Proposal to Allow Singles Especially Widows and Divorcees Aged 50 and Above to Apply for 3-room BTO HDB Flats

68 Mr Lee Hong Chuang asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider allowing single persons, especially widows and divorcees aged 50 and above, to apply for 3-room Build-To-Order (BTO) HDB flats in recognition of their housing needs and changing family circumstances.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: We recognise that widowed or divorced persons may be concerned about their housing options due to changes in their life circumstances.

First-timer widowed or divorced citizens with care and control of at least one child from their marriage may buy a new flat or a resale flat of any size, subject to meeting the prevailing eligibility conditions.

Under the Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers (Divorced/Widowed Parents), those with at least one child aged 18 and below are given priority when applying for a 2-room Flexi or 3-room Build-To-Order flat in Standard projects.

All other eligible first-timer singles aged 35 and above, including widowed or divorced persons without children, can buy a new 2-room Flexi flat island-wide. This strikes a careful balance between the housing needs and aspirations of singles and other groups of Singaporeans, given the land constraints we face in Singapore.