More young S’poreans under 35 want to live independently. Will a new co-living initiative help?

In 2024, Kaelen Ong, a 26-year-old aspiring theatre actress, moved out of her family home to rent a room in a condominium. She left her three-room HDB flat to have her own space for grieving her father's death and to gain the privacy she desired. Living in her family home felt pressuring, she said, as she had to continue her life normally.

For most young Singaporeans, moving out before marriage or turning 35 is uncommon. However, more young citizens and permanent residents are opting for independent living for greater independence, privacy, or a dedicated space of their own.

The number of Singaporean young adults living alone has more than doubled from 10,500 in 2016 to 22,600 in 2025, according to Department of Statistics data. Property experts have also noted a similar trend, with ERA Singapore's Eugene Lim observing that young people are moving out for reasons such as seeking independence and a more conducive living environment, particularly if they work from home.

The SG Youth Plan has launched a new independent living initiative, partnering with two private co-living operators to offer over 100 subsidised rental units to individuals aged 21 to 35. The initiative is not intended to address housing or supply issues but is a private sector effort to provide young Singaporeans with the chance to live independently.

Co-living has recently gained popularity as a flexible alternative to renting HDB flats or condominium units, appealing to younger individuals with its flexible lease terms and shared amenities.

However, co-living's cost remains a concern for some young people. PropNex chief executive Kelvin Fong noted that monthly rates for co-living start at $1,800, which could be a stretch for those early in their careers or saving for their first home. Alicia, a 29-year-old engineer, signed up for the SG Youth Plan's co-living initiative and rents a twin room at Coliwoo's Bukit Timah property for $1,800. Although this rate fits within her budget, she is trying to find a roommate to split the cost.

PropertyGuru Singapore's managing director Yao Lu mentioned that the median asking rent for a room in Jalan Besar, Bukit Timah, and Boon Lay areas ranges from $1,755 to $1,200. Yao also pointed out that these figures may not be directly comparable to the co-living scheme rates, as they reflect a diverse mix of rental options. Fong said the co-living units are more comparable with master bedrooms in private condominiums, featuring en-suite bathrooms and shared amenities like gyms, making the $1,800 rental broadly in line with market rates.

Despite the cost, some young adults, like Ong and Ren, prefer independent living and are saving for a flat instead of renting. For Ong, moving out changed her relationship with her family, helping her gain her mother's respect for her autonomy. Meanwhile, Amanda Ng, a 30-year-old media agency owner, intends to buy a condominium unit in 2026, relying on her CPF savings, cutting back on holidays, and borrowing from her parents to fund the down payment.