The survey reveals that as many as 68% of respondents believe they cannot afford local housing, reflecting the impact of rising housing costs on many individuals. This issue is particularly pronounced among singles, with the figure reaching 79%. This suggests that housing costs pose a particularly challenging situation for single individuals.
Compared to last year, more respondents this year believe they cannot afford local housing, indicating an increasing urgency regarding housing issues.
Interestingly, the survey also found that a higher income does not necessarily equate to being able to afford housing.
Among respondents with a monthly household income ranging from $8,000 to $11,999, only 28.3% believe housing is affordable, whereas among households earning between $4,000 to $7,999, 36.1% of respondents hold this view. This suggests that housing issues are not just a matter of income levels but involve various other factors.
Regarding housing purchase decisions, the survey shows that the top three considerations for citizens when buying Built-to-Order (BTO) flats are still price, unit size, and remaining lease. The maturity of the estate and proximity to schools are relatively less important. This provides the government with some guidance to better meet the needs of citizens in future housing policy formulation.
Furthermore, there will be adjustments to housing restrictions for singles. Starting from the second half of next year, the government will categorize BTO flats based on location attributes, and singles will be able to purchase two-room BTO flats in any location. These policy changes will have some impact on homebuyers and reflect the government's proactive efforts in addressing housing issues.