Turns out wanting to move out of the family home is a very popular dream in Singapore right now. Just 11 days after applications opened for the discounted co-living scheme under SG Youth Plan, more than 500 young Singaporeans have signed up, for just over 100 available rooms. Read: the rooms are five times oversubscribed.
Here’s a full breakdown of what this independent living initiative actually offers, why demand has been so intense, and how you can apply for it.
What is the independent living initiative?
Coliwoo Lutheran.
Image credit: Coliwoo
The independent living initiative is part of SG Youth Plan, a five-year roadmap for young Singaporeans announced by the National Youth Council (NYC) and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). Under this scheme, two private co-living operators are renting out more than 100 rooms across three properties at a 30% discount off usual rates.
Who can apply?
It’s open to Singapore Citizens (SC) aged 21 to 35, including singles and couples who are waiting for their Build-To-Order (BTO) flats to be completed. Applications are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, rooms can be rented solo or with a roommate, and unlike a typical 2-year residential lease, the minimum stay is just 1 month.
5x oversubscribed at launch
Apartment at Coliwoo Lutheran.
Image credit: Coliwoo
Between the launch of the scheme on 25th July, and 4th August 2026, MCCY received over 500 applications. According to MCCY, most applicants are single, and the most common reason cited for applying was simply wanting more personal space and a taste of independent living.
Because of the overwhelming number of applications, there’s now a waitlist for these rooms. Those on the waitlist are referred to operators in the order their applications were timestamped, so signing up early does count for something. MCCY also confirmed that details like an applicant’s race, religion and income level aren’t used as selection criteria.
Where are the co-living rooms found?
1925 Quarters.
Image credit: @1925quarters via Instagram
The rooms are spread across 3 properties:
- 1925 Quarters (Jalan Besar)
- Coliwoo Boon Lay
- Coliwoo Lutheran (Bukit Timah)
What kinds of rooms are available?
Room at 1925 Quarters.
Image credit: 1925 Quarters
Options include twin and queen rooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom. All the rooms come with beds, tables and shelves, and a wall-mounted TV.
How much do the co-living rooms cost?
Ensuite bathroom at 1925 Quarters.
Image credit: 1925 Quarters
The discounted co-living room rates start from $1,800/month, though the exact price depends on the property and room type. At Coliwoo Boon Lay, which has 70 rooms up for grabs, the monthly rate is $1,950 excluding utilities; at Coliwoo Lutheran, the 30 available rooms are priced from $2,000/month, excluding utilities.
While it’s not exactly cheap, there are definite perks of renting a room in a co-living space as compared to renting a room or flat on the open market.
Why the sudden demand?
More young Singaporeans are living alone than ever before: according to the Department of Statistics, the number of Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents under the age of 35 who live alone has more than doubled. This figure has grown from 10,500 in 2016 to 22,600 last year, in 2025.
Separately, the National Youth Survey 2025 found that having a place of their own consistently ranks among young Singaporeans’ top life goals. The same survey found that 8% of respondents said they had no close friends, double the figure recorded in 2013, which may explain why the community side of co-living, such as shared kitchens, lounges, organised social activities, is a draw in itself, more than just the discount.
Will more co-living rooms be made available?
Possibly. When interviewed by The Straits Times, Coliwoo executive chairman and CEO Kelvin Lim said the company is open to offering more rooms and will work with MCCY to gauge demand before deciding on timing and location.
Similarly, 1925 Quarters director David Tan pointed to an upcoming property at Admiralty Hills, a cluster of 20 black-and-white former colonial houses between Sembawang and Canberra MRT Stations, as a possible future location for co-living rooms.
How can I apply for these rooms?
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Register your interest with MCCY.
- Your details will then be passed on to the respective co-living operator.
- If a room isn’t immediately available, you’ll be placed on a waitlist and referred to operators in the order you applied.
Do note that you have to be a Singapore Citizen to apply for these rooms under the discounted scheme. Given how quickly they filled up, applying early and having a backup plan is probably a good idea.
All you need to know about the discounted co-living scheme
Whether you get a room or not, the scheme is a pretty clear signal: a lot of young Singaporeans want the option to live independently before they’re locked into a BTO or resale flat, and they’re willing to pay for it. If co-living isn’t for you, or you’re still deciding between options, the good news for you is that there’s still some time before new rooms are made available on this initiative.
For more reads:
- How to rent a 3-room HDB flat from $400/month under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme
- Is paying $3,000/month for a rental HDB in Singapore worth it?
- Coliwoo Orchard review
Cover image adapted from: Coliwoo, 1925 Quarters
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