The 1990s

• 1991
  Pilot Phase of Main Upgrading Programme
  The pilot phase of the government's Main Upgrading Programme for older flats was launched. The Single Citizen Scheme and the Transitional Rental Housing Scheme were also implemented, to meet the housing needs of unmarried citizens and young couples waiting for their HDB flats to be built.

• 1992

Demonstration Phase of Main Upgrading Programme
The Demonstration Phase of the Main Upgrading Programme was launched in six precincts in Marine Parade, Kim Keat, Telok Blangah, Ang Mo Kio, Lorong Lew Lian and Clementi.

Design and Build Flats
The first building contract under the Design & Build Scheme was also awarded to private firms, signalling the start of private sector involvement in public housing projects.

Other significant developments were the launch of the Sale of Tenanted Shops Programme and the introduction of the Residents Priority Scheme for mature estates.

• 1993

Revised Mortgage Loan Financing Scheme for Resale Flats
The Revised Mortgage Loan Financing Scheme was implemented to allow resale flat buyers to obtain a loan of up to 80 percent of their purchase price or market valuation. This subsequently led to an increase in the demand for resale flats as it made it easier for buyers to purchase one.

• 1994

Registration for Flat System
As a result of the rising demand for HDB flats, the Registration for Flat System replaced the Booking System for new flats. This scheme removed the element of chance in flat applications and provided a fairer distribution of flats among first-time purchasers and upgraders.

The CPF Housing Grant Scheme was also introduced for first-time HDB buyers applying for resale flats and a four-pronged approach to help the lower-income own their homes was adopted.

• 1995
  Privatisation of HUDC Flats Executive Condominiums
  The privatisation of HUDC estates began with the selection of the first two estates under the programme - Pine Grove and Gillman Heights. And with the closure of the register for HDB Executive flats, the new form of housing - Executive Condominiums that would be developed wholly by the private sector - was introduced.
  Estate Renewal Strategy
  HDB also consolidated its Estate Renewal Strategy for older public housing estates. In addition to the Main and Interim Upgrading Programmes, this strategy also saw the introduction of the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme under which older blocks were demolished and the land redeveloped.

• 1996
  Design-Plus Flats
  The latest range of public housing flats, called Design-Plus flats, was introduced. These flats would have better design features and furnishing, as well as unique block configurations and integrated car parks.

Punggol 21
HDB also launched Punggol 21, its masterplan for an upcoming 21st Century public housing town by the waterfront that incorporated new and exciting planning concepts.

• 1997

Singapore Quality Award
The Singapore Quality Award was presented jointly to HDB and Baxter Healthcare, making HDB the first public sector and local organisation to receive Singapore's top prize for business excellence.

Revision of Housing Policies
With the increased activity in the property market, HDB tightened its housing policies in an effort to dampen public housing demand by encouraging prudence among HDB purchasers. The changes included revisions in the mortgage loans provided to the buyers of both new and resale flats, and the implementation of a 10-year time bar for applicants upgrading to their new HDB flat.

• 1998
  The Studio Apartment Scheme
  A new housing option for the elderly was introduced in the form of studio apartments, specially designed with elderly-friendly features.

The elderly would also get to enjoy the capital gains when they sell off their existing flat to move into a studio apartment, thus translating their assets into cash. Four sites were launched for the pilot project in Bedok, Jurong East, Tampines and Yishun.

• 1999

HDB $3 Billion Medium Term Note Programme
In line with the Government's efforts to develop a vibrant bond market in Singapore, HDB embarked on a $3 billion Medium Term Note Programme. Under it, HDB would, from time to time, issue bonds to finance its development programme and working capital requirements.

Rent and Purchase Scheme
The Rent and Purchase Scheme was introduced to enable low-income families to first rent a 3-room flat from HDB and then buy it over when their financial situation improves.

Walk-In Selection for 3-room flats
Low-income families applying for buy-back 3-room flats would get to select a flat on the same day, under a new Walk-In Selection system.

Technopreneur Home Office Scheme
To develop technopreneurship in Singapore, the Technopreneur Home Office Scheme was introduced. It allowed technopreneurs to seek approval from the National Science and Technology Board to use their HDB flat or private residential property as a home office.

Refinements to HDB Mortgage Financing Policy
The mortgage financing policy was fine-tuned, requiring HDB flat owners who have enjoyed one housing subsidy to pay market interest rate for their second mortgage loan when they move laterally or downgrade.