Statistics on Public Rental Flat Applications by Singles and Outcomes of Appeals by Under-35 Applicants in Last Five Years

36 Mr Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked the Minister for National Development in each of the last five years, what is the (i) number of public rental flat applications by singles, (ii) number of such applicants who are successful, (iii) number of unsuccessful applicants who meet eligibility requirements except for the minimum age of 35 and (iv) number of singles aged below 35 who have obtained a rental flat on appeal.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: On average, over the last five years, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) received requests for public rental from about 4,000 singles a year, with around 35% being successful.

Applications to HDB for a public rental flat that do not meet the eligibility criteria, including the minimum age requirement for singles, would be unsuccessful. This notwithstanding, each request is also assessed holistically and takes into account the applicant's individual circumstances and needs, housing options, level of family support and input from social workers. In the last five years, HDB has assisted about 150 singles aged below 35, including widowed and orphaned applicants, secure public rental flats considering their needs and exceptional circumstances.