Fewer singles buying HDB resale flats

SINGAPORE: Singles are buying fewer Housing and Development Board (HDB) resale flats in the recent four years.

Between 2007 and 2011, singles bought an average of 4,300 units a year.

That is down from a yearly average of 5,600 between 2002 and 2006.

The figures came in a written parliamentary reply from the Ministry of National Development to questions from Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris—Punggol Group Representation Constituency, Gan Thiam Poh.

The ministry also said three—room units are the most popular flat type among singles.

The trend holds true even after the rule was eased in 2004 for singles to buy any flat type, rather than three—room or smaller units on the resale market.

But the authorities say the proportion of singles buying four—room and five—room flats has increased.

In 2005, 60 per cent of singles bought three—room flats, 26 per cent bought four—room flats, and 9 per cent bought five—room flats.

In 2011, 48 per cent of singles bought three—room flats, 33 per cent bought four—room flats, and 13 per cent bought five—room flats.

— CNA/xq