THE IMPACT OF RELAXING HDB HOUSING TYPE RESTRICTIONS FOR SINGLES ON SINGLES' CHOICE OF DWELLING

Abstract

This study was triggered by the change in housing policy for singles, granting them a wider range of housing choices to satisfy their needs. As the rising number of singles is gradually changing the population demographics in Singapore, the housing needs of this marginalized group cannot be ignored. The intention is to construct a well-grounded discussion of singles' housing choices and the impact of the relaxation of housing type restrictions on the choices of this increasingly eloquent and expressive group and to understand the underlying factors that affect their choices. Using a self-administered questionnaire, singles above the age of 30 were surveyed on their housing preferences and the importance of various housing attributes. Data obtained was processed with SPSS statistical software using cross-tabulation and factor analysis. The sample of respondents obtained was found to be biased towards younger singles as stratified sampling was used. The findings of this study found that on the whole, singles prefer to purchase smaller units amidst escalating housing aspirations. The main housing attributes that were deemed important were affordability, type of housing, accessibility and size of dwelling. In order to satisfy the housing demand from singles, this study proposed a review of the eligibility schemes for singles and the provision of more units suited to the taste and preferences of singles by the private sector.