PUBLIC HOUSING CHOICE BEHAVIOUR OF SINGLES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The rising number of single people, together with the greying population in Singapore, is one of the significant and emerging demographic trends affecting the current and future course of societal development. According to statistics, more people are getting married at a later age which results in increasing number of singles especially in the older age group. It is estimated that there are about 170,000 single people who are 35 years old and above. In order to move towards an inclusive society, Prime Minister Lee has announced the revision of housing schemes for single people aged 35 and above, such that the housing needs of this main economy contributor is not ignored on 15 September 2004. Single people are allowed to buy any type of resale Housing Development Board (HDB) flat under the Singapore Citizen Scheme and the Joint Singles Scheme. The study shows that the majority of single people welcome the revision of the public housing schemes and most of them aspired to live in four-room and five-room units. In addition, there is a rising expectation for quality housing amongst them. As the number of single people continues to increase, the rising needs of single people which comprise a substantial proportion of the total population in Singapore should not be ignored. With more intensive land use, the Government could accommodate the needs of families and single people better.