$1,400-a-month co-living rooms draw over 500 young Singaporean applicants

Over 500 young Singaporeans applied for co-living rooms priced at S$1,400 per month, according to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). The initiative, part of the SG Youth Plan, offers more than 100 rooms at three properties at a 30% discount and is open to Singaporeans aged 21 to 35 who wish to live independently.

Most applicants are single, with the primary motivation being the desire for personal space and independence. Rooms will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The National Youth Council (NYC) stated that collected information, such as race, religion, and income level, will not influence selection. David Tan, director of 1925 Quarters, mentioned that most prospective tenants prefer a three- to six-month stay.

The demand reflects a growing interest in flexible accommodation options, driven by evolving household structures and lifestyles, particularly among younger Singaporeans. Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat emphasized the importance of providing diverse housing options to accommodate different needs and aspirations. Kelvin Lim, executive chairman of Coliwoo, the company behind the initiative, noted that the strong demand is expected due to the attractive combination of independence and community.

Coliwoo and 1925 Quarters have an upcoming property with 20 black-and-white colonial houses that will launch soon, with Tan confirming their openness to adding more units. Despite the relatively high price, the monthly rent is comparable to market rates for private condominium master bedrooms. The initiative's popularity highlights the aspiration of younger Singaporeans to live independently, as data shows the number of single individuals under 35 has more than doubled from 10,500 in 2016 to 22,600 in 2025.