Singapore has been known for its land scarce challenge. Some link it to rising HDB flat pricing. However, this post suggests how prices of HDB flats need not rocket. Move out of the norm and we may tackle the constraints. However, I would like to acknowledge that this article is written with the limited knowledge of myself in buildings.
Why do HDB flats have to be less than 30 storey? The highest HDB flat in Singapore is the Pinnacle@Duxton – towering over HDB flats with 50 storeys. However, I chance upon newly built HDB flats which are still less than 30 storeys. My next logical question would be – If HDB prices are rising due to land constraint, why is it that the government is not proposing to build more roofs WITHIN the same AREA? Since our land area is being restrained, doesn’t this translate to higher HDB? This would overcome the challenge of land constraints and ALSO possibly reduce the cost of HDB flats. Of course, if the soil is not suitable for such weight, then it is illogical to sacrifice the safety of the public. However, I believe that this should be the way ahead for HDB in Singapore if the condition is favorable.
Speaking from the construction firms’ point of view, they may actually profit more from building higher HDB flats. Assuming, that the construction firm has to pay X amount for Y area of the land, if he builds Z number of units, he would require A amount of cost. A profit, P, is achieved as long as Revenue he earns outweighs Cost. My assumption is that the cost does not weigh the revenue even at 50 storeys. I do however acknowledge that more support/materials are required to support the higher building. This may result in smaller profits. Perhaps, this is why most HDB is about 20 – 30 storeys. Unless this and the soil condition would compromise the safety of the public, I do not see any reason not to have HDB of such height. Moreover, this may mean bigger HDB flats since we have ‘overcome’ the challenge of scarce land by building higher HDB. Higher HDB = more units = units do not have to be small to accomodate the land scarce.
This article is just a thought.
