While families and young couples benefit, singles remain largely sidelined in the latest fiscal measures.
SINGAPORE — For many single Singaporeans, the recent Budget 2023 announcement felt like a missed opportunity, especially as Finance Minister Lawrence Wong referred to it as a “love letter” to the nation. However, singles across the island were left wondering if they were even part of the equation.
While young couples and families received the lion’s share of attention—through increased housing grants, enhanced Baby Bonus cash gifts, and added support for starting a family—single Singaporeans found themselves on the sidelines. In his budget speech, DPM Wong focused on making it easier for young families to thrive, but when it came to singles, there was little acknowledgment of their needs beyond a few scattered mentions of economic competition.
This year, the focus was squarely on families, with measures like the increase in paid paternity leave and additional balloting chances for young couples seeking a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat. As couples celebrated these steps toward greater family support, singles were left to navigate an increasingly expensive landscape on their own.
The Housing Struggle
One of the biggest pain points for singles is the ongoing challenge of housing. While married couples and families receive priority, single Singaporeans face long waiting times for BTO flats—especially flexi two-room units in non-mature estates, with wait times reaching up to four years. The only real assistance provided for singles in Budget 2023 came in the form of housing grants. First-time singles can now receive up to S$40,000 in grants for new or resale flat purchases.
However, while this is a step in the right direction, it remains a minor relief when compared to the broader focus on families. As property consultant Ku Swee Yong pointed out, unless housing supply increases alongside these grants, the risk remains that prices will continue to rise, rendering such grants less effective.
The Unmet Needs of Unmarried Single Mothers
Another group that remains left out of the Budget’s embrace is unmarried single mothers. Despite their significant contribution to society, they continue to be excluded from key tax relief schemes like the Working Mother Child Relief, which is only available to married, divorced, or widowed mothers. For unmarried single mothers, the path to receiving such benefits requires them to marry the child’s biological father—an outdated and narrow view of family dynamics that further marginalizes this group.
The Struggles of Singles in an Expensive Market
Beyond housing, the rising costs of living remain a challenge. Rental prices have surged, and with fewer affordable options available for single individuals, many are feeling the pinch. The rental market is particularly challenging for singles, as property prices continue to increase across both public and private sectors. While government measures have made some concessions, singles are still grappling with a lack of support in a market that heavily favors families.
The Bottom Line
For single Singaporeans, the message is clear: to get significant help, you must start a family. Policies are geared toward boosting the birth rate and supporting family life, but this leaves singles—especially those looking to buy homes—facing uncertainty. The impact of these policies, while beneficial to families, often creates anxiety for those who don’t fit into the traditional family mold.
For many singles, it seems that their contributions to society—be it through their careers, community involvement, or their role as taxpayers—are not enough to earn them a fair place in the housing market. Despite some assistance through GST vouchers and U-Save rebates, singles continue to feel like second-class citizens in the national fiscal equation.
As Singapore continues to navigate the challenges of an aging population and a low birth rate, it is crucial that the government finds ways to make policies more inclusive of all its citizens—not just those starting families. For now, single Singaporeans will continue to wait for their turn at the table, hoping that future budgets will offer them a more prominent place.
