RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY WITHIN THE PUBLIC HOUSING SECTOR IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Residential mobility is an issue which has attracted renewed research interest in the recent years. This dissertation aims to find out who are the people that move, why they move, where they are moving to, and their location preference. The study is carried out in three stages. At the first stage, several hypotheses are formulated based on the conceptual framework constructed. The second stage involves data collection via a three-page survey. Finally, statistical analysis will be carried out to test the hypotheses and the applicability of the literature reviewed. The structure of this dissertation is organised in accordance to the sequence by which the research is carried out. The empirical findings reveal that moving households differ in terms of socio-economic attributes and housing characteristics. It also reveals that changes in households' socio¬ economic attributes, dwelling, location and neighbourhood characteristics, market factors and housing preference/aspirations are the main factors that affect housing mobility in Singapore. As for location preference, the Central region is found to be the most popular region of residence while the most desired towns are, Bishan New Town, Toa Payoh New Town and Pasir Ris New Town. In general, the results obtained reinforce the established studies. However, some concepts reviewed are proved to be inapplicable to Singapore. With a general perspective of moving households' socio-economic attributes, housing characteristics, their reasons for moving and their location preferences, the government can refine its public housing policies to target goals more effectively and efficiently.