DEMAND OF APARTMENTS - A HISTORICAL AND LOCATIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Since 1986, there has been an intra-urban residential movement out from the central areas. The willingness to live in the rural areas could be due to the land scarcity in Singapore and the efficient transportation system in Singapore. This study is an attempt to examine the future possible intra-urban movement. Two groups of potential buyers of private apartments and condominiums were surveyed to study their profile and possible intra-urban movements. It was found that most respondents are Chinese, aged between 25-35 years old, are either managers or professionals and most preferred to live in private apartments with facilities. As for their preferred housing location, the Rural East was found to be the popular choice among the respondents. Many cited reasons such as familiarity with the area, being in a central location to work, school, relatives and leisure, peacefulness and having good amenities and facilities. Perhaps, with this knowledge, planners would further improve the infrastructures and transportation networks in the rural areas. Developers, on the other hand, should now produce quality housing at affordable prices.