INTRODUCING COHOUSING: SINGAPOREANS' ATTITUDES TOWARDS A NEW HOUSING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

Cohousing seems to be the solution in today's elderly housing landscape that allows residents to enjoy a balance of privacy and community living arrangement. Despite its popularity in European and American cities, it has yet to find its way into Asian societies. There is a gap in the literature in identifying potential residents and their needs for future Cohousing projects. This proves troubling for planners and developers in other cities, as they are precarious with the suitability of Cohousing in their society. This dissertation is an exploratory research on the willingness of future elderly to participate in this novel living arrangement. A multi-dimensional measurement of people's acceptance for Cohousing (MMPAC) survey is proposed to determine quantitatively the extent of respondent's acceptance for Cohousing. The first part of the survey identifies key Cohousing variables that are deemed important to participate in Cohousing. Using Principal Factor Analysis, these variables are grouped into three Cohousing attributes: Autonomy, Attributes and Social Relationships. The second part of the survey aims to increase the possibility of Cohousing engagement by understanding other legislative, financial and environment factors impeding this form of housing concept. Respondents that scored lowly in the MMPAC survey are not likely to engage in Cohousing. 385 Singaporeans of age between 26 and 55 participated in the survey and their response showed encouraging results in establishing Cohousing in Singapore. In particular, those with higher education levels and longer overseas living experience are more willing to participate in Cohousing. Participants also indicate a preference to rent a unit in Cohousing while retaining ownership of their existing home. The MMPAC survey appears to be a useful indicator for measuring Singaporeans' attitudes towards Cohousing.