On March 4 March 2020, the Ministry of Development (MND) and Housing Development Board (HDB) introduced a new grant called Lift Access Housing Grant (LHG) that benefits households with mobility or medical issues. The grant helps them buy property in Singapore that provides direct lift access.
Who is eligible for LHG?
If you have medical or mobility issues (i.e wheelchair bound, visually impaired, etc), you will receive a grant of up to $30,000 to help with another flat purchase (either a new or resale flat from the HDB) that has direct lift access. This is only applicable if you live in blocks without a lift that stops on every floor and blocks that are ineligible for the Housing Board’s Lift Upgrading Programme (LUP).
What are the changes since the LUP launch?
LUP was launched in 2001. Before that, there were more than 5,300 HDB blocks without direct lift access. Now, the number has decreased significantly to 150 blocks. According to National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, lift upgrading is not possible for certain blocks due to existing technical/site constraints or excessive costs, which can go up to more than $200,000 per household.
What’s in it for the remaining 150 blocks?
The HDB will continue to explore new technical methods to bring direct lift access to residents of the remaining 150 blocks. Measures such as smaller “home lifts” and technical solutions like lifts that do not have a machine room at the top of the shafts (i.e. machine room-less lifts) have worked for the rest of blocks except these blocks. In the meantime, it’s best for those who urgently need direct lift access to move to another flat. If this applies to you, don’t hesitate to approach the HDB for assistance..
Looking for a flat that caters to your needs? We can guide you through the process! Ohmyhome’s team of experienced and knowledgeable property agents are here to help. Our team can assist senior HDB sellers with their financial calculations, free of charge.
