If you are looking to buy a HDB or already own one, one of the costs that you will have to contend with as a homeowner is the HDB conservancy charges. In June 2018 this year, it was announced that all 15 town councils that are managed by the PAP have increased the HDB conservancy charges for all homeowners. The increases will be phased over two years, so the next round is scheduled to be on 1st June 2019 next year.
The 15 PAP-run town councils are:
Ang Mo Kio
Bishan-Toa Payoh
Chua Chu Kang
East Coast-Fengshan
Holland-Bukit Panjang
Jalan Besar
Jurong-Clementi
Marine Parade
Marsiling-Yew Tee
Nee Soon
Pasir Ris-Punggol
Sembawang
Tanjong Pagar
Tampines
West Coast
Why is there an increase in the HDB conservancy charges?
The increase is because of the higher cleaning costs as these contribute towards one fifth of each town council’s yearly expenses. This is because the cleaning companies now spend more on mechanisation, training and progressive wages for their workers. Pest control costs have also gone up since common areas are now receiving more treatments.
Additionally, the increases will be used to contribute to the decreasing funds of the town councils. The boost to the town council sinking funds will allow them to maintain and replace old lifts as well as carry out the Lift Enhancement Programme as the estates get older. Earlier in the year, the Government announced that all town councils will have to set aside at least 14 percent as a lift replacement fund, which would cause additional strain to the resources.
The good news here is that there will be rebates given to offset the increases. Over the months of April, July, October and January next year, around 900,000 eligible Singaporean households living in HDB flats will receive rebates worth $126 million for the HDB conservancy charges.
Every town council will have different conservancy charges, so to make things easier, we have compiled all the charges from the 15 different town councils in one table.
Sean has a writing experience of 3 years and is currently with Stacked Homes focused on general property research, helping to pen articles focused on condos. In his free time, he enjoys photography and coffee tasting.
Sean
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