PRs occupy less than 5% of HDB flats

Nov 24, 2009

Permanent residents in Singapore own less than five percent of all HDB flats.
But the government will monitor the situation to ensure that no permanent residents as well as foreigner enclaves develop, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, responding to a question from Dr. Lim Wee Kiak.

Dr. Lim wanted to know the allocation of PRs across the Housing Board estates, and whether the government is considering an expansion on the current ethnic quota scheme to include permanent residents.
The Minister said that PRs are already under the same rules as Singaporeans, including the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP).

“The EIP was introduced to achieve a healthy racial mix in HDB estates and prevent the formation of ethnic enclaves, regardless of whether they are citizens or PRs,” the Minister said.
As of 30 June 2009, permanent residents owned a total of 42,800 flats or 4.9 percent of nearly 900,000 HDB flats across the island.

While public housing is mostly for Singaporeans, Mr. Mah noted that PRs need a place to live.
“PR families are not eligible for housing subsidies that Singaporeans enjoy. They are not allowed to buy a new flat from HDB or enjoy any housing grant. However, PRs need to have a home in Singapore. Therefore, they are allowed to buy properties from the open market, including HDB resale flats.”