How the new singles scheme works

Two singles, aged 35 or older, can also jointly buy a resale or new flat -- of any size, anywhere.

From today: No new flats for singles. They will have to buy from the resale market.

From June 1: A single, aged 35 and above, who buys a flat on his own, will get a $15,000 CPF housing grant. He can buy a three-room or smaller flat, in outlying areas.

Two singles, aged 35 or older, who buy jointly will get a $30,000 grant. The grant stays at a maximum of $30,000 for two or more joint buyers. They can buy a resale flat of any size and in any location.

If more than two buy a flat together, they will have to decide among themselves which two will get the grants.

Conditions of the grant: They must not have enjoyed any housing subsidy before and must not own private property nor have disposed of one within 30 months before applying for their flat. They must live in the flat for at least five years before they can sell it or invest in private residential property. If the single gets married, he can apply for a new flat only after 10 years from the time he had bought the resale flat.

Published in the Straits Times. March 27, 1998