For too long now, single people seem to be overlooked (or should I say singled out?) in the area of public housing. It's been particularly difficult to find affordable housing options close to family. But starting mid-2025, HDB is introducing a new housing scheme that will change the outlook for all you singles out there. So keep reading as we delve into the details.

The Family Care Scheme (FCS) is basically a new and better priority scheme that will replace these current ones:

1. Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS): for married child and parents to live with/near each other;
2. Senior Priority Scheme (SPS): for seniors to live with/near their parents or married child
3. Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS): for married children and parents to live near each other in the same BTO project.

Unlike all these priority accesses that are reserved exclusively for parents and married children, the FCS will also support single children. Promoting this proximity living between parents and children regardless of their marriage status will hopefully make intergenerational family support more easy and accessible to all.

The FCS comprises two components that will be implemented progressively in two phases starting from mid-2025 due to operational complexities and major system changes. Below are the details.

Today, up to 30% of BTO supply is allocated to first-timer families under the MCPS. At least 40% of two-room flexi flats are set aside for seniors, including those who apply under the SPS to live near their parents or married child. And, up to 15% of 2 to 3-room flexi flat supply is reserved for parents who want to live in the same BTO project with their married child under the MGPS.

Notice anything wrong? That's right, singles are left out of the equation, as usual. I mean, it's not until October of this year that eligible first-timer singles can apply for new 2-room Flexi flats across Standard, Plus, and Prime projects in any location. Previously, singles could only apply for new flats in non-mature estates!

This lack of inclusivity means singles are often left competing in open ballots with limited chances of success. This gap in priority housing schemes has also led to longer wait times and fewer housing choices. As a result, singles have a harder time finding a house near their ageing parents, and it's putting them both at a disadvantage.

It's frustrating because singles who want to stay near their parents to help as they age have to go through so much more trouble than others. And as many of us know, taking care of elderly parents is not only about one-off emergencies but gradually increases into a series of regular responsibilities over time.

At first, it might just be helping with small tasks when you're around. But as they get older, they probably need you to visit more frequently to help with things they can no longer manage. Things like cleaning, clearing out bulky items, or handling tech issues. Not to mention having to take them to medical appointments and managing their daily prescriptions. If your parents are very old or sick, you might even have to check in multiple times a day and provide them with daily care. And not everyone can afford or want to put their parents in a home.

So why not live together? Yes, living together could simplify things, but that's not always ideal, especially after the whole COVID lockdown that happened a few years ago. Everyone was forced to be home at all times and the experience may not be pleasant for some families. Lifestyle habits and choices for some parents and their Millennial children may be worlds apart, and COVID lockdown may serve as a reckoning for some. So ever since then, both parents and children (mainly the latter, really) might want their own privacy and autonomy, perhaps a sense of independence and freedom. On top of that, finding larger affordable options that can accommodate multigenerational living is tougher than ever in today's market.

So, as Singapore's population is ageing, it has become increasingly important to consider singles in housing policies. And it's good that the government is finally realising this and addressing the issue. Helping singles is also helping seniors!

Today, many singles still do not have the same privilege as married couples in the housing market, but that is about to change. The FCS is definitely a big step towards a more inclusive and supportive housing environment. By giving singles priority access to BTO flats near their families, this scheme is also benefiting seniors. So if you're part of the single community, be on the lookout as we're expecting to hear more from HDB. I know many of you are looking forward to seeing this scheme come to life. For now, you can click right here to check out the current available schemes and grants. Also check out 35 & Single: What's Next? BTO or Resale HDB?

Views expressed in this article belong to the writer(s) and do not reflect PropNex's position.