Why This New HDB Rule Is A Big Win For Singles (After Years Of Being Overlooked)


A seasoned content strategist with over 17 years in the real estate and financial journalism sectors, Ryan has built a reputation for transforming complex industry jargon into accessible knowledge. With a track record of writing and editing for leading financial platforms and publications, Ryan's expertise has been recognised across various media outlets. His role as a former content editor for 99.co and a co-host for CNA 938's Open House programme underscores his commitment to providing valuable insights into the property market.
Caring for singles is caring for seniors.
Which is why I like the new family care scheme, starting in mid-2025. Under new rules coming next year, singles applying for BTO flats will get priority, so long as their intended home is near their parents. This is regardless of marital status, so it also benefits singles who can’t be legally married for some reason (e.g., the LGBTQ+ community at present, or couples set apart for family reasons).
The new Family Care Scheme (FCS) also has a Joint-Balloting component, to allow parents and children to apply for two units in the same BTO project. All of these changes will supersede the existing Married Child Priority Scheme, Senior Priority Scheme, etc. Not an issue, since the new schemes serve the same purpose but with better benefits anyway.
The changes will be phased in gradually, as it also requires a shift in application processes, so we won’t know the full details until later. We still don’t know, for example, the number of flats reserved for singles balloting under this scheme. But a comment was made by the government, that this move is to better support intergenerational living.
Which is a thing that’s always bugged me: singles who can’t easily get a flat near their parents have a much harder time taking care of them. My own parents are also ageing, and as I grow older, I realise the number of trips I make to their place has more than quadrupled.
Earlier on in your adulthood, it’s little things like heading back to help with emergencies. Then it’s for more mundane things they can no longer do on their own: cleaning in certain areas, disposing of heavy old furniture. Then over time, it extends into taking them to medical appointments, getting their prescriptions filled, helping them set up on New Year or Christmas, etc.
For those who are in their forties and fifties, who still look after parents, you’ll know it can go way past this. I have friends who need to drop by multiple times a day, to help their parents dress, wash-up, etc. (Not everyone is happy to put their parents in a home, or pay for one.) And while there’s a good degree of government aid, you can’t replace the simple human touch of being there with them.
One obvious alternative is to all just live together; but not everyone (including parents themselves) are comfortable with that. Also, large residential properties are harder to afford these days.
So as Singapore “greys,” it becomes more vital than ever to help singles: if we can make it easier for them to look after their own parents, we also ease the burden on our social workers and healthcare system. And giving them a home nearby is a huge deal, more so than things like vouchers or some subsidies.
More from Stacked
Are Home Prices Finally Cooling Again In 2021?
2021 has been a tough year for buyers; especially first-time home seekers. We’ve seen prices rise in almost every property…
It also means singles get to stay in places familiar to them
There’s something evil about telling someone “Oh, if you can’t find a place in Bedok, then just go live here in Jurong West lah.”
I know all the usual arguments: Singapore is so small, it’s not like having to go to another state, being able to choose your home is so entitled, and so on and so forth. And sure, there’s definitely merit to some of those arguments.
But it’s also true that it makes Singapore a better place to live, if singles can continue hanging out where they’re used to, have the same clique of friends, and maintain some kind of ritual and familiarity. We acknowledge that it’s important for the elderly, so I don’t see why it isn’t for young singles too.
Meanwhile in other property news…
- Open-concept living and being one with nature: here’s how to do it in your home
- Look out for some interesting BTO launch sites in February 2025, including one impressive location in Queenstown.
- Four-bedder condos under $1.6 million: they still exist in the resale market.
- Nava Grove is an up and coming new launch, but how will it hold up to nearby alternatives like Pinetree Hill?
- Don’t mind living on the ground floor? Then here are some humongous options starting from as low as $1.36 million.
Weekly Sales Roundup (28 October – 03 November)
Top 5 Most Expensive New Sales (By Project)
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | TENURE |
32 GILSTEAD | $14,488,320 | 4219 | $3,434 | FH |
MEYER BLUE | $6,460,000 | 1905 | $3,391 | FH |
WATTEN HOUSE | $5,022,000 | 1539 | $3,263 | FH |
PINETREE HILL | $4,488,000 | 1733 | $2,590 | 99 yrs (2022) |
THE RESERVE RESIDENCES | $4,159,900 | 1625 | $2,559 | 99 yrs (2021) |
Top 5 Cheapest New Sales (By Project)
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | TENURE |
KASSIA | $1,023,000 | 474 | $2,160 | FH |
THE LAKEGARDEN RESIDENCES | $1,348,300 | 527 | $2,556 | 99 yrs (2023) |
HILL HOUSE | $1,372,000 | 431 | $3,187 | 999 yrs (1841) |
ONE BERNAM | $1,493,520 | 452 | $3,304 | 99 yrs (2019) |
HILLHAVEN | $1,534,941 | 678 | $2,263 | 99 yrs (2023) |
Top 5 Most Expensive Resale
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | TENURE |
BEVERLY HILL | $9,250,000 | 3778 | $2,448 | FH |
SILVERSEA | $5,150,000 | 2530 | $2,036 | 99 yrs (2007) |
PARK INFINIA AT WEE NAM | $5,000,000 | 2756 | $1,814 | FH |
LEONIE GARDENS | $3,900,000 | 2573 | $1,516 | 99 yrs (1990) |
MAYFAIR GARDENS | $3,610,000 | 1733 | $2,083 | 99 yrs (2018) |
Top 5 Cheapest Resale
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | TENURE |
SUITES @ TOPAZ | $668,000 | 474 | $1,410 | FH |
KINGSFORD WATERBAY | $710,000 | 484 | $1,466 | 99 yrs (2014) |
THE WATERLINE | $720,000 | 517 | $1,394 | FH |
CANBERRA RESIDENCES | $755,000 | 614 | $1,231 | 99 yrs (2010) |
TREASURE AT TAMPINES | $800,000 | 463 | $1,728 | 99 yrs (2018) |
Top 5 Biggest Winners
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | RETURNS | HOLDING PERIOD |
PARK INFINIA AT WEE NAM | $5,000,000 | 2756 | $1,814 | $2,783,200 | 19 Years |
LEONIE HILL RESIDENCES | $3,380,000 | 1389 | $2,434 | $1,880,000 | 21 Years |
THE WINDSOR | $2,450,000 | 1550 | $1,581 | $1,670,000 | 25 Years |
KING’S MANSION | $3,450,000 | 1604 | $2,151 | $1,650,000 | 14 Years |
THE BALMORAL SPRING | $2,700,000 | 1119 | $2,412 | $1,573,000 | 25 Years |
Top 5 Biggest Losers
PROJECT NAME | PRICE S$ | AREA (SQFT) | $PSF | RETURNS | HOLDING PERIOD |
LINCOLN SUITES | $1,185,000 | 484 | $2,446 | -$242,801 | 12 Years |
POLLEN & BLEU | $2,430,000 | 1206 | $2,016 | -$155,700 | 8 Years |
ONE BERNAM | $1,138,000 | 441 | $2,579 | -$95,000 | 3 Years |
MARTIN MODERN | $1,970,000 | 764 | $2,578 | -$79,000 | 4 Years |
THE WATERLINE | $720,000 | 517 | $1,394 | -$10,400 | 12 Years |
Transaction Breakdown

For more news on the Singapore property market, follow us on Stacked.
Ryan J
A seasoned content strategist with over 17 years in the real estate and financial journalism sectors, Ryan has built a reputation for transforming complex industry jargon into accessible knowledge. With a track record of writing and editing for leading financial platforms and publications, Ryan's expertise has been recognised across various media outlets. His role as a former content editor for 99.co and a co-host for CNA 938's Open House programme underscores his commitment to providing valuable insights into the property market.Read next from Singapore Property News

Singapore Property News In a Weak Economy, This Policy Hurts Singaporean Homeowners Most

Singapore Property News Rare Mixed-Use Site At Hougang MRT And New Sembawang EC Plot Just Launched: What You Need To Know

Singapore Property News $1.16M For A 4-Room HDB In Clementi? Why This Integrated Development Commands Premium Prices

Singapore Property News Why Lower Land Prices In Singapore Don’t Mean Cheaper New Condos
Latest Posts

Pro How Have Older Leasehold Condos Performed Compared To Newer Ones? A Case Study Of The Tanamera

Investor Case Studies Why We Chose A $1.23 Million 2-Bedroom Unit At Parc Vista Over An HDB: A Buyer’s Case Study

Property Advice The Surprising Reasons Some Singaporean Buyers Are Choosing Smaller Condo Units (Even When They Can Afford More)

Landed Home Tours Touring Onan Road, A Freehold Landed Estate With A “Hidden” Enclave Of Shophouses

Overseas Property Investing I’m A Singaporean House-Hunting In Mexico City: Here’s What 2 Weeks On The Ground Taught Me

Homeowner Stories I’ve Lived In Braddell View For 14 Years: What It’s Like To Live In Singapore’s Largest Residential Site

Property Investment Insights Why Some 30-Year-Old Leasehold Condos Are Still Outperforming New Ones

Pro How Do Old Leasehold Condos Hold Up Against Newer Projects? A Case Study Of Orchid Park

On The Market 5 Cheapest 4 Room HDB Flats In Central Singapore (From $495K)

Homeowner Stories Why These Buyers Chose Older Leasehold Condos—And Have No Regrets

Editor's Pick Arina East Residences Review: First Condo Launch in Tanjong Rhu in 13 Years, Near MRT Station

Pro Do Mega-Developments Really Outperform Regular Condos? A Parc Clematis Vs Clavon Case Study

Pro Affinity at Serangoon vs The Garden Residences: Same Launch Year, Same Location — But Which Gave Better Capital Gains?

Editor's Pick 4 Potential Residential En Bloc Sites That Could Be Worth Watching In 2025

Property Market Commentary Can Singapore’s Housing Market Handle A Rapidly Ageing Population?
