Purchase of Flats by Singles Below Qualifying Age

Dr Chia Shi-Lu asked the Minister for National Development with regard to singles below the age of 35 who have no family members or who have been granted protection orders from abusive family members (a) what are the types of public housing options available to them; (b) what are the numbers for each type of housing; and (c) whether exemptions can be made for them to purchase resale flats.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: For singles who are orphans, HDB has flexibility to allow them to buy a new or resale flat, of any flat type, if they are at least 21 years old. Last year, 36 orphaned singles below the age of 35 had booked a new flat or bought a resale flat.

HDB also exercises flexibility for singles who have been granted protection orders from abusive family members to buy a resale flat, even if they are below 35 years of age. There was one such case last year.