Adulting is already hard enough, but buying your first home as a single in Singapore is a whole other set of challenges. Between eligibility rules to limited housing options, singles often have fewer paths compared to couples and families.
That’s why some singles are skipping public housing entirely and going straight for private condos instead. Here are some reasons why more singles are choosing condos over HDB flats, with condos offering more flexibility and long-term financial value despite the steeper price.
1. Not waiting till 35 to own a home
For many singles, the wait until 35 can feel like eternity. You can’t buy a HDB flat before that age, but condos can be purchased as soon as you turn 21, making it possible to call a place your own way earlier than most friends.
Especially for singles who’ve already built up savings or financial stability, condos are an appealing option that isn’t reliant on family housing arrangements or waiting to find a partner before settling down.
2. Not tied down by HDB rules & requirements
Image credit: Danist Soh on Unsplash
Even after hitting the 35-year-old marker, owning an HDB flat as a single still comes with limitations. Under the Singles Scheme, you can only buy a 2-room Flexi flat in new or prime locations, which can feel restrictive if you’re looking for more space or want to live closer to the city.
For some, the restrictions go beyond location or size. For instance, LGBTQ+ individuals aren’t eligible to buy HDB flats here even if they eventually couple up, with no legal recognition from HDB. Similarly, those with higher incomes might exceed HDB’s income ceiling, leaving private housing as the more realistic route to homeownership.
Meanwhile, condos offer far more flexibility and freedom to choose a unit size and layout that fits your lifestyle. Down the line, you can even live with a partner or friends without needing approval, with freedom that’s unmatched by HDBs.
3. Facilitating inheritance planning
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
For singles who are the only child, inheritance often plays a big role in their housing decisions. Many already expect to inherit their parents’ HDB flat in the future, which makes owning another HDB unit off-limits. In these cases, purchasing a condo becomes a practical alternative that allows them to own a home without affecting their future inheritance plans.
There’s also the question of what happens when you’re gone. If a single HDB owner passes away with no immediate family, the flat can be returned back to the state. Even if there are relatives to inherit it, they must satisfy HDB’s ownership conditions, such as being Singaporean and not already owning another flat.
On the other hand, condos can be fully transferred to anyone in a will without such ownership conditions, giving singles greater peace of mind that the property can be transferred as they desire.
A single’s perspective:
“As an only child, I know that one day I will inherit my parents’ HDB flat. Since the Singapore government only allows you to own one HDB flat, you will have to choose between keeping your current HDB flat or selling it. It’s my intention to keep my parents’ HDB flat, so buying another HDB is not an option for me.” – @etholdings on Lemon8
4. Privacy & lifestyle amenities that fit the single life
Image credit: Homey Co-living
Condo living naturally appeals to singles who value privacy and convenience. With 24/7 security, gated access, and no void deck noise, it’s an environment that offers quiet and safety.
For those working from home, the quiet surroundings are a plus and the amenities are a bonus. Having a pool, gym, and BBQ pits right at your doorstep makes it easier to stay fit and social, with no external memberships needed.
A single’s perspective:
“On a very personal basis. I am now a healthier person because the gym and pool are both 1-2 minute’s walk from my ground-floor unit. Regular exercise was something I’ve miserably failed to do in the past until it became so exceedingly convenient for me, so I felt my condo purchase / maintenance instalment had priceless benefits for my health.” – u/aldoteng2 on Reddit
5. More financial flexibility
Image credit: SRX
Unlike HDBs, condos have no Minimum Occupation Period (MOP). Singles can sell, rent, or refinance whenever they like, making it ideal for those whose priorities might change, such as a new job or a change of heart.
You’re also not limited to selling to Singapore citizens or PRs. This widens your potential resale pool and gives you more control, whether it’s moving closer to work or converting your unit into an investment property anytime.
A single’s perspective:
“For private, you can sell anytime you want (in the first 3 years, you’ll suffer seller stamp duty of 4-12%), it’s a smaller place, easier to live as a single, but when you have family it will be very troublesome. For HDB, after you buy, there will be a 5-year MOP waitout before you can sell.” – u/kiatme on Reddit
6. More long-term security
Image credit: The Watten House
Many condos are freehold or 999-year leasehold, giving peace of mind that your property will retain value in the long run. For singles looking ahead, this stability also makes condos feel more like a true “forever home”.
In contrast, HDB flats have 99-year leases and lease decay will be a growing concern as the years go by. Private property becomes a safer bet, as an investment and a future retirement nest egg.
7. Higher rental yields
Condos attract a broader tenant pool, including expats who are often willing to pay higher rents. Singles who own a condo can rent out the entire unit or even spare rooms, generating a steady source of passive income.
Unlike HDBs, which limit rentals to Singapore citizens and PRs, private ownership offers more freedom and flexibility for singles, making buying a condo a smart financial move.
8. Potential en-bloc upside
Image credit: TheSmartLocal
A unique perk of condo ownership is the en-bloc opportunity. When older developments are sold to developers for redevelopment, owners often receive a premium payout.
In comparison, HDB has redevelopment schemes like the Voluntary Early Redevelopment Scheme (VERS), but the payouts are only limited to market value, and any extra gains returned to the state. This means HDB owners rarely get the same windfall as private condo owners.
For singles, who often rely solely on their own income, investing in an older condo in a desirable location can be especially rewarding, with the potential long-term boost from an en-bloc sale.
A single’s perspective:
“Older ones are significantly cheaper (with the price difference you can splurge on some renovation AND still have money left over), are usually more spacious (especially those from the 80s/90s), and you have higher chance of hitting en bloc lottery (whereas a new one is likely not gonna en bloc until at least 25-30 years, if not a lot more)” – u/bitflag on Reddit
Singles who chose condos over HDB flats
For singles navigating Singapore’s housing landscape, condos offer a unique mix of independence, flexibility, and long-term value that HDB flats can’t match.
While they are a hefty investment, the long-term benefits make it a compelling choice for those who are financially stable. Beyond the prestige, condos offer early independence, fewer restrictions, and long-term financial value that makes the higher price tag worth it.
For more tips for single living:
- What HDB flats can singles buy in Singapore? A guide for over-35s to get their own place
- Buying a condo as a 24-year-old single in Singapore
- What to do if you’re under 35 and single, but want to move out now?
Cover image adapted from: Uchify, Lentoria Condo
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