Housing Requirements of Singles

Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for National Development with the changing social environment where more Singaporeans are remaining single and not living with their parents (a) if the Ministry will consider lowering the age requirement for singles to buy new flats; and (b) if the Ministry will do a study to look into the housing needs of single Singaporeans between 25 and 34 years of age to help those who aspire to have their own homes.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: Our public housing policy should support the Government’s pro-family social framework. Singles are part of a family unit, and are encouraged to live with their families for mutual care and support.

We allow singles to buy new HDB flats or resale flats from the age of 21, if they form a family nucleus with their parents to do so. If they wish to live on their own and are aged 35 and above, they can buy a resale HDB flat.

The minimum age of 35 supports our promotion of marriage and parenthood. We will be revising our policies to allow singles to buy new HDB flats with certain restrictions. However, there are no plans to lower the minimum age, as marriage rates are highest between the ages of 25 and 34.