Age Requirement of Couples in Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme

Mr David Ong asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the rationale of the requirement under the Enhanced Lease Buyback Scheme that both lessees of the flat (husband and wife) must be of at least 63 years of age; and (b) whether the Ministry will review this criterion as it penalises couples with a large difference in their ages.

The Minister for National Development (Mr Khaw Boon Wan): Madam, the qualifying age for the Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) is set at the CPF draw-down age. This is to ensure that all LBS participants can enjoy immediate monthly payouts under CPF LIFE after topping up their CPF Retirement Accounts with the LBS proceeds.

For those households which do not meet the age criterion, they can consider other options. They may sublet a bedroom or their whole flat for rental income. Alternatively, they may buy and move into a smaller flat or Studio Apartment, and enjoy the Silver Housing Bonus if they meet the stipulated requirements.