SINGAPORE — A significant shift is on the horizon for singles hoping to live near their parents. Starting mid-2025, the new Family Care Scheme (FCS) will grant priority access for singles applying for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, allowing them to live with or near their parents. This exciting announcement was made by the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Housing and Development Board (HDB) during a press release on 6 November 2024.
What’s the New Scheme About?
The FCS aims to strengthen intergenerational support among families, recognising the growing caregiving responsibilities faced by adult children, especially those who are single. Previously, priority access for BTO flats was reserved solely for married couples and their parents.
- FCS (Proximity): This component will allow parents and children — regardless of marital status — priority access when applying to live together or near each other, replacing the current Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS) and Senior Priority Scheme (SPS).
- FCS (Joint Balloting): Launching by end-2025, this will enable families to apply for two units in the same BTO project, taking the place of the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS).
Current Housing Landscape
The announcement comes amid a record demand for new flats. The latest exercise in October saw over 26 single applicants vying for every available two-room Flexi flat — a remarkable figure, especially considering this category is now available across all estate types. Previously, singles could only apply for flats in non-mature estates, limiting their options.
Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development, highlighted that caring for parents is a crucial aspect of family life, regardless of whether one is married or single… “We recognise that adult children who are single tend to carry a heavier burden of caring for ageing parents,” he stated.
More Changes Ahead
Additional details about flat allocation and operational logistics will be unveiled in the lead-up to the FCS’s implementation. For now, up to 30% of BTO flat supply is designated for first-time families under the current married priority schemes. Looking forward, the HDB intends to simplify the process while ensuring a diverse and affordable range of housing options across Singapore.
This new initiative signals the government’s commitment to adapt housing policies to better suit the needs of its residents, especially as demographics and family dynamics evolve in our rapidly changing society.