What is SERS? (Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme)
Picture this: You’re a comfortable middle-aged building (like my current Block, built in the 1980s), minding your own business, when suddenly the government says, “Hey! You look a bit tired. How about we knock you down and build something shiny and new instead?”
That’s SERS in a nutshell – Singapore’s way of giving older HDB blocks a complete makeover by demolishing them and building replacement flats elsewhere. SERS is an urban redevelopment strategy, introduced by HDB in 1995 to renew older residential properties, and is basically HDB’s version of the en bloc process.
For us residents (yes, cats count too!), it means packing up our cardboard boxes, favourite napping spots, and that secret stash of treats behind the kitchen cabinet, and moving to a brand new home with a fresh 99-year lease.
Infographics - AMK SERS 2022
SERS: A Cat's Guide
📅 SERS Through the Years
📊 AMK SERS by the Numbers
⚖️ The Great Housing Scheme Showdown
- Who decides: Government
- Compensation: More generous
- Timeline: Ending by 2030
- Cat impact: Forced relocation
- Who decides: 80% resident vote
- Compensation: Less generous
- Timeline: From 2030s onwards
- Cat impact: "Democratic" displacement
🔮 Why AMK SERS Could Be The Last
🏁 End of an Era: Singapore will eliminate SERS by 2030, focusing on VERS instead
💰 Budget Reality: SERS is expensive - government shifting to resident-driven VERS
🏘️ Aging Infrastructure: Most buildings needing SERS will be handled by 2030
🗳️ Democratic Approach: VERS requires 80% consensus - residents choose their fate
📝 Compiled by Pine Ville Cat, roaming between SERS Blocks 562 to 565 AMK Ave 3
🏠 Moving to Pine Ville @ AMK in 2027
🐾 Professional Napper & Housing Policy Observer
SERS Then vs SERS Now: The Evolution of Musical Chairs, Singapore Style
The Good Old Days (1995-2020s)
Back in the day, SERS was like winning the housing lottery. Through the scheme, the government acquires HDB flats from owners for redevelopment. In return, these owners are compensated and get an option to buy a new flat with a fresh 99-year lease at a subsidised rate. Residents were generally thrilled – who wouldn’t want a shiny new flat?
AMK SERS: The Reality Check
The AMK SERS affecting Blocks 562 to 565 at Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 and comprises 606 households has been a bit different. While residents still get new flats, there’s been more grumbling this time around. According to estimates, renovating a HDB flat could cost an average of $35,000 for a 3-room flat and above for larger, more elaborate layouts.
From my perch, I’ve overheard many conversations about renovation costs, the stress of moving, and concerns about the replacement site at Ang Mo Kio Drive. The replacement site will offer about 1,065 new flats comprising 2-room Flexi, 3-room and 4-room flats.
Why AMK SERS Could Be Singapore's Last SERS Hurrah
Here’s the bombshell that even made me pause mid-grooming session: Singapore will eliminate SERS and finalise VERS by 2030, starting with selected estates next decade. The government has decided to focus on the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS) and confirmed there are no plans for more Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) projects in the future.
The writing’s on the wall (and I should know – I’ve scratched plenty of walls in my time). The development of VERS framework is planned for completion during the current term of government, with implementation beginning in the first half of the 2030s.
Pine Ville @ AMK: My New Kingdom Awaits
So where am I moving to in 2027? Pine Ville @ AMK, of course! The replacement site promises to be quite the upgrade. I’m particularly excited about the potential for new hiding spots, fresh carpets to shed on, and unexplored territories to mark as my own.
The new development will house all us displaced residents, and honestly, as long as there are sunny windowsills and the occasional cardboard box left lying around, this fat orange tabby will adapt just fine.
Final Thoughts from Your Fluffy Correspondent
As we prepare for this historic transition – potentially the last SERS in Singapore’s history – I can’t help but reflect on the irony. Here I am, a cat who traditionally hates change, watching my humans stress about moving while I’m secretly excited about new territories to explore.
SERS has been Singapore’s way of keeping public housing fresh and relevant for nearly three decades. While AMK SERS might be one of the last of its kind, it represents the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter with VERS.
To my fellow AMK residents (both human and feline), remember: change is inevitable, but as any cat will tell you, the key to survival is adaptability. Plus, think of all the new boxes we’ll get during the move!
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of one particularly opinionated orange tabby and should not be considered official housing advice. For serious SERS inquiries, please consult HDB directly – they have fewer hairballs and more accurate information.