As demand for housing grows, Singapore government looking at flexible options for young Singaporeans
SINGAPORE, Aug 4 — The Singapore government is studying ways to expand rental housing options as more young Singaporeans seek flexible living arrangements, according to National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat.
According to The Straits Times, Chee said demand has risen among younger adults who prefer renting before committing to home ownership.
He was speaking at the opening of Mber Co-Living and Serviced Apartments in Serangoon.
Options under consideration include co-living spaces, long-stay serviced apartments, and Build-To-Rent models, all aimed at supporting different life stages and living preferences.
He noted that while home ownership remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s social compact, a growing segment of youth values independence and flexibility. Some may rent “not forever, but for that period before you buy a home,” he said, adding that diversifying rental choices would enrich the housing landscape.
The government has been working with private operators to pilot new models. Long-stay serviced apartments were introduced in 2023 to meet rising rental demand from locals, students and workers. More recently, under the SG Youth Plan, two co-living operators will offer over 100 subsidised rental units to Singaporeans aged 21 to 35.
Chee also emphasised that rejuvenating older estates should not come at the expense of heritage. Mber, built on the former Lim Tua Tow Market site, incorporates tiered architecture inspired by the old shophouses and market structures. The development features communal dining areas, quiet rooms, game rooms, sky rooms for yoga, rooftop gardens, herb gardens, a dog run and an indoor-outdoor gym — all designed to foster community interaction.
“How we design and build physical spaces affects how people use them and how they interact,” Chee said, stressing that urban development must strengthen community bonds. As Singapore continues to evolve, he added, its resilience lies in adapting and embracing new housing concepts while preserving the nation’s heritage.
