Your search results

Why Can’t We Have More Housing Options For Singles?

Posted by Jayson Ang on April 5, 2024

| 0

TLDR

The blog post discusses the evolving regulations for single individuals to purchase public housing in Singapore. It highlights the journey of Lee Siang, a logistics expert, who faced restrictions due to age limitations but is now considering buying a four-room HDB flat. The post mentions the changing policies, expert opinions on market demands, and the importance of aligning housing policies with societal values. It also touches on potential impacts on the property market and emphasizes the need for a balanced approach.

Logistics expert, Lee Siang, aged 39, decided to leave his parents’ two-room apartment eight years prior when his sibling’s family relocated there.

His desire was to own a flat; however, he was below the minimum age requirement during that time. Upon reaching the age of 35, his options were substantially restricted, as single individuals were only permitted to purchase new flats in non-mature estates – a rule set to be annulled in the latter half of next year.

Consequently, his only alternative was to lease a room in a condominium.

Survey results published by TODAY Youth indicate that 76 per cent of participants are of the opinion that the minimum age for singles to purchase an HDB flat should be reduced from the current age limit of 35. Concurrently, 75 per cent believe that public housing for families should be prioritized.

Echoing their sentiment, Mr Siang expressed his wish for younger singles to be allowed to purchase smaller flats.

“By the age of 30, some singles have the financial capacity to afford a two- or three-room flat. I don’t think those intending to start families would be interested in those types of flats,” Mr Siang pointed out, implying that singles could become homeowners without creating competition with couples or families.

Presently, he is considering purchasing a four-room HDB flat, with the intention of inviting some of his family members to reside with him.

“My kin, both my brother’s son and daughter, have been residing in the communal space of our home for nearly a half dozen years,” he shared. “As an individual purchasing this dwelling, I understand my responsibilities to my relatives who may also inhabit this place.”

The HDB homeownership program, established in 1964, was initially intended to encourage marriage and parenthood among Singaporeans. Those who were unwed were not eligible to procure a public apartment.

However, with time, the regulations for single individuals to acquire an HDB unit have gradually evolved. A significant milestone was achieved in 1991 when the Government initiated the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme. This allowed single citizens aged 35 and above to purchase from a restricted selection of smaller apartments on the resale market.

In recent decades, the Government has amplified housing grants and expanded accessibility to various flat types for single individuals. A remarkable progress was announced by Mr Lee at this year’s NDR: starting from the second half of 2024, single individuals will be eligible to apply for a new two-room Flexi BTO flat or purchase a resale flat in any estate.

Dr Tan from PropertyGuru commented that the upcoming measures to enhance public housing accessibility for singles are a “positive stride forward”.

Nevertheless, he highlighted that two out of the five national Shared Values implemented since 1991 include “family as the fundamental building block of society” and “community aid and regard for the individual”. These shared values were embraced to cultivate a unified Singaporean identity across all ethnic groups.

Dr. Tan emphasized that housing policies should harmonize with prevailing societal values.

Other property experts suggested that allowing singles to purchase HDB flats at a younger age could invariably create a surge in market demand, thereby escalating prices.

In such a situation, Mr. Lim from Huttons Asia foresees a spike in demand for BTO flats over resale ones due to their superior affordability. He postulated that this could ignite demands for more single-person flats construction, necessitating a delicate equilibrium between crafting homes for families and single individuals.

The experts highlighted that while singles and families may not vie for the same flat categories, allocating space initially intended for larger family flats to construct smaller individual ones could inadvertently curtail the availability of family homes.

While these property analysts applaud the government’s efforts to enhance housing accessibility, they underscored the need for a measured and phased approach.

Even though singles and families may not compete for the same type of flats, reducing some space meant for larger family flats to construct smaller ones for singles could potentially deplete the supply of family homes.

Mr. Tan from Savills proposed that fulfilling the housing aspirations of single people should be implemented subtly to avoid prematurely encouraging it.

He cautioned against prematurely acting on anticipated demands as it might inadvertently endorse certain lifestyle choices, like remaining single, which may not be beneficial for Singapore’s demographics in the long run.

Should You Buy, Sell or Wait?

If you’re reading this, you must be trying to figure out the best course of action right now: is it the right time to buy or sell?

It’s difficult to give an exact answer since everyone’s situation is unique and what works for one person may not necessarily work for you.

I can bring you a wealth of on-the-ground experience and a data-driven approach to provide clarity and direction. From beginners to experienced investors, our top-down, objective approach will help you on your real estate journey.

I can help you by:

Offering Strategic Real Estate Advice – I can help create a comprehensive plan to guide you through your property journey.
Connecting Your Home with the Perfect Buyers – Through stunning visuals, an effective communication strategy, and an in-depth knowledge of the market, we’ll ensure your home is presented in the best possible way to fulfill your goals.

You May Also Like …

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Considerations : Uncover the Secrets of Buying Older Properties – What They Won’t Tell You!

Jayson Ang – November 25, 2024 –

Buying an older property can be a dream come true for many homebuyers, as these homes often come with unique...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

6 Indicators and Measures to Determine if Your Home Has Unrecognized Profits

Jayson Ang – November 11, 2024 –

TLDR The booming real estate market presents opportunities for homeowners to profit from selling their properties. Two key signs that...

Mandarin Top 5

Top 5 Benefits Of Singapore’s Cooling Measures For Home Buyers

Jayson Ang – April 11, 2025 –

Singapore's real estate market has experienced rapid growth in recent years, leading to concerns about affordability and sustainability. In response,...

Mandarin Top 5

The 5 Hottest Neighborhoods in Singapore for Real Estate Investment

Jayson Ang – May 14, 2023 –

Hey everyone! Today I want to share with you the 5 hottest neighborhoods in Singapore for real estate investment. These...

All Buying Tips

Tips for Young Adults to Begin Saving for Their Future Home

Jayson Ang – August 5, 2023 –

TLDR When aiming to purchase a home, it is crucial to gain knowledge about the buying process and track your...

All Blog Posts Selling Tips

Thinking of Selling Your Home in 2024? 5 Vital Realities Every Seller Must Face

Jayson Ang – November 27, 2024 –

TLDR From 2022 to 2024, Singapore's housing market underwent significant changes, with a shift from scarcity to a boom in...

All Buying Tips Opinion Selling Tips

Understanding Government Land Sales (GLS) and Their Influence on Singapore’s Property Market

Jayson Ang – July 23, 2026 –

TLDR Singapore’s Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme is a key tool used by the government to manage land supply and...

All Opinion

Unseen Dangers of Putting Your Money in Upscale Freehold Properties in Singapore

Jayson Ang – February 17, 2024 –

TLDR Luxury freehold properties in Singapore may not always be the lucrative investment opportunities they appear to be. High-end properties...

All Opinion

Reasons Why En-Bloc Sales Are Expected to Remain Slow in 2025

Jayson Ang – February 6, 2025 –

TLDR From 2014 to 2024, the en-bloc market has faced challenges due to fluctuating cooling measures and a shift from...

Top 5 Questions to Ask : Is Singapore Property Investment for Me?

Mandarin Top 5

Dispelling Common Myths: Navigating Singapore’s Property Market in 2025

Jayson Ang – January 6, 2026 –

TLDR Singapore’s property market in 2025 is fast-moving and different from five years ago. Buyers often overestimate available options due...

Mandarin Top 5

5 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Investing in Singapore Property: Insights and Advice from Experts

Jayson Ang – April 1, 2024 –

Investing in Singapore property can be a lucrative venture for investors, but it's important to avoid common mistakes that can...

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

Five Pitfalls of Selling a Home for the First Time

Jayson Ang – July 23, 2023 –

TLDR When selling your first home, avoid holding out for a better offer as it may backfire. Let your agent...

Mandarin Top 5

Discover Singapore: 5 Must-See Attractions for a Culture Lovers’ Paradise

Jayson Ang – June 21, 2025 –

TLDR Singapore stands out as a top destination for culture lovers, offering a rich blend of heritage and modernity through...

Mandarin Top 5

The Top 5 Features to Look for When Buying a Luxury Property in Singapore – Expert Insights!

Jayson Ang – September 22, 2024 –

Singapore, a thriving financial hub and one of the world's wealthiest nations, has become an attractive destination for luxury property...

All Buying Tips

5 Exciting Trends Shaping Singapore’s Property Market for Future Buyers After 2024

Jayson Ang – July 5, 2024 –

TLDR When it comes to the evolving landscape of property development in Singapore, developers are facing new challenges and opportunities....

All Blog Posts Buying Tips

A Beginner’s Guide to Homebuying: How to Choose the Perfect Property

Jayson Ang – May 20, 2023 –

TLDR When considering property investments, understanding your motives is crucial. Factors like accessibility to amenities, remaining lease, transaction history, rentability,...