COLLABORATIVE HOUSING AS AN ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLE IN SINGAPORE, KICK-STARTING WITH MIDDLE INCOME NEW RETIREES

Abstract

This dissertation is an exploratory research of introducing collaborative housing as an alternative housing lifestyle choice in Singapore. In particular, it rationalises and examines the feasibility of kick-starting collaborative housing as a potential elderly housing solution. A thorough literature review brings together relevant models internationally and locally, from which the concept of collaborative housing in Singapore’s context is developed and evaluated in the social, institutional and financial aspects. Insights from interviews from both professionals and amateurs enriched the analysis. Collaborative housing is a social framework that can mitigate the conflicts faced by the 3 main stakeholders in elderly housing: the elderly, the government and the neighbours. It is a ground-up initiative that develops an intentional close-knitted social community through participative planning of a building’s development. Collaborative housing is feasible from the social perspective. A participative planning process coupled with a familiar environment and location helps the elderly age-in-place comfortably. From the institution perspective, a ground-up non-government approach, starting from a small scale, has the greatest potential to realise collaborative housing objectives. Financially, keeping the project affordable yet ensuring financial and land acquisition sustainability pose as an obstacle to its feasibility. Considering all factors, the timing for collaborative housing with a focus on new retirees is right. However, as a new concept, government support is vital in many aspects to ensure its success. More holistic and incremental plans would need to be formulated, along with developing more expertise prior to the programme’s execution.