If you’ve ever navigated HDB flat applications as a single person in Singapore, you’re likely intimately familiar with the traditional process. For decades, the dream of owning a home, especially one near ageing parents, has felt like an exclusive club with a very specific entry requirement.
But hold onto your hats, singles, because July 2025 might just be the month the tide turns. HDB’s July BTO and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise, boasting 10,200 units, isn’t just another housing exercise. It also introduces a ground-breaking policy: the Family Care Scheme (FCS).
For the first time, singles and multi-generational families aren’t just getting a seat at the table; they’re getting a dedicated express lane to apply for flats near their loved ones, and we’re all for it!
Table of Contents
- Peek into the past
- Before: Limited options, long waits
- After: Prioritising proximity and caregiving
- For families: A new Way to apply together
- Application details: What you need to know
- A sign that housing policy is adapting to real life
Peek into the past
To truly appreciate this policy shift, let’s briefly revisit the historical context. For much of Singapore’s early development, public housing policies were primarily designed to foster strong nuclear families, seen as the cornerstone of society. Subsidised HDB flats were predominantly allocated to married couples to encourage family formation and nation-building.
It wasn’t until October 1991 that the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme was introduced, finally allowing singles aged 35 and above to purchase HDB flats. Initially, this was limited to 3-room or smaller resale flats in specific, non-central areas.
This policy change came about as housing needs for families were largely met, and the government acknowledged the growing number of Singaporeans choosing not to marry or preferring to live independently. For instance, in his 1991 National Day Rally speech, then-Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong noted that there were approximately 67,000 eligible singles at the time aged between 35-49, out of which 37,000 were men.
This marked the beginning of a gradual relaxation of rules for singles, a response to evolving societal norms and persistent advocacy. Over the years, these rules were further liberalised:
- From September 2004, single Singaporeans have been able to buy flats of any size in the resale market.
- In July 2013, they were allowed to purchase new 2-room Flexi flats directly from HDB for the first time.
- More recently, in October 2024, singles became eligible to apply for new 2-room Flexi flats across all HDB project types (Standard, Plus, and Prime), a significant expansion from the previous restriction to non-mature estates.
Before: Limited options, long waits
Under the earlier rules, the housing landscape for singles aged 35 and above meant that singles could apply only for 2-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates. There was no special consideration for wanting to live near parents.
Even if you were the primary caregiver for elderly parents, your application was part of general ballot pool. Unless you were part of a married couple or applying under an existing, limited family scheme, it was tough to get good units near one’s parents!
After: Prioritising proximity and caregiving
Enter the Family Care Scheme (Proximity)! From July 2025, first-time singles aged 21 and above who are applying to live with or near their parents will finally qualify for priority under a dedicated quota. Currently, up to 65% of 2-room flexi BTO flats, and 5% of SBF flats are set aside for first-timer singles, after allocating flats to seniors. From the July BTO onwards:
- Up to 30% of such 2-room Flexi flats in Standard BTO projects will be now reserved specifically for singles under FCS
- In highly coveted Prime projects, a significant 20% of 2-room flats are similarly set aside
- For the SBF exercise, singles applying under FCS gain access to 2% of flats in Standard projects and 1% in Prime projects
While these percentages may seem smaller, in a highly competitive market, any dedicated allocation is a significant win. This change isn’t just about opening doors; it’s about acknowledging the diverse realities of Singaporean families.
It’s a clear signal that HDB policies are catching up to the many real-life scenarios where single applicants are crucial pillars of support, caring for or co-residing with ageing parents, and where living nearby is not a luxury, but a necessity.
For families: A new way to apply together
But the FCS isn’t just for singles. A second, equally impactful component, FCS (Joint Balloting), will take effect from the October 2025 BTO launch. This innovative scheme allows parents and children to jointly apply for two separate flats within the same BTO project.
While there isn’t a fixed quota, selected projects will offer this option where the layout permits, providing a flexible solution for multi-generational families. This replaces the earlier Multi-Generation Priority Scheme, which was more restrictive in its application.
For families who cherish proximity but also value individual space, this provides unparalleled flexibility and long-term planning stability. It’s a game-changer for ageing parents who might prefer independent living while still being just a short lift ride away from their children, fostering a beautiful blend of independence and intergenerational support.
Application details: What you need to know
Ready to dive in? Applications for the July 2025 BTO and SBF launches are open from Tuesday, 23 July 2025 to Tuesday, 30 July 2025, 11:59 PM.
To apply:
- Go to the HDB Flat Portal.
- Log in with your Singpass.
- Submit your application during the specified window.
Remember: this isn’t a race! The application process is not first-come-first-served. All applications submitted within the week are entered into the ballot, so there’s no need to frantically apply on day one. Take your time, review your options, and apply confidently.
This round includes:
- 5,547 BTO flats across eight projects in Bukit Merah, Bukit Panjang, Clementi, Sembawang, Tampines (Simei), Toa Payoh, and Woodlands
- 4,662 SBF flats, over 1,700 of which are already completed and ready for near-immediate move-in
- 2,171 BTO flats with waiting times of 3 years or less, offering quicker routes to homeownership
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A sign that housing policy is adapting to real life
The Family Care Scheme won’t solve every housing challenge overnight (no single policy can!). However, it’s an undeniable and powerful signal that the HDB is embracing a more nuanced and compassionate view of how Singaporeans live, work, and care for each other.
Singles, who have for too long felt left out in the flat application process, now have a genuine and prioritised pathway to live near their families, fostering stronger bonds and facilitating crucial caregiving. Multi-generational households, similarly, are finally equipped with the tools to coordinate their housing applications, replacing the previous scramble across separate launches with a streamlined and sensible approach.
We’re excited to see how these new policy changes impact the housing landscape in SingSing and we will keep you updated on market movements! Till then, drop in your thoughts on these changes in the comments, or follow us to stay connected.
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