A historical context of the ideal home ownership in Singapore
In Singapore, the dream of owning a home is deeply rooted in our cultural and historical narrative. This ideal emerged in the early years of nation-building, as the government sought to provide stable, affordable housing to its rapidly growing population. The establishment of the Housing Development Board (HDB) in 1960 marked a pivotal moment, initiating a nationwide housing program that transformed the physical and social landscape of the country. From clusters of kampungs to high-rise complexes, this monumental shift not only provided shelter but also cultivated a sense of national identity and pride in home ownership.
However, this ideal was not just a social construct; it was also an economic strategy. Owning a home was seen as a path to financial stability and social mobility. The government’s policies made home ownership attainable for the masses, and this was reflected in the high ownership...