THE ASSESSMENT OF 3GEN FLATS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The issue of a rapidly ageing population in Singapore necessitates the need to provide adequate support to the elderly, especially in the context of their housing needs. One way to alleviate this issue is through the introduction of 3Gen flats to encourage multigenerational families to live together to provide a support network for the elderly. Unlike the unsuccessful ‘multi-generation’ flats introduced in 1987, 3Gen flats have received overwhelming response from multigenerational families in Singapore. Hence, this study seeks to evaluate if there is a demand for 3Gen flats by investigating its demand drivers and obstacles which could derail its purpose. The analysis will also examine if there might be an abuse of 3Gen flats in Singapore. In this study, survey questionnaires were conducted with two groups of respondents (aged 21 to 54 and aged 55 and above) to ascertain their views towards 3Gen flats. Subsequently, the survey results were analysed using statistical models such as independent sample T-test and binary logistic regression. The results show that there is a demand for 3Gen flats in Singapore. The significant factors that influence younger respondents’ decision to live in 3Gen flats include parents’ age, marital status, physical condition, and CPF adequacy, their age, marital status and average age of their children, and the presence of parental assistance in household chores and childcare. Statistically significant differences between perceived drivers of 3Gen flats to the two groups of respondents also suggest that there might be an abuse of 3Gen flats. Notably, lack of privacy has also been found to be the greatest obstacle of living in 3Gen flats.