Singles applying for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats will now receive priority access when purchasing a home near or with their parents under a new scheme scheduled to come into effect in mid-2025.
The priority access to BTO flats is exclusively reserved for married couples and their parents. However, the new Family Care Scheme (FCS) marks a significant shift by extending this privilege to singles as well, aiming to reinforce intergenerational support among families, according to National Development Minister Desmond Lee.
So the scheme will work like this. Under the upcoming Family Care Scheme (FCS), parents and their children, irrespective of marital status, will be granted priority access when applying for new flats. They know how important it is to care for parents, regardless of the marital status of their adult children. Minister Lee also said that single adult children will bear a lot of responsibility in caring for their aging parents.
The FCS will replace three current priority schemes for married couples, parents, and seniors, and will consist of two components. The FCS (Proximity), start to be implemented in the middle of 2025, will afford parents and their children priority access when applying for a new flat to reside near or with each other. Meanwhile, the FCS (Joint Balloting), to be introduced by the end of 2025, will enable parents and their children to apply for two units in the same BTO project, replacing the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme. Further details on the percentage of flat supply allocated under the scheme will be provided closer to its implementation.
One hopeful applicant, Mr. Lucas Chua, 33, lauded the priority access, expressing his desire to secure a flat near his elderly parents in Clementi. Implementing these measures provides potential relief for individuals like Mr. Chua, offering increased prospects for securing housing to facilitate care for elderly family members.
