SINGAPORE - New proposed measures to help

ageing condominiums tackle maintenance problems

have been broadly welcomed by residents and managing agents, although they said the implementation may be difficult.

Some council members also warned that government co-funding of lift upgrades could encourage estates to delay repairs while they wait for subsidies.

Others noted that the interests of owner-occupiers and investors often diverge.

The

Government is reviewing the Building (Strata Management) Act

as more private residential developments in Singapore cross the 30-year mark. More than 1,000 of 3,750 such developments are at least 30 years old.

Some proposed changes include lowering the consent threshold for essential works, capping proxy representation per household, requiring council members to undergo mandatory training, and publishing the financial information of management corporation strata title (MCSTs) funds.

Second Minister for National Development and Finance Indranee Rajah, who announced the proposed measures in Parliament on March 4, also said the Government is studying whether to partially fund lift and escalator safety upgrades for condominiums and other private buildings.

While some residents said subsidising private estates was a bold move, a handful warned against becoming reliant on subsidies.