What Price ‘Posh’ Public Housing? Homing In On The Issue

Source : The Straits Times, Jan 7, 2008

The latest public housing comes at a premium, but YouthInk writers wonder if the cost is worth it.


Going beyond the basics

THE humble, historical background of the Housing and Development Board (HDB) differs significantly from the new and niche flats of the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS).

Some would argue that the latter goes against the original principles of public housing - that is, they must be affordable to all.

Yet these ‘original principles’ must be understood in the context in which they were formulated. A crisis of housing shortages in the 1960s left the Government with little choice.

Since then, public housing has evolved with new schemes and upgrading programmes which go beyond the bare basics. This is an inevitable reflection of a small nation’s social and economic progress. The DBSS flats are no exception.

The historical role of HDB - to provide cheap and simple housing - must be adequately met at all times. But beyond that, let market forces decide.

Koo Zhi Xuan, 21, is a first-year law student at the National University of Singapore (NUS)


It’s the people, not the space

FOR the average working individual in Singapore, a palatial bungalow is hardly a realistic investment.

The majority of our population lives in subsidised housing - arrangements which come with an extensive list of rules. The best consolation is that these restrictions at least come with an increasing structural attractiveness of HDB flats.

But it is a shame when practical functions of a residential community are compromised for new designs. Minimalist rain shelters do little to shield residents from torrential downpours native to Singapore.

Roof-top gardens intended for additional aesthetic value become every resident’s nightmare when perpetual neglect turns them into potential mosquito-breeding grounds.

The price premium undoubtedly comes with a degree of exclusivity. But it is possible to attain unique housing accommodation sans the hefty price tag for superficial exteriors.

In many other cities such as Hong Kong or New York, space is equally scarce, and clustered living is a must. But living in a shoebox is not impossible with a few great interior design ideas.

In the end, it’s the people you live with that make a house your home.

Alicia Ng, 23, is a final-year accountancy student at the Singapore Management University


Do in-depth demand studies

LATELY, the HDB demand-supply imbalance has frustrated some families, and young couples attempting to secure their desired flats.

But there is no short-term solution. The HDB needs to avoid a supply glut - the property plateau in 1997 saw long queues vanish after thousands of flats were built.

Still, there is room for improvement.

I live in Jurong West and my block, six years old, is only half-filled.

Potential buyers, apparently, are deterred by the area’s proximity to industrial estates and lack of vibrancy. Judging by the number of flats currently vacant, these conclusions were not derived prior to construction.

Conducting in-depth studies and surveys on demand patterns now could help prevent such a supply-demand mismatch in future.

Berton Lim, 20, has a place to read business administration at NUS


An attractive option

IN AUSTRALIA, the silent stigma attached to public subsidised housing is very apparent. No one will live in public housing if he can help it.

In contrast, Singapore’s public housing is much sought after. High-quality apartments at affordable rates allow most Singaporeans to be home owners.

Given the high aspirations of young Singaporeans, the HDB’s varied housing choices have become a hit with the younger generation.

The board is still relevant, long after its initial mandate to produce basic units which everyone can afford.

In fact, buyers do not get factory churnouts, because the DBSS allows Singaporeans to personalise their apartments.

And it is this pricier alternative which makes HDB flats an attractive option to
a wider spectrum of discerning home buyers.

Ultimately, being able to own an apartment beats renting one. Yet true to Singaporean culture, very rarely does something come ‘cheap and good’.

Tabitha Mok, 21, is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Western Australia.