Young unwed parents now have more flat options to choose from

Unwed parents who are at least 21 years old can now purchase a three-room flat in a non-mature estate, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) announced on Wednesday (4 Mar).

Previously, they were only allowed to purchase a two-room Flexi flat in non-mature estates, or a resale flat. HDB said that those who cannot afford to buy any flat will be considered for a public rental flat, adding that it will assess each request holistically and on a case-by-case basis.

“Unwed parents who approach HDB for housing assistance will not be turned away,” said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong in Parliament.

“We are committed to supporting the efforts of our vulnerable groups, such as unwed parents, to ensure that their children have a stable home to grow up in, and a good start in life… so we will assist all unwed parents who approach HDB with their housing needs.”

According to the latest Singapore’s public data, there were at least 434 single parent births in 2018. It was also announced that HDB will scrap the Re-Offer of Balance Flats exercise with immediate effect, with unselected Sales of Balance Flats to be pooled and offered directly for open booking immediately.

This will allow home-seekers with urgent needs to get a flat in a quicker manner, said the Minister.