The Government is exploring build-to-rent (BTR) housing, as part of efforts to offer more housing options, The Straits Times reports. A Ministry of National Development spokesman said home ownership remains "a key tenet" of policy, but there is demand for flexible, longer-stay rentals. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said in August that the authorities are also looking at co-living and long-stay serviced apartments.
The article cites median rent for non-landed homes of $5.24 per sq ft (psf) in the first eight months of 2026: $5.92 in the core central region, $5.57 in the city fringe and $4.58 in the suburbs. ERA Singapore's Eugene Lim said BTR needs a clear value proposition against traditional rentals.
Who build-to-rent is aimed at, and what renting costs couples waiting for a BTO flat
- The ministry spokesman named younger Singaporeans who want to live independently or rent before buying their own home, and people who come to Singapore to work or study.
- Henry Tay and Sarah Tong, awaiting a Tanah Merah BTO flat about three years from completion, rented at $2,200 to $2,500 monthly, about 25% of combined take-home pay.
- Mr Lim cited a recent co-living pilot under the SG Youth Plan: over 600 Singaporeans aged 21 to 35 showed interest in more than 100 units priced about 30% below market rates.