The Family Care Scheme (FCS) is a new initiative in Singapore aimed at giving singles priority access to Build-To-Order (BTO) flats if they plan to live near or with their parents. Currently, this priority access applies only to married couples and their parents. When the new scheme is applied, the priority access to new flats will favour all parents and their children regardless of marital status.
Set to start in mid-2025, the new Family Care Scheme is designed to foster stronger intergenerational support. As it was announced by Minister for National Development, Mr Desmond Lee, on 6 November 2024, the scheme recognises that caregiving responsibilities often extend beyond married individuals to include single adult children.
What is the Family Care Scheme (FCS)?
FCS is a restructuring and expansion of current priority housing schemes to include singles alongside married couples. It will be rolled out progressively in two phases, starting from mid-2025.
The Family Care Scheme will have two main components:
- FCS (Joint balloting): This allows parents and their children to apply for two units in the same BTO project. The joint balloting FCS will replace the existing Multi-Generation Priority Scheme once it is applied towards the end of 2025.
The Housing & Development Board (HDB) will share more details about FCS closer to its implementation. In the meantime, applicants can continue to apply for a flat under the current priority schemes in the upcoming BTO sales exercises.
Additional reading: What to expect in the 5 BTO projects set to launch in February 2025
How does the Family Care Scheme affect single homebuyers?
Singles will have priority access to BTO flats if they plan to live near or with their parents.
Increased priority for BTO flats
Singles, previously limited in access to priority schemes, will now have a better chance of securing BTO flats when applying to live near or with their parents. While addressing pressing housing demands, the Family Care Scheme marks a significant shift towards inclusive housing policies that acknowledge the diverse caregiving roles within families.
Greater access to desired locations
The scheme responds to the high demand among singles for flats in well-connected or mature estates. Note that from October 2024 BTO, singles can apply for new 2-room Flexi flats across Standard, Plus, and Prime projects in all locations. Previously, singles could only apply for new flats in non-mature estates. With priority access from the Family Care Scheme, singles can now compete more favourably for flats closer to family support networks.
Support for caregiving responsibilities
By prioritising singles who live with or close to their parents, the scheme aims to ease caregiving duties and foster stronger family bonds. This recognises the important roles singles often play and encourages a living arrangement that facilitates eldercare and emotional support within families.
Balancing BTO flats’ demand
The introduction of this new FCS comes in response to the high demand for 2-room Flexi flats from singles. The recent October’s BTO sales, for instance, showed this strong interest. However, the current priority scheme allocates at least 40% of 2-room Flexi flats for seniors. The new FCS will balance these housing needs more inclusively for singles. This initiative is expected to alleviate some of the competitive pressures by giving more weight to their caregiving needs.
Housing grants for singles
Singles applying under the Family Care Scheme may still be eligible for existing HDB grants, such as the Enhanced CPF Housing Grants. According to the 2024 cooling measures, the EHG now offers up to SGD 60,000 for a single applicant (up to SGD 120,000 under the Joint Single Scheme). This financial support could make it more feasible for singles to buy flats in their preferred locations or near their parents.
Additional reading: HDB Grants for singles – The ultimate guide on BTO and HDB Resale Grants
Would you purchase a BTO flat near your parents under this new Family Care Scheme? Share your thoughts in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.
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