Success of Singapore´s Public Housing Program and its Evolution

Introduction:

Public housing policy is Singapore has been a remarkable success in providing housing for the majority of Singapore citizens and by making them stakeholders in nation building. House is universally considered as a basic necessity and an asset for lifetime for every citizen. While most countries put “housing for all” as one of the agenda point; many of them, including developed countries are still struggling to ensure affordable, equitable and sustainable housing solution.

In Singapore, Housing Development Board (HDB) was set up in the year 1960 to address the housing crisis then, by building low cost public housing. In its remarkable success, HDB could solve the housing shortage within 10 years of its existence. The public housing programme in Singapore has evolved over the last 4 decades to not only provide housing but also a comprehensive, self sufficient township and vibrant community in an urban setting. The resident population living in public housing has increased from mere 9% in 1960s to about 82% now, with vast majority (about 95%) of them under home ownership. Thus the larger objective of providing public housing and maintenance is being successfully delivered by HDB.

Evolution and Features:

The first generation political leadership in Singapore emphasized on socio- economic growth for the country since its formation. In 1959, dwellings in Singapore used to be crowded slums, squatters with dilapidated structures and unhygienic surroundings. In addition to poor infrastructure and rising population in the limited land mass, there was acute shortage of good public housing. The country needed at least 15000 new houses every year. To address the shortage and affordability issues, HDB initially built simple...

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...ed economy, income disparity is growing wider and faster. Employment and long term savings are uncertain. In such scenario, the primary objectives of social security measures need a relook.

Ageing, rising healthcare costs, chronic diseases, post retirement unemployment are some of the factors, which could seriously undermine the social engineering measures that overly stress upon housing as a social security solution.

The rising house prices are making many young potential home buyers nervous, which in some ways is impacting the social fabric by prolonging marriage and raise family. This also impacts the work ethic balance by promoting capital gains, rental income and other avenues over hard earned wages.

Therefore “affordable housing for all” notion needs a fresh look. Change in policies, objectives and priorities must keep pace with the changing context.