Singapore’s government emphasizes that decisions to develop housing on greenery or heritage sites are made only when no suitable existing or brownfield sites are available, said Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah.
Speaking on September 14 at a youth-focused event ahead of a closed-door dialogue on housing, Indranee highlighted the government’s approach to managing limited land resources. Authorities balance competing demands for land use while expanding space through land reclamation, increased building height, and deeper developments to accommodate both current and future needs.
Indranee pointed to demographic changes affecting housing demand, noting that increasing life expectancy and a growing elderly population opting to age in place, along with more young individuals and singles seeking their own homes, have contributed to a decline in the average size of public housing households—from nearly five members in 1980 to fewer than three in 2025.
To optimize land use, the government plans taller housing projects on brownfield sites, such as a new development exceeding 60 stories at Pearl’s Hill in Outram Park. In addition, golf courses whose leases expire are being redeveloped. By 2030, more than 400 hectares, equivalent to about 600 football fields, of golf course land will be reclaimed, including the former Keppel Club which will become the Berlayar estate as part of the Greater Southern Waterfront development.
Indranee stressed that while exploring housing options on green spaces or established heritage sites becomes necessary if no alternatives exist, the government incorporates expert advice from nature and heritage groups and strives to minimize environmental and historical impact.
She said, “As we build more to meet housing needs, we will do so carefully and responsibly, and decide in the best interests of Singapore and Singaporeans.”
In July, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) released environmental assessments for potential housing developments at Gillman Barracks and Sunset Way’s Maju Forest, both involving partial clearance of forest areas. Following public feedback, Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan indicated plans to preserve more green space in these areas, resulting in a reduced number of homes to be built.
Regarding housing supply, Indranee noted the government’s commitment to launching 55,000 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats from 2025 to 2027, with the possibility of exceeding this number if demand persists. The supply of two-room flexi flats, which cater to seniors and singles, will increase by nearly 50% between 2026 and 2028 compared with 2023 to 2025.
The expanded supply has facilitated an increase in the income ceiling for subsidized flats, announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in August, to $16,000 for families and $8,000 for singles. Indranee also said the ministry is reviewing the eligibility criteria for singles to apply for BTO flats, including lowering the minimum age and examining schemes for singles wishing to co-purchase larger flats with family members.
Currently, singles aged 35 and above can only apply for two-room flexi flats. Indranee emphasized that BTO flats remain affordable due to heavy government subsidies and various housing grants, noting that pricing aims for affordability rather than cost recovery. In 2025, nine out of ten first-time families who collected their flats managed housing loan repayments primarily through their Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings with minimal cash outlay.
To further assist young families, first-time flat buyers with or expecting children will receive additional ballot chances—one per child—when applying for BTO flats.