In a significant move to promote intergenerational living and strengthen family bonds, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) of Singapore has expanded its priority schemes to include singles. This initiative, set to roll out progressively from mid-2025, aims to support parents and their children, regardless of marital status, in living closer together. The new Family Care Scheme (FCS) replaces existing priority schemes and introduces a more inclusive approach to public housing applications.
Understanding the Family Care Scheme (FCS)
The FCS is designed to offer priority access to all parents and their children—married or single—when applying for new flats to live with or near each other. This scheme will be implemented in two phases:
1. FCS (Proximity): Starting in mid-2025, this component provides priority to parents and children applying for new flats within 4 km of each other. This replaces the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS) and the Senior Priority Scheme (SPS) for living with or near parents/married children. (HDB)
2. FCS (Joint Balloting): By end-2025, parents and their children can jointly apply for two units in the same Build-To-Order (BTO) project, where 2-room Flexi or 3-room flats are available. This replaces the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS). (HDB)
Implications for Singles
Previously, single children did not receive priority when balloting for new flats to live with or near their parents. Recognizing the evolving family dynamics and the increasing reliance of aging parents on their children for support, the government has extended this priority to singles. This change acknowledges the diverse family structures in Singapore and aims to foster stronger familial support networks.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the FCS, applicants must meet the following conditions:
•Proximity: The new flat must be within 4 km of the parents’ or child’s residence.
•Application Inclusion: If planning to live together, parents or children must be included in the flat application.
•Post-Occupancy Requirement: After receiving the keys, parents or children must live with the applicant or remain within 4 km of the new flat during the flat’s minimum occupation period.
These criteria ensure that the scheme effectively promotes close living arrangements between parents and their children.
Benefits of the Scheme
The introduction of the FCS offers several advantages:
•Enhanced Family Support: Living in close proximity facilitates daily interactions and mutual support, especially crucial for elderly parents.
•Flexibility for Singles: Singles now have the opportunity to live near their parents with priority access, promoting stronger family ties.
•Inclusive Housing Policies: The scheme reflects Singapore’s commitment to accommodating diverse family structures in its housing policies.
Additional Housing Options for Singles
Beyond the FCS, singles have more options in the public housing landscape:
•New Flat Classification Framework: From October 2024, HDB introduced a new classification framework categorizing flats into Standard, Plus, and Prime based on locational attributes. Eligible first-timer singles can now apply for new 2-room Flexi flats across all locations, providing more choices to live near their parents. (HDB)
•Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (Singles): First-timer singles aged 35 and above may qualify for an Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) of up to $60,000 when buying a new or resale flat. This grant aims to make homeownership more affordable for singles. (HDB)
Looking Ahead
The FCS represents a progressive step in Singapore’s housing policies, acknowledging the importance of family support and the evolving needs of its citizens. By extending priority schemes to singles, the government aims to foster stronger family units and provide more inclusive housing options.
Engage with ZaiDean for Your Real Estate Needs
Navigating the complexities of Singapore’s housing policies can be challenging. At ZaiDean, we specialize in providing personalised real estate solutions tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you’re a single applicant looking to benefit from the new Family Care Scheme or seeking guidance on the latest housing grants, our experienced team is here to assist you.
Contact us today to explore how we can help you achieve your real estate goals and make informed decisions in Singapore’s dynamic property market.