HOUSING ACCESS
Expanding on what Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said about housing options for singles, Mr Lee said there are already schemes that prioritise these groups.
He added that the government has also reduced the non-selection rate among home buyers from about 40 per cent to 20 per cent, by penalising applicants who repeatedly decline to book a flat when invited.
Furthermore, there has been greater support for singles who can purchase Prime and Plus flats as well as standard two-room flats across the island, he noted. This is on top of other upcoming schemes to prioritise singles.
Mr Lee said there is a “determination” to support different groups of Singaporeans, but noted that limitations in land and housing supply remain significant constraints.
“We need to be upfront with Singaporeans about the supply that we have, about the land that we have, and when and how we’ll be able to address needs over time,” said Mr Lee.
The National Development Minister said that Singaporeans need to be understanding as each demographic, such as singles, lower-income and families, has had to make compromises on access to public housing, and those who need housing more urgently would be prioritised.
In time, Mr Lee hopes that the government will be able to “reimagine” the future of public housing for a new generation of Singaporeans, even as the government continues to support families and seniors.
“There’s no point in making a promise. There’s no point in changing the policy, but then not being able to deliver on the ground. That’s why we’ve been making steps in the right direction,” he said.
