressed, Aug 22), in which he states that HDB flats "appear to be getting more expensive and small HDB flats are becoming the new normal".

Over the years, HDB has sought to improve flat designs to meet Singaporeans' desire for quality housing, and to allow better optimisation of space.

For instance, columns in flats are pushed to the sides wherever possible so that residents can have more flexibility in reconfiguring their flat layout.　

Since 1997, the sizes of HDB flats have also remained unchanged.　

New HDB flats are priced lower than comparable resale flats, so that eligible flat buyers enjoy a generous subsidy at the point of offer.　

On top of this subsidised price, eligible first-timer households can enjoy up to $80,000 in housing grants, comprising the Additional CPF Housing Grant (up to $40,000) and the Special CPF Housing Grant (up to $40,000).　

Most first-timer households pay the down payment and monthly instalments for their flat with their CPF contributions, with little or no out-of-pocket cash.

Cheong Kin Man
Director (Design Development)
Housing & Development Board

Letter to The Straits Times

Size of HDB flats not addressed
Date: 22 Aug 2018

From: Andrew Seow Chwee Guan

The announcement by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day Rally (Every HDB flat to be upgraded twice; Aug 20) is laudable.　

But even after describing the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme and the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme, the question of size of the current Build-To-Order flats was not addressed.　

Housing Board flats appear to be getting more expensive and small HDB flats are becoming the new normal. Size matters as it affects the quality of life for ordinary people.