More choose to live with parents

SINGAPORE - More multi-generation families are applying for five-room and 3Gen flats, which allow multi-generation families to live together.

In his blog post on Wednesday, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) received 1,152 applications for 84 3Gen and 260 five-room flats in HDB's latest Build-to-Order exercise in Yishun.

A third of the applications come from multi-generational families. In the previous year, only 3 per cent of five-room flat applicants applied to live with their parents under the Married Child Priority Scheme.

The scheme gives more balloting chances for parents or children who apply to live near each other.

Alternatives

The 84 3Gen units were grouped with 260 five-room flats to give applicants another housing option should their first choice runs out.

Mr Khaw said it is encouraging that more have been applying for 3Gen and fiveroom flats.

"I am happy they are planning ahead to move into a larger flat to better take care of their ageing parents and future children."

He also said that as our population ages, family care and support is essential for senior citizens' well-being.

Said Mr Khaw: "They also help to enrich family relations by sharing their experiences, and lending an extra hand in caring for their grandchildren.

"We should continue to facilitate multi-generation living for Singaporeans who wish to do so."

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