Nation

The Housing Battle: Key Party Proposals Ahead of GE2025

2025-04-25

Author: John Tan

As Singapore's Polling Day approaches, housing has emerged as a pivotal issue in the political landscape, with various parties rolling out innovative proposals to address pressing concerns.

The Insights from Major Parties' Manifestos

In a bid to capture voters' attention, the major political parties have laid out their strategies to tackle critical issues such as long waiting times for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats, the affordability of public housing, and age restrictions on the Singles’ Scheme.

People’s Action Party (PAP) Takes Action

The ruling PAP has set an ambitious goal: to construct over 50,000 new flats within the next three years. Additionally, they aim to enhance options for higher-income couples and singles, ensuring access to flats in desirable areas like Kallang-Whampoa and Bayshore. A highlight of their plan includes rejuvenating Housing and Development Board (HDB) towns via the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS).

Workers’ Party (WP) Advocates for Change

Responding to the needs of first-time homebuyers and long-time residents alike, the WP proposes adjusting the house price-to-income ratio to reflect median income levels of new homeowners. They suggest offering 70-year lease BTO flats at a more affordable price, complemented by a universal buy-back scheme for aging HDB flats, ensuring long-term housing stability for residents.

Red Dot United's Inclusive Approach

Red Dot United is advocating for expanded eligibility for the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme across all HDB estates. Furthermore, they propose a rent-to-own initiative targeting the bottom 20% of income earners and young singles, while also introducing restrictions on resale flat purchases for permanent residents and recent citizens.

Progress Singapore Party: A Fresh Perspective

The Progress Singapore Party plans to overhaul the BTO system with their Affordable Homes Scheme, eliminating land costs unless flats are resold. They also propose allowing singles to buy BTO flats from the age of 28 and creating the Millennial Apartments Scheme to offer affordable rental options for young couples and singles.

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) Targets Affordability

The SDP aims to introduce a Non-Open Market scheme, drastically reducing public housing costs by factoring in only construction and administration expenses. Their Young Families Priority Scheme seeks to prioritize first-time families with children, ensuring they have better chances of securing new flats.

With such dynamic proposals from various parties, the stage is set for an engaging election focused on tackling Singapore's housing crisis. Will these visions reshape the future of housing in the Lion City?