The Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong, replied in Parliament on Oct 7 that the existing 2-room HDB Flexi flats provide affordable housing options for singles, and there may not be a need to make the flat sizes smaller.
He was responding to a parliamentary question asking if HDB will consider building 1-room HDB Flexi flats that are integrated with other flat types for singles who have a lower financial capability to purchase HDB flats.
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In responding to him, Mr Wong said:
“Eligible singles can purchase 2-room Flexi BTO flats in the non-mature estates. Such flats come in two sizes, 36 square metres and 45 square metres, and are integrated with other flat types in the same blocks. The smaller 36-square metre flat is cheaper, and caters to singles who have more limited budgets or less space needs. In fact, after the generous government discounts and subsidies, first-timer singles buying new flats, on average, use only about 20% of their monthly income for mortgage instalments. This means that they are generally able to service their mortgages from their CPF contributions, with little or no cash outlay.”
He added that the existing 2-room HDB Flexi flats provide affordable housing options for singles, and there may not be a need to make the flat sizes smaller.
Under the 2-room Flexi Scheme, elderly Singaporeans have the flexibility of choosing the length of lease on their 2-room flat, based on their age, needs, and preferences. If you are aged 55 and above, you can take up a lease of between 15 and 45 years in 5-year increments, as long as it covers you and your spouse up to the age of at least 95 years. First- and second-timer families, as well as first-timer singles, can buy new 2-room flats on a 99-year lease.
You can apply for a 2-room Flexi flats if you meet these eligibility conditions: