A significant portion of Singapore’s condominium landscape is aging, with 31% of condos now over 30 years old — a figure projected to reach 1,160 developments by 2035, according to the Building and Construction Authority. This aging infrastructure raises concerns about frequent breakdowns, as seen in 2024 when Fernwood Towers resident Mr Haider Manasawala had to haul his luggage down 21 storeys due to lift failures.
Maintenance decisions in older condos are often complicated by differing owner priorities. Some residents focus on preserving their homes’ long-term value, while others prioritize short-term investment returns, leading to disagreements over costly upgrades or repairs. Such divergent interests can delay essential works, increasing the risk of recurring faults and safety hazards.
Experts recommend practical solutions to address these challenges. Increasing sinking fund contributions would ensure sufficient reserves for major repairs and system replacements. Regular technical audits, conducted by certified professionals, can help identify issues early and prevent costly emergencies.
Public education is another vital measure, helping owners understand the importance of proactive maintenance in protecting both property value and occupant safety. Authorities like the Building and Construction Authority support such efforts through guidelines and outreach.
In summary, as more condos in Singapore approach or exceed the 30-year mark, coordinated action among owners, managing agents, and government agencies will be crucial. Clear policies, robust funding, and informed decision-making are key to ensuring these aging developments remain safe and attractive for future generations.
Many aging condominium developments in Singapore are struggling to maintain critical infrastructure as their buildings surpass the 30-year mark. Fernwood Towers, a 31-year-old freehold property near Siglap, exemplifies this growing challenge.
The estate comprises four residential blocks and is served by 11 lifts. However, since 2021, residents have faced frequent lift breakdowns, sometimes resulting in all three lifts in a block failing simultaneously. On such occasions, residents like Mr Haider have had no choice but to climb multiple flights of stairs to reach their homes.
A key issue is the difficulty in securing owner approval to raise sufficient funds for major repairs or replacement works. According to guidelines from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), regular maintenance and timely replacement of essential systems are crucial for safety and convenience. However, many older condominiums struggle with inadequate sinking funds, making it hard to address urgent infrastructure needs.
Industry experts warn that this situation may become more common as more developments age. The Straits Times has reported that the number of private residential projects over 30 years old is expected to increase significantly in the coming decade.
In conclusion, Fernwood Towers’ struggles highlight a broader trend of deteriorating infrastructure and funding shortfalls in older condominiums across Singapore. Without proactive planning and collective action, residents may continue to face inconvenience and potential safety risks as buildings age.
Singapore’s condominium landscape is aging, with a significant proportion of developments reaching maturity. According to ERA Singapore, there are currently 2,703 condominium projects across the city-state. Of these, 836 — or roughly 31 percent — are at least 30 years old.
This trend is set to intensify over the coming decade. Ms Wong Shanting, ERA Singapore’s head of research and market intelligence, estimates that by 2034, the number of condos aged 30 years or older will rise to 1,160 if no en bloc sales occur. This projection highlights the growing challenge of managing and maintaining older residential buildings.
The increase in aging condominiums has important implications for property owners and urban planners. Older developments often require more extensive maintenance and upgrading to remain competitive in Singapore’s dynamic real estate market. Furthermore, aging buildings may face stricter regulatory requirements related to safety and sustainability.
With more properties reaching the 30-year mark, residents and management committees may need to consider collective sales or major refurbishment efforts. These decisions can be complex, involving multiple stakeholders and significant financial investment.
In conclusion, Singapore’s condominium sector is entering a period where the management of older developments will become increasingly critical. Careful planning and proactive policies will be essential to address the challenges posed by an aging property stock while maintaining the city’s appeal as a modern urban center.Ageing condominiums in Singapore face a growing set of maintenance challenges as their infrastructure reaches the end of its intended lifespan. Industry experts interviewed by The Straits Times highlight persistent issues such as lift breakdowns, waterproofing failures, and outdated electrical systems.
Lift breakdowns are among the most common problems in older condos. According to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), lifts typically have a design life of 20 to 25 years, after which parts become difficult to replace and repairs more frequent. Frequent malfunctions not only inconvenience residents but also pose safety risks, especially for the elderly.
Waterproofing failures represent another significant concern. Over time, the membranes and coatings that protect roofs and external walls deteriorate, leading to leaks and water damage. The Singapore Green Building Council notes that unresolved water ingress can cause structural weakening and promote mold growth, further increasing repair costs.
Outdated electrical systems are also problematic in ageing developments. Electrical wiring and switchboards installed decades ago may no longer comply with current safety regulations. The Energy Market Authority warns that old systems are more susceptible to faults, which raises the risk of fires or power outages.
Maintaining these ageing systems becomes increasingly expensive and complex. As buildings age, repair costs rise due to the scarcity of replacement parts and the need for specialized labor. This financial burden often leads to higher maintenance fees for residents.
Moreover, keeping older condos compliant with evolving safety and building codes presents additional challenges. Regulatory updates may require extensive retrofitting or system upgrades, further driving up costs.
Ageing condominiums in Singapore face a growing set of maintenance challenges as their infrastructure reaches the end of its intended lifespan. Industry experts interviewed by The Straits Times highlight persistent issues such as lift breakdowns, waterproofing failures, and outdated electrical systems.
Lift breakdowns are among the most common problems in older condos. According to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), lifts typically have a design life of 20 to 25 years, after which parts become difficult to replace and repairs more frequent. Frequent malfunctions not only inconvenience residents but also pose safety risks, especially for the elderly.
Waterproofing failures represent another significant concern. Over time, the membranes and coatings that protect roofs and external walls deteriorate, leading to leaks and water damage. The Singapore Green Building Council notes that unresolved water ingress can cause structural weakening and promote mold growth, further increasing repair costs.
Outdated electrical systems are also problematic in ageing developments. Electrical wiring and switchboards installed decades ago may no longer comply with current safety regulations. The Energy Market Authority warns that old systems are more susceptible to faults, which raises the risk of fires or power outages.
Maintaining these ageing systems becomes increasingly expensive and complex. As buildings age, repair costs rise due to the scarcity of replacement parts and the need for specialized labor. This financial burden often leads to higher maintenance fees for residents.
Moreover, keeping older condos compliant with evolving safety and building codes presents additional challenges. Regulatory updates may require extensive retrofitting or system upgrades, further driving up costs.
In conclusion, as condominiums grow older, the task of maintaining safe, reliable, and regulation-compliant infrastructure becomes more demanding and costly. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to ensure resident safety and preserve property values in Singapore’s maturing housing landscape.
In conclusion, as condominiums grow older, the task of maintaining safe, reliable, and regulation-compliant infrastructure becomes more demanding and costly. Addressing these issues promptly is essential to ensure resident safety and preserve property values in Singapore’s maturing housing landscape.
Condominiums require regular repairs, replacements, and upgrades to maintain safety and value. According to Ms Winnie Wong, senior managing director of property management at Savills Singapore, it is crucial for condos to have sufficient funds set aside for these ongoing works.
When the sinking fund is insufficient, the Management Corporation Strata Title (MCST) may impose special levies on unit owners. These special levies are often met with resistance, as many owners are unwilling or unable to pay large lump sums on short notice.
Such disagreements can result in a deadlock during annual or extraordinary general meetings. As a consequence, necessary repairs or upgrades may be delayed, potentially compromising the condition and safety of the property.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has recently highlighted the importance of proactive maintenance. Their guidelines emphasize that timely repairs can prevent higher costs and safety issues in the long run.
Research from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) supports this approach, noting that well-maintained properties generally retain higher market values and attract more buyers.
Regularly reviewing maintenance budgets and ensuring adequate contributions to the sinking fund can help prevent funding shortfalls. Transparent communication between MCSTs and owners also reduces conflicts and facilitates smoother decision-making.
Ultimately, responsible financial planning and collaboration among stakeholders are essential for sustaining a condo’s infrastructure and value over time.
The management of ageing strata-titled properties has emerged as a significant concern in Singapore’s built environment. In recent months, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has initiated multiple rounds of discussions with Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) and managing agents. These engagements aim to identify and address the unique challenges faced by older developments, such as rising maintenance costs and infrastructural deterioration.
BCA’s efforts are part of its ongoing strategy to promote best practices in estate management. According to a BCA spokesman, the authority “regularly engages MCSTs and managing agents to promote good practices in the management and maintenance of their estates.” This proactive approach seeks to ensure that residents continue to enjoy safe and liveable environments.
However, questions remain regarding the future of regulatory frameworks governing these properties. The Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act (BMSMA), which sets out the legal requirements for managing strata-titled developments, is central to these discussions. When contacted, BCA did not directly address whether the Act would be reviewed or if new policy measures are under consideration for older estates.
As Singapore’s housing stock ages, effective regulation and support for MCSTs will become increasingly vital. Continued dialogue between authorities, managing agents, and residents is essential for developing sustainable solutions. Ultimately, BCA’s ongoing engagement reflects a broader commitment to maintaining the quality and value of strata-titled properties across the city-state.
The persistent shortfall in sinking and maintenance funds is widely recognized as the fundamental problem affecting the financial health of many Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) in Singapore. These funds are crucial for the upkeep, repair, and long-term capital works required to maintain residential developments.
A key issue stems from the historical under-collection of these contributions. According to Ms Wong from Savills, numerous MCSTs were formed decades ago, setting initial sinking fund rates that failed to account for future inflation or the inevitable rise in construction and repair costs.
Over time, this oversight has created a significant gap between available reserves and actual maintenance needs. Industry data shows that as buildings age, maintenance costs can increase by up to 40% over two decades, far outpacing the growth of most sinking funds.
The Association of Strata Managers (ASM) notes that many residents mistakenly view sinking fund payments as unnecessary levies for distant repairs, rather than essential investments in their property’s future value and safety. This misconception often leads to resistance when management councils propose increasing fund contributions.
Furthermore, regulatory guidelines have not always mandated regular reviews or adjustments of fund levels, allowing outdated rates to persist. As a result, many MCSTs now face funding deficits just as critical infrastructure upgrades become urgent.
Experts agree that without timely intervention — such as revising contribution rates and educating residents on the importance of adequate reserves — the problem will likely worsen. Proactive financial planning is therefore essential to safeguard the long-term sustainability of strata developments.
In conclusion, addressing the root causes of underfunded sinking and maintenance accounts is vital. By recalibrating contributions and fostering greater awareness among homeowners, MCSTs can better meet the challenges of maintaining Singapore’s aging residential estates.
A persistent funding shortfall presents significant challenges for Management Corporation Strata Titles (MCSTs) in maintaining essential infrastructure. Without adequate financial reserves, councils struggle to address major life-cycle costs, particularly for critical systems such as lifts, which require regular upkeep and eventual replacement. According to a 2023 report by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), lift replacements in mid-sized condominiums can cost between $500,000 and $1 million, underscoring the magnitude of these expenditures.
When reserve funds are insufficient, MCSTs frequently turn to special levies to bridge the gap. These levies often translate into substantial one-off payments for subsidiary proprietors, sometimes running into several thousand dollars per household. Such unexpected financial demands can impose real hardship on residents, especially those on fixed incomes or with limited savings, as highlighted by the Straits Times in their coverage of rising maintenance costs.
The imposition of large special levies also has social ramifications. Sudden financial burdens can strain relationships within the community, leading to disputes among residents and eroding trust in the management council. Studies from the Institute of Policy Studies have shown that financial disagreements are a common source of friction in strata-titled communities.
Smaller developments face even greater pressure in this context. Because their operating and maintenance costs must be divided among fewer units, each proprietor bears a larger share of any shortfall. This disproportionate impact can exacerbate financial stress and increase the risk of defaults, further undermining the sustainability of the development’s finances.
In summary, inadequate reserve funding not only hampers the ability of councils to plan for essential long-term expenses but also places undue financial and social stress on residents, particularly in smaller developments. Addressing these challenges requires careful financial planning and transparent communication between MCSTs and subsidiary proprietors.
Many MCST councils, the backbone of condominium management, are formed by well-meaning residents who often lack deep financial or technical expertise. This leaves estates vulnerable to poor long-term planning and unexpected costs. Take Fernwood Towers as a powerful example: in 2023, Mr Haider stepped up as chairman, guiding his council through the daunting task of securing a $1.7 million special levy for critical lift upgrades — no small feat for a committee of everyday homeowners. Residents were given flexible payment options, but still, each household faced an average of $320 per month, scaled fairly by unit size. The result? Not only new lifts, but a healthier estate and stronger financial reserves — a testament to proactive leadership and collective sacrifice.
At Sanctuary Green, another dedicated chairman, Mr Ashoketaru Sengupta, showed how data-driven advocacy can unite a community. By clearly presenting the condo’s pressing maintenance needs and future expenses, he convinced owners to raise both sinking and management funds — essential steps to safeguard their homes’ value. His message was clear: logical arguments and transparency can turn resistance into consensus.
Yet not all estates are so fortunate. Without minimum sinking fund contributions or mandatory technical audits — measures currently lacking in the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act — many MCSTs risk falling behind. Critics may argue these changes would impose additional burdens, but the alternative is far worse: deteriorating facilities and plunging property values.
It is time for policy reform that empowers owners and protects their investments. Stronger reserves and proactive maintenance don’t just enhance liveability — they secure our shared future. Let’s demand smarter legislation and responsible management from every MCST. Your home — and your investment — deserve nothing less.
At Sanctuary Green, residents were given the option to pay their levy in manageable instalments — spread over 24 months at an average of $320 per household each month, adjusted fairly by unit size. This approach not only eased the financial burden, but also ensured that everyone contributed equitably to the estate’s future.
With new lifts installed and other key enhancements underway, Mr Haider proudly observed visible improvements in both maintenance standards and the estate’s financial reserves. Yet, he cautioned, “This is ongoing work,” urging continued vigilance and commitment from all owners.
Recognizing the urgency of sustainable funding, council chairman Ashoketaru Sengupta championed a bold move: raising both sinking and management funds. By presenting clear data on current reserves and future capital works, he won residents’ trust — proving that transparent, data-driven arguments can unite a community behind necessary change.
But the challenge extends beyond one estate. The Association of Strata Managers (ASM) and managing agents have called for amendments to the Building Maintenance and Strata Management Act — proposing minimum sinking fund contributions and mandatory technical audits for aging properties. Such reforms would empower all MCSTs to plan responsibly, protecting homes and investments alike.
Some might fear higher contributions or resist change, but history teaches us that neglect only leads to decay — and falling property values. As Mr Haider wisely notes, strong policies and proactive maintenance are essential for liveable estates and lasting asset value.
We must also look beyond condos; HDB estates, many even older, offer valuable lessons in long-term stewardship. Sharing best practices and educating owners will foster understanding and collective action.
If we value our homes — and our futures — let’s act now: demand stronger policies, support prudent funding, and champion responsible ownership. Let’s safeguard our estates for generations to come.
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