![](https://i.imgur.com/CLvY2jA.png")
29-08-2021, 12:28 AM
Public housing for LGBTQ+: A little history
Housing for singles has come a long way since the 1970s. The Singapore government was first hesitant in extending public housing to single individuals because there was high demand for flats, and the priority went to families. Flat ownership for singles was deemed inconsistent with the government social policy of encouraging marriage and the preservation of the traditional family unit.
Thankfully, the liberalisation of the housing policy towards singles came in Oct 1991, when it was announced that single Singaporeans aged 35 and above can purchase a flat from Housing and Development Board (HDB).
And since then, 35 years became the ‘unofficial’ age for single adults to get a home of their own. The policy also became a ‘leeway’ for many LGBTQ+ Singaporeans to buy an HDB flat for the very first time.
While HDB public housing remains to be the most affordable option for most Singaporeans, it comes with a lot of conditions. Knowing what one qualifies for is very important when planning to make an application.
Buying direct from HDB (BTO & Balance of Sales)
A single (LGBTQ+) person could buy from HDB under 3 Schemes: Public, Singapore Citizen Single or Joint Single Scheme.
Under the Public Scheme (PS), the applicant must
• form a family nucleus with parents, and siblings (if any).
• At least one Singapore Citizen applicant
• At least one other Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident
• At least 21 years old
• Household Income Ceiling: $14,000 (4-room and above); $7,000 or $14,000 (3-room, depending on project)
LGBTQ+ note: This is a very common scenario of singles who live with their elderly parents (with little or no income).
More at https://tinyurl.com/2uewfw2s
Housing for singles has come a long way since the 1970s. The Singapore government was first hesitant in extending public housing to single individuals because there was high demand for flats, and the priority went to families. Flat ownership for singles was deemed inconsistent with the government social policy of encouraging marriage and the preservation of the traditional family unit.
Thankfully, the liberalisation of the housing policy towards singles came in Oct 1991, when it was announced that single Singaporeans aged 35 and above can purchase a flat from Housing and Development Board (HDB).
And since then, 35 years became the ‘unofficial’ age for single adults to get a home of their own. The policy also became a ‘leeway’ for many LGBTQ+ Singaporeans to buy an HDB flat for the very first time.
While HDB public housing remains to be the most affordable option for most Singaporeans, it comes with a lot of conditions. Knowing what one qualifies for is very important when planning to make an application.
Buying direct from HDB (BTO & Balance of Sales)
A single (LGBTQ+) person could buy from HDB under 3 Schemes: Public, Singapore Citizen Single or Joint Single Scheme.
Under the Public Scheme (PS), the applicant must
• form a family nucleus with parents, and siblings (if any).
• At least one Singapore Citizen applicant
• At least one other Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident
• At least 21 years old
• Household Income Ceiling: $14,000 (4-room and above); $7,000 or $14,000 (3-room, depending on project)
LGBTQ+ note: This is a very common scenario of singles who live with their elderly parents (with little or no income).
More at https://tinyurl.com/2uewfw2s
