Chapter 2 - Housing

By 55, most of us in Singapore would have our own house or private apartment or HDB apartment (ie HDB flat). If the mortgage (or housing loan) is still outstanding and/or if one is unemployed, then we have to consider getting an income by renting out room(s) and/or 'downgrading'. In such a situation, assuming you own an HDB flat, you can :

a) rent out one or two bedrooms (see here);
b) 'downgrade' to a smaller HDB flat; or
c) downgrade to an HDB Studio Apartment (or SA).

Downgrading to a smaller HDB flat is straightforward; just sell your current flat and buy a smaller one on the 'resale' market ie from its owner, or buy it directly from HDB. As it's your second time buying from the HDB you need to check your eligibility as a Second Timer applicant.

Studio Apartments have to be bought from HDB as owners may not sell them in the resale market. Check your eligibility to buy a Studio Apartment.


Letters in the Press about Housing matters
Nothing is perfect, so interpretation and implementation may sometimes be incorrect, and people may come up with alternatives. Here are some letters in the Press on the above topics.