New online platform for homeowners to list properties for emergency housing during national crises

SINGAPORE: An online crisis portal will be set up to facilitate the use of residential properties as emergency housing in the event of a national crisis.

The Ministry of National Development (MND) and MOGUL.sg said in a joint press release on Friday (Mar 8) that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had been signed to use the property portal's booking platform for this purpose. 

The crisis portal will enable homeowners who wish to play a "more active role" in supporting the community during a national crisis by listing their properties and "offer their homes to affected persons in need of emergency housing".

"Individuals in need of emergency housing during national crises can access the portal to view the available properties and accompanying terms and conditions set by homeowners detailing the length of stay, suitability for families or pets, and other relevant conditions," said MND and MOGUL.sg. 

The public-private partnership - the first of its kind in Singapore - expands emergency housing solutions to include residential homes, adding to existing solutions such as hotels and government chalets.

MND and MOGUL.sg cited the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of why the crisis portal is needed. 

"During the COVID-19 crisis when the borders closed, some Singaporeans had generously stepped forward to offer their homes to Malaysians in Singapore in need of temporary housing.

"Similarly, the portal will prove to be useful in such crisis scenarios that create an urgent need for emergency housing." 

In response to CNA's queries, MND said on Tuesday that the portal is expected to be ready around the first half of next year.

The ministry added that it has been exploring ways to increase the country's emergency housing supply and strengthen operational readiness to better prepare for future national crises, which are when "the security or economic life of Singapore is threatened". 

Aside from its collaboration with MOGUL.sg, MND said it is "open" to forming similar partnerships with other platforms.

ACTIVATED ONLY DURING NATIONAL CRISIS 

The portal will be developed by MOGUL.sg and integrated within its platform with activation only during a national crisis. 

As part of the MOU, MOGUL.sg will absorb all operational costs related to the portal which include system enhancements and maintenance checks, to ensure the portal’s readiness in the event of a crisis.

The property portal will raise awareness of this community-driven initiative by publicising and promoting it to its subscribers. Eligibility verification processes and a legal framework will also be put in place to protect users.

Those who list the properties will be required to prove that they are the rightful owners. 

MND elaborated on Tuesday that eligible residential homes for listing would include both owner-occupied and non-owner occupied properties, while users of the crisis portal will not have to pay to use the service. 

"Information on eligibility for emergency housing will be made known to affected individuals during a national crisis," the ministry added. "The government does not dictate the rent; these should be agreed upon by homeowners and those affected."

This initiative "exemplifies" MND's commitment to being prepared to respond to crises by developing partnerships with businesses and the community. 

"The collaborative effort also demonstrates MOGUL.sg’s dedication to address societal needs and pioneer efforts to establish community-driven emergency housing solutions in Singapore."