New restrictions on renting HDB flats out to foreigners

To prevent the formation of foreign enclaves in some HDB blocks and estates, the Government will implement a quota on the number of flats which can be rented out to foreigners.

This includes those here on work passes as well as permanent residents, but excludes Malaysians as they face less integration issues, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan in Parliament today during the debate for his ministry's budget.

Responding to a call from West Coast GRC MP Foo Mee Har for a quota of 10 per cent to address her worry that foreign enclaves are sprouting, Mr Khaw said the ministry must do the analysis to see if 10 per cent is the appropriate quota, but that he agrees in principle on the need to impose one.

While the details of the new quota are being sorted out, HDB will halve the period of approval for new sub-letting arrangements to foreigners from three years to 18 months.

(08-03-2013, 06:44 PM)AlphaQuant Wrote: To prevent the formation of foreign enclaves in some HDB blocks and estates, the Government will implement a quota on the number of flats which can be rented out to foreigners.

This includes those here on work passes as well as permanent residents, but excludes Malaysians as they face less integration issues, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan in Parliament today during the debate for his ministry's budget.

Responding to a call from West Coast GRC MP Foo Mee Har for a quota of 10 per cent to address her worry that foreign enclaves are sprouting, Mr Khaw said the ministry must do the analysis to see if 10 per cent is the appropriate quota, but that he agrees in principle on the need to impose one.

While the details of the new quota are being sorted out, HDB will halve the period of approval for new sub-letting arrangements to foreigners from three years to 18 months.

I doubt if this will have any effect. Most people will not sublet their whole flat so they wont need to take permission from HDB. This is more of a cosmetic change.

i was surprised by this measure - cos i wasn't aware of HDB rentees forming enclaves, although condo enclaves are definitely present understandably.

any examples of such HDB phenomenon?

(09-03-2013, 09:42 AM)AlphaQuant Wrote: i was surprised by this measure - cos i wasn't aware of HDB rentees forming enclaves, although condo enclaves are definitely present understandably.

any examples of such HDB phenomenon?

Sengkang is popular with Indian expats. A friend renting out a HDB unit noted that his tenants have been Indians and they have formed an amateur cricket league that plays at the field near the house. If there are enough Indian expats to form an amateur league, well I guess you may call that an 'enclave'. (although I think that is loosely defined)

Can we stop certain nationalities gathering at certain shopping centres? No.

Interesting. Foreigners enclaves.

My opinion is embrace this diversity and create community activities to blend them into Singapore. They may be our future citizens.

(11-03-2013, 11:55 PM)a74henry Wrote: Can we stop certain nationalities gathering at certain shopping centres? No.

Interesting. Foreigners enclaves.

My opinion is embrace this diversity and create community activities to blend them into Singapore. They may be our future citizens.

I agree with Henry here. All places in Singapore look the same - similar people similar shops, same brands, same stuff, everything is same. May be adding a little variety will spice up things. Little India looks so lively. it is chaotic but it is one place where you feel Singapore is alive. it has a soul.

Small enclaves are OK but there should not big ghettoes. Instead of micromanaging to block levels , may be HDB should stick to keeping ratio constant in a particular estate or a town. May be we can form more interest clubs in this way. if people love what they do here, they will love the place & make it there home. may be this will be good for integration.