{
  "id": 13080699,
  "title": "Thomas Ong, 57, downsizes from 5-room to 2-room HDB flat in Canberra as he retires from acting",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/thomas-ong-57-downsizes-from-5-room-to-2-room-hdb-flat-in-canberra-as",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-09T09:40:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mothership",
    "slug": "mothership",
    "url": "https://mothership.sg/2026/10/thomas-ong-downsize-flat/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thomas Ong, a 57-year-old former Singaporean actor, has downsized from a five-room HDB flat to a two-room Flexi flat in Canberra, as he prepares for retirement. The 409 sqft (38 sqm) apartment, which he purchased for S$140,000, is the smallest flat in Singapore, according to Ong. He obtained the unit through the Sale of Balance Flats scheme and spent less than S$80,000 on renovations. Ong explained that downsizing would reduce his housework and possessions, as his previous homes had spare rooms filled with clutter. His health concerns, including insomnia and lingering respiratory issues after the Covid-19 pandemic, influenced his choice of home and its design. He opted for darker interiors to create a calming space and avoid worrying about dirt and stains. Ong has also retired from acting and plans to document a two-month solo trip around Japan, while taking public transport to cut costs. He was surprised when his application for the smaller flat was accepted, as there were only two units left. Ong's new apartment is located near the MRT station and shopping malls for easy access to amenities. He shared photos of the space, which features Korean-style vertical blinds to control natural lighting.",
  "summary": "The former actor bought the 409 sqft flat for S$140,000 through the Sale of Balance Flats scheme.",
  "key_points": [
    "2-room Flexi flat, 409 sqft, smallest flat in Singapore, purchased for S$140,000.",
    "Downsizing reduces housework, health concerns influenced choice of home and design."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}