The New Housing Policy In Singapore
Housing policy of Singapore as a role model in the Asian cities. Also, the efforts and results of housing policy in Singapore are highly recognized and appreciated. Moreover, it increases the legitimacy of the government.
History of the Housing policy in Singapore
After World War II, housing conditions in Singapore were overcrowding, dilapidated, poor hygiene and inadequate infrastructure. There were about 25% of population were living in squatters. Therefore, housing problem became a political and social issue at that time. (Lim et al, 1988).
In the beginning of 1960s, the Housing and Development Board (HDB)1 was constituted as a statutory board to take over the work of the housing in Singapore which solved the problem of housing shortage and improved the living environment of citizens.
In the late 1960s, the government implemented the Central Provident Fund (CPF) (See Appendix 1) which was a form of social security and helped raising the popularity of public housing. The applicants of HOS were allowed to use their money in CPF to pay for the down payments and monthly repayments for their HDB flats. As a result, this gives a tremendous boost to the home ownership scheme.
In the early 1970s, HDB designed comprehensive town planning to solve the problem of overcrowding. It meant that the new towns are planned to be self-sufficient2 with commercial, recreational, institutional and other facilities to cater to the daily needs of the multi-ethnic population. 3Besides, the government allowed owners of HOS flats to resale in market of HOS. It also facilitated the upgrades to second new HOS flats so as to increase the residential mobility within the sector.4
In 1980, HDB focused more on the living environment of local citizens. Therefore, the 'precinct concept5' was introduced which promotes social interaction and close relationship among the residents. The main objective was to create a 'Total Living Environment' for the residents to have better living
History of the Housing policy in Singapore
After World War II, housing conditions in Singapore were overcrowding, dilapidated, poor hygiene and inadequate infrastructure. There were about 25% of population were living in squatters. Therefore, housing problem became a political and social issue at that time. (Lim et al, 1988).
In the beginning of 1960s, the Housing and Development Board (HDB)1 was constituted as a statutory board to take over the work of the housing in Singapore which solved the problem of housing shortage and improved the living environment of citizens.
In the late 1960s, the government implemented the Central Provident Fund (CPF) (See Appendix 1) which was a form of social security and helped raising the popularity of public housing. The applicants of HOS were allowed to use their money in CPF to pay for the down payments and monthly repayments for their HDB flats. As a result, this gives a tremendous boost to the home ownership scheme.
In the early 1970s, HDB designed comprehensive town planning to solve the problem of overcrowding. It meant that the new towns are planned to be self-sufficient2 with commercial, recreational, institutional and other facilities to cater to the daily needs of the multi-ethnic population. 3Besides, the government allowed owners of HOS flats to resale in market of HOS. It also facilitated the upgrades to second new HOS flats so as to increase the residential mobility within the sector.4
In 1980, HDB focused more on the living environment of local citizens. Therefore, the 'precinct concept5' was introduced which promotes social interaction and close relationship among the residents. The main objective was to create a 'Total Living Environment' for the residents to have better living