Residential

More couples applying for flats before marriage

Between 2009 and 2011, under-25s are taking up 32% 39% and 35% of applications under HDB’s  Fiance-Fiancee Scheme, with a median age of 27. In 2011, over 50%of the first-timers applied under this scheme. This is a significant number since 65% of the applicants are first-timers and 95% of flats in Build-to-Order (BTO) launches are reserved for them. More young couples are also buying relatively more expensive ECs, one example being the two couples with the female under 18 applying for MCC Land’s 1 Canberra in Yishun. When interviewed, the reasons young couples gave for buying a house first include the higher future returns they can get on subsidised housing, the improved architectural designs, and the lack of guarantee in getting a flat since there is balloting.

There are also worries that the young couples are adding on to the already high ...