Singles to be allowed to buy new HDB flats this year: Khaw

SINGAPORE: The National Development Ministry (MND) aims to implement its policy of allowing singles to buy new Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats for owner-occupation this year, said its Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Monday.

In a written reply to a question in Parliament, Mr Khaw said MND is "finalising" its policy. Currently, singles cannot buy new flats from HDB by themselves. They can, however, buy a resale flat if they are at least 35 years old.

Over the past decade, 18,000 singles aged between 35 and 40 bought HDB resale flats. Of these, 3,800 singles - or 21 per cent - got married subsequently, said Mr Khaw.

In a separate parliamentary reply, Mr Khaw said the minimum age of 35 for singles to buy new flats "supports our promotion of marriage and parenthood".

"We will be revising our policies to allow singles to buy new HDB flats with certain restrictions. However, there are no plans to lower the minimum age, as marriage rates are highest between the ages of 25 and 34," he added.