In a written reply to a query from Singapore Forward non-constituency MP Leong Boon Hwee, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Wong Choon Chee revealed that the percentage of Singapore citizen tenants in local private housing will be 15 per cent in 2018 and 2019, continue to increase in 2020 and 2021, and reach 19 per cent in 2021.

He noted that this was mainly due to delays in construction works caused by the coronary epidemic, resulting in a surge in demand from Singaporeans seeking temporary accommodation while they await the completion of their private residential units. On the other hand, demand for local private rental accommodation fell during this period due to the exodus of foreigners.

Wong Choon Chye said, "In 2022, with the relaxation of border restrictions, the situation for private residential tenants today has become more similar to the trend before the coronary epidemic."

Data provided by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the period between 2018 and the third quarter of 2022 shows that the proportion of Singapore citizen tenants in local private housing has fallen back to 16 per cent as of the third quarter of 2022, from 19 per cent in 2021. As for the proportion of foreign tenants, it was 59% in 2019 before the crown disease, declined to 55% in 2021 and has rebounded to 59% in Q3 2022.

The data also covers the execution of condominiums, where leases include the rental of entire units and partial rentals, based on the nationality information declared by tenants in their leases, and also includes leases signed by institutions that are not individuals.