Singles and Parents to Get Priority Access to BTO Flats for Living Together
Introduction
In his maiden National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced that singles and their parents will be granted priority access to Build-to-Order (BTO) flats to live together. This move aims to make it easier for families to support one another, especially as many single children also want to stay close to their aged parents to take care of them.
Priority Access for Singles and Parents
From mid-2025, single children and their parents who are buying new flats to live with or near one another will get priority access to BTO flats. This extension of the priority scheme was previously limited to married couples. The goal is to facilitate family support and care, recognizing that many single children also wish to stay close to their parents.
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant for Lower-Income Couples
Lower-income couples purchasing their first home can look forward to an Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, currently up to $80,000. This grant will be increased especially for the lower-income groups. National Development Minister Desmond Lee will provide more details on this initiative soon.
Community Care Apartments for Seniors
The government is also expanding housing options for seniors, integrating elderly-friendly housing with care and social services. The first community care apartments, Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok, will be handed over to residents later this year. More such projects will be launched to ensure seniors can age with dignity, security, and peace of mind.
Stabilizing the Property Market
The government is addressing issues in the housing market, which were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Special attention will be paid to BTO flats in mature estates, where prices are often higher. The government aims to ensure that Singaporeans can afford HDB flats in these locations too. The first batch of BTO units under the new framework will be launched in October.
Conclusion
The extension of priority access to BTO flats for singles and their parents, along with the enhanced CPF Housing Grant for lower-income couples and community care apartments for seniors, underscores the government’s commitment to making public housing more affordable and accessible. These initiatives will benefit many Singaporeans, particularly those seeking to live near their families and seniors looking for supportive living environments.
