WE THANK Mr Thomas Kwan Sai Hong for his letter, "Let single seniors buy flats direct from HDB" (my paper, Sept 8).

Our public-housing policies are pro-family in nature to support family formation.

Our new flats generally meet the housing needs of first-time young citizen families.

It would not be equitable for a single to buy a new flat and receive the same amount of housing subsidy meant for a family.

Nevertheless, the Government recognises the contributions of singles to Singapore society, and they are not excluded from public-housing subsidies.

Single Singaporeans who are 35 years or older can buy a resale flat under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme or the Joint Singles Scheme.

Eligible singles can enjoy the $11,000 CPF Housing Grant for Singles, and qualify for an HDB mortgage loan at the concessionary interest rate.

In addition, eligible Singaporeans who are 55 years or older - including singles - can purchase an elder-friendly studio apartment from HDB.

Mrs Lily Chan-Wong Jee Choo
Acting Deputy Director
(Policy & Property)
for Director (Estate
Administration & Property)
Housing & Development Board

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