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Expanded Occupancy Cap for Larger HDB & Private Residences: Allowing Up to 8 Unrelated Individuals

Between January 22, 2024 and December 31, 2026, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced a temporary relaxation of the occupancy cap for larger HDB flats and private residential properties. During this period, these accommodations will be permitted to accommodate up to eight unrelated persons, an increase from the current limit of six. This measure aims to address rental demand and support households seeking rental accommodations.

This relaxation applies to four-room and larger HDB flats, living quarters of HDB commercial properties equivalent to at least a four-room flat, and private residential properties of at least 90 square meters. However, any extension of this relaxed occupancy cap beyond 2026 will be subject to review based on market conditions at that time.

Minister for National Development Desmond Lee highlighted the surge in residential rents, largely attributed to heightened demand amidst construction delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. To alleviate this situation, the government accelerated housing supply, with nearly 100,000 homes slated for completion by 2025. Mr. Lee emphasized that this increased supply would enable Singaporeans to vacate rental units sooner, thereby freeing up rental stock.
He stated that the government “(anticipates) the need to maintain a healthy rental supply to support those seeking to rent.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

To ensure a harmonious living environment, the temporary measure applies only to larger properties capable of accommodating more occupants with minimal impact on their surroundings. Residential property owners currently housing up to six unrelated persons must apply to HDB or URA, depending on the property type, to include additional occupants. Private property owners can register their properties through URA’s e-services for a S$20 administrative fee.

HDB and URA reiterated that the existing rule requiring HDB flat owners and commercial property owners to obtain approval before commencing tenancy remains unchanged.

Applications for renting out HDB flats or bedrooms can be submitted online through HDB’s e-services, with an administrative fee of S$10 per bedroom or S$20 per whole flat rented out. Similarly, HDB commercial property owners and tenants seeking to rent out living quarters can apply via the GoBusiness Licensing Portal, with an applicable administrative fee of S$100 per application.

Furthermore, to meet growing housing demand, the government has bolstered the supply of both public and private housing units, collaborating closely with the construction industry to address supply-side challenges.

With a significant surge in housing supply anticipated in the coming years, rental demand is expected to be sufficiently addressed. This year, around 40,000 homes are projected to be completed across public and private residential sectors, marking the highest completion rate in five years. Furthermore, from 2023 to 2025, approximately 100,000 public and private residential units are scheduled for completion. HDB is also doubling the supply of flats under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) to about 2,000 units, compared to 2021.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For enquiries regarding the rental of HDB flats/living quarters, the public can write in using HDB’s e-Feedback form, or contact the HDB Branch Service Line at 1800-225-5432 (for HDB flats) or HDB Commercial Enquiry Line (for living quarters) at 1800-866-3073. For enquiries regarding the rental of private residential properties, the public can reach out via URA’s e-Feedback form or contact the URA Development Control Line at 6223-4811.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

Win a Chance to Experience Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with MBS

Singaporeans are gearing up for an exciting week ahead as anticipation builds for Taylor Swift’s much-anticipated The Eras Tour, set to kick off this Saturday. Whether you are holding coveted tickets to one of the six performances or not, fans are enthusiastically embracing the pop icon’s music with pre-concert gatherings, crafting sessions for friendship bracelets, and even sing-along events at Jewel Changi Airport.

As the official Presenting Sponsor for The Eras Tour, Marina Bay Sands is orchestrating an array of activities to mark the occasion, including an exclusive ticket giveaway.

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is offering lucky Sands Lifestyle members the chance to win tickets to witness Taylor Swift live in Singapore.

Membership sign-up is quick and free, with no minimum spending required. Simply register here.

Here’s how it works:

– Become a Sands Lifestyle member.
– Visit any Sands Lifestyle kiosk on Mar. 2, between 6 am and 4 pm, to enter the draw.
– The winner will be announced at 6:30 pm on Mar. 2, via their website.
– The lucky winner will receive a pair of VIP 2 tickets to one of the concert dates, subject to availability, and must redeem their prize in person at the Sands Lifestyle counter.

In a bid to amplify excitement for The Eras Tour, Marina Bay Sands is transforming into a captivating tribute to Taylor Swift’s illustrious career.

Starting February 28, fans can immerse themselves in Swift’s musical journey at The Eras Tour Trail, located at select areas of The Shoppes and Sands Expo & Convention Centre. From her debut with the self-titled album “Taylor Swift” to defining moments like the “1989” and “Lover” eras, the trail showcases ten iconic phases of her career. Visitors are encouraged to dress up in their favorite era for Insta-worthy snapshots along the trail.

In addition to the trail, a captivating light and water show will run daily at 8 pm and 9 pm from February 28 to March 7, with an extra show at 10 pm on March 1 and 2. This 14-minute spectacle, set to the tunes of four Taylor Swift classics – “Cruel Summer,” “You Belong With Me,” “Style,” and “Shake It Off” – offers a mesmerizing fusion of dancing fountains, vivid projections, and synchronized lava effects, all choreographed to the beat of these iconic tracks. The integrated resort will also be adorned in The Eras Tour color palette from 7 pm to 11 pm daily.

Admission to the show is free, but due to limited capacity at the Event Plaza, pre-registration is required. Each person can redeem up to 6 e-tickets. Secure your spot here: ticket.marinabaysands.com. For those without an e-ticket, the show can still enjoy the show from the Waterfront Promenade.

Best of luck and enjoy the Eras Tour!

Sources: 1 & 2

Hotels in JB to increase room rates from March 2024 due to this reason

Bad news to end the first quarter of 2024 but here’s it:

Hotel room rates in JB are going to be going up a bit starting in March 2024.

This is due to the sales and service tax (SST) which is increasing from 6% to 8%.

And it doesn’t help that Ivan Teo, who is the chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels in Johor, reminds us that their member hotels have already raised room rates by 20 to 30% in the middle of last year due to higher electricity bills.

But still, he’s hoping for hotels to focus on getting more customers during the week and non-peak times.

Hotels usually do well on weekends, holidays, and school breaks, which is not a surprise at all.

Mr. Teo doesn’t think the higher room rates will be a problem for most guests, especially those from Singapore, China, Thailand, and Vietnam.

However, explaining it to guests from Indonesia could be tougher since their currency isn’t doing as well against the ringgit recently.

Singaporeans still make up a big part of hotel guests since prices seem significantly lower when compared to our dollar.

The number of South Korean visitors staying in Johor Bahru and Iskandar Malaysia is also trending up, especially golfers and folks trying to escape the cold back home during those winter months and people going to English schools or visiting hospitals there.

There are about 90 three-star, four-star, and five-star hotels total in Johor.

But not all are increasing room rates.

For instance, the CEO of Lotus Desaru Resort, R. Indra Ghandi, said they won’t increase rates but will now include the SST starting 1 March.

She mentioned they currently charge net rates without taxes.

Ms. Indra added that customers pay close attention to prices, so raising rates could backfire on them.

But she doesn’t foresee issues with the tax change since half their guests are Singaporeans with good spending power.

Nonetheless, she proposed that the government offer visa-free entry to more countries besides China and India to attract more visitors.

Ms. Indra also hopes the new Johor leader with the tourism portfolio will organize roadshows to bring in more travelers from South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

On the other hand, Mariam Mohd from the Katerina Hotel Batu Pahat said their rates will go up a little in March.

The operations team is still finalizing the details but mentioned the increase depends mainly on which packages guests choose.

So what say you?

Will the increase in room rates in JB deter you from spending that overnight stay or is it sup-sup sui?

4 best-rated part-time cleaning services from $22/hour on days when you don’t want to dirty your own hands

Imagine coming home to a spotless space without lifting a finger?

Shiok, right?

If you’re seeking a break from household chores, we’ve compiled a list of the top best-rated part-time cleaning services starting from just $22/hour.

No more dirty hands and you still get spotless living spaces with the help of these cleaning pros.

Meide Singapore

Price: $22/hour

Google Rating: 4.8 (680+ reviews)

Meide offers one of the most affordable services in Singapore, starting from just $22/hour.

Whether you need a part-time helper, one-time cleaning, or regular housekeeper, Meide has the solution for a tidy home.

With over five years of experience and countless satisfied clients, Meide’s staff is well-trained to efficiently and thoroughly clean all areas of your home, from bedrooms and living rooms to kitchens and bathrooms.

No worries about hidden fees or administrative hassles—you get quick and professional cleaning at a fair price.

Helping Singapore

Price: from $26/hour (one-off home cleaning)

Google Rating: 4.7 (3,600+ reviews)

Finding reliable home cleaning help has never been easier.

With Helpling, you can browse pre-screened housekeepers in just a few clicks and hire THE match for your needs.

Their hotel-trained cleaners bring 200+ hours of experience to deep clean your home.

Certified in the KonMari Method of tidying, they will organize your closets and declutter your countertops with precision.

Whether you require a one-time general cleaning or a dedicated cleaner every week, their rates start at just $23/hour (recurring).

Voted the Gold Winner for Best Home Cleaning Services from 2019 to 2023 by Expat Living readers, you know you’re getting exceptional service and peace of mind.

Every cleaning session is secured by a $1 million public liability insurance policy so you can relax while they handle the mess.

DomesticONE

Price: from $18/hour on weekdays

Google Rating: 4.5 (320+ reviews)

Since 2006, DomesticONE has been a trusted name for reliable, honest cleaning services.

Their licensed agency ensures you get a local/PR and trained helper every time.

No hidden fees or surprises—just a transparent agency fee and the rates they quote; also no last-minute cancelations or new faces showing up either—that’s their service guarantee.

You get up to three free replacements if your helper isn’t the fit you anticipated.

All in the name of delivering you stress-free, sparkling-clean home comforts.

So leave the chores to them while you focus on other things.

Sendhelper

Price: from $30/hour (one-off cleaning)

Google Rating: 4.4 (470+ reviews)

Lastly, we have Sendhelper, who makes basic cleaning easy and affordable.

For just $25/hour, you can have a vetted and verified service provider trained to treat your home just like you would.

Simply select a date and time that works for you and they will match you with a qualified cleaner.

You can pay quickly and easily within the app created by the trusted PropertyGuru Group, and if not satisfied, contact them within 24 hours to make it right.

No cash needed and you earn points along the way.

With Sendhelper, cleaning comes easy.

No more days of cleaning-induced stress, only a newfound sense of peace and relaxation. With these top-rated part-time cleaning services at your fingertips, maintaining a tidy home has never been easier. So reclaim your precious time and enjoy a clean living space while leaving the grime to the experts. Say goodbye to dirty hands!

4 travel-friendly sized anti-itch gel/creams under $24.50 to soothe your eczema-prone skin

Finding THE anti-itch cream that fits into your carry-on while also being gentle on your eczema-prone skin can be a challenging task.

Luckily, we’ve done the homework for you with our list of travel-friendly anti-itch creams priced under $24.50 that are sure to provide the much-needed relief and care your skin deserves.

No more discomfort even when your skin flares up during your travels!

DERMA LAB Gentle Relief Cream 50g

Price: $10.15

This fragrance- and colorant-free moisturizer was developed to provide immediate comfort and relief for dry and irritated skin.

The mild and gentle formula is suitable for both face and body use, as well as baby’s skin, and works rapidly to soothe redness and irritation while restoring the skin’s barrier function.

The cream boosts moisture levels and helps retain hydration in the epidermis, delivering instant calm for sensitized skin that needs relief.

CERADAN Soothing Gel 50g

Price: $17.80

Or if creams aren’t really your thing, what about this soothing gel that provides optimal relief for itchy, irritated skin without the harsh smell and stinging sensation of many other products?

The non-greasy gel texture glides on easily and dries quickly, calming your skin and minimizing the urge to scratch.

Formulated with care by dermatologists, it contains no artificial fragrances or dyes that could further irritate sensitive skin.

The hypoallergenic gel is suitable for most skin types, helping to soothe and restore comfort.

Just keep it out of your eyes and mouth and do not use it on broken skin.

EGO QV Body Cream 100g

Price: $18.15

Next, we have this rich, replenishing body cream that hydrates even the driest skin back to life.

Infused with squalane, a natural component that mimics your skin’s oils, this cream forms a protective barrier to lock in moisture and defend against environmental aggressors.

With long-term use, you get skin that feels soft, supple, and comforted—without any greasy residue.

The formula is pH balanced, free from fragrance and dyes, and suitable for sensitive skin conditions as well as infants and the elderly.

One swipe of this concentrated cream and you will wonder how you’ve barely survived those itchy attacks without it.

DERMAL THERAPY Anti-itch Soothing Cream 85g

Price: $24.40

Lastly, we have this quick fix for itchy skin problems—a petrochemical-free, and pH-balanced cream that uses a blend of colloidal oatmeal, Canadian willowherb, and menthol to soothe and relieve dry, itchy skin in just minutes.

Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, the ingredients work to manage irritation and redness while helping to manage dry and itchy skin.

Tested by clinical experts and safe for sensitive skin, this Australian-made cream is a must for anyone who needs quick relief from those unpleasant scratches.

Investing in the right skin care products is essential, especially when dealing with eczema-prone skin. The abovementioned travel-friendly sized anti-itch gel/creams under $24.50 not only provide relief but also offer convenience due to their size. So if you’re constantly on the move, ensure your skin stays itch-free with these compact solutions by your side.

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