Mapping the housing trend for Singles over the past ... not that many years...
The Single Singapore Citizen Scheme was introduced in 1991 by the then newly minted Prime Minister, Mr. Goh Chok Tong. He first announced the possibility of such a scheme during his first ever National Day Rally Speech on 11 August 1991. Before that, Single Singaporeans were not allowed to purchase HDB flats. Period. In line with the government's stance of being pro-family, and certainly pro-marriage.
Now those 35 years and above could finally own their own homes, but these could only be 3-room or smaller re-sale flats, in ulu estates.
They weren't allowed to purchase re-sale flats in the central regions, particularly, the seven estates, "Bukit Merah, Central, Geylang, Kallang & Whampoa, Queenstown, Farrer Road, and Tanjong Rhu & Mountbatten."
There wasn't an income ceiling at this point.
From 18 March 1998, to boost the demand for housing during the Asian Crisis, Singles could finally qualify for a grant of $15,000 for purchasing 3-room or smaller re-sale flats, if they've not received any housing subsidy before, and their monthly income was $3,000 or less. However, over the next few months as housing prices slid down, the grant amount was gradually decreased at a rate of about $500/month.
The Joint Singles Scheme was also stopped for Singles as many brought an elderly relative to apply to get the rebates, but with no intention of living together, and lived in the flat on their own, thus abusing the system.
From 28 August 2001, the restrictions were slackened such that Singles are able to buy 3-room or smaller resale flats anywhere, including those in the seven urban estates.
I remember my counsellor, now a good friend, who bought her 3-room re-sale flat in Holland Village back then. Some may think HV to be ulu and dated but my old is gold. So opening up these estates injects young blood and vibrancy into them, renewing the Qi.
Announced on 29 August 2004 in his first community walkabout after becoming the new PM, the now Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that soon Singles would be allowed to buy re-sale flats of any size, well, still 5-rooms and below.
Also, to qualify for housing board loans, they could only buy up to a 5-room flat, and again. their monthly income had to be $3,000 or less.
On 15 August 2011, "to provide additional affordable housing options for more citizen households," the monthly income ceiling for Singles to purchase up to a 5-room re-sale flat was revised from $3,000 to $5,000. The Grant quantum was also increased from $11,000 to $15,000.
However, yes, if you've noted the constant repetition of that 'R' word, Singles were still relegated to the re-sale market which means higher costs than new builds like the trending BTOs.
So it was met with great cheer when on 30 July 2013, Singles were finally allowed to buy 2-room BTO flats in non-mature estates, like Sembawang and Punggol, directly from HDB, at highly subsidized rates (depending on your income still of course) with grants going up to $30,000. Of course there is a quota of how many of the flats go to Singles, like about 30% for example. This definitely would meet the needs of lower income singles. It'll also help sell 2-room BTOs which are still moving slowly before that as it is not really family friendly unless you can adapt. As BTOs are considerably cheaper than re-sale flats (think about $100k even), this meant public housing was finally becoming accessible and for the masses.
(When looking at the digits, remember, we're not looking at Joint Singles Scheme. I like being Singular. Technically we're not looking at BTO too, as we're about DIY Buying Re-sale flats - right up my alley.)
On 24 August 2015, the income ceiling to receive the Singles Grant of $15,000 was raised from $5,000 to $6,000 allowing more Singles to be eligible for the Grant despite rising incomes (and rising cost of living.)
This article was heavily referenced from these and all those other sites linked to in the post:
http://business.asiaone.com/property/news/improvements-over-the-years
http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_1585_2009-10-26.html
http://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/singapore/if-you%e2%80%99re-single-and-you-just-turned-35%e2%80%a6-should-you-apply-for-an-hdb-flat/ar-AAgBiib
Addendum: If you earn more than $6,000 you can still buy a re-sale. I think the author in the msn article made an error there.
P.S. If I do make errors, do PLEASE point out to me. Thank you.
Regards.
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