PUBLIC HOUSING CHOICE FOR SINGLES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Singapore is experiencing a burgeoning singles population and the housing needs of this increasingly educated unit of society should not be ignored. Given the inherent scarcity of land and limitations of an existing densely-developed landscape, there is a paramount need to ensure that the designed policies synthesize with the needs of the people. In addition, the public housing authority has a commitment to meet the changing needs and aspirations, as well as direct some of its focus on the sectors of the population that are in need of specific attention. Despite the fact that the public housing authority operates by a pro-family social framework, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted in 2005 that 'in promoting marriage and parenthood, we should not inadvertently signal that singles are not valued’. There is an essential need to move towards an inclusive society. As such, it is important that we truly understand the lifestyle and changing housing demands and aspirations of the singles in Singapore and work towards providing suitable housing options. The study found that the housing needs of the singles are not fully met. In addition, the issue of affordability seems to be the one of the challenges faced by the singles.