‘No NS, no plans to settle but still gets BTO?' — Singaporean questions HDB rules for new citizens
SINGAPORE: After learning that a Malaysian couple — one of whom recently became a Singapore citizen — is applying for a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat despite having no plans to settle here long-term, a local took to social media to question whether public housing policies are really fair.
Posting on the r/askSingapore subreddit on Tuesday (June 10), he explained that both individuals were born in Malaysia. The male partner recently became a Singaporean citizen prior to the recent election, while the female partner remains a permanent resident.
According to the post, the couple had openly shared with others that they are not planning to live in Singapore permanently. Instead, they see the BTO flat primarily as an investment opportunity or a contingency plan. This prompted the man to question whether the current public housing system adequately serves citizens who have long-standing ties to the country and who plan to build their future here.
What particularly concerned him was the fact that the male partner did not serve National Service (NS), as he became a citizen in adulthood.
'The man didn't serve national service because he became a citizen as an adult. Yet, by simply converting, he now has access to heavily subsidised public housing — and the PR partner gets to ride on that privilege too,' he wrote.
The local argued that cases like this highlight several policy gaps. Currently, there is no minimum citizenship duration required before a new Singaporean can apply for a BTO flat with a PR spouse. There is also no requirement for adult male new citizens to contribute in lieu of NS, and no checks on whether applicants intend to stay in Singapore for the long term.
He admitted that this felt unfair for many Singaporeans, saying, 'Those who've served NS, paid taxes all their lives, and genuinely plan to raise families here—are still waiting years for a BTO or are priced out of the resale market.'
'I'm not against immigration or new citizens — but access to subsidised public housing should reflect commitment, sacrifice, and intent to settle, not just a passport conversion. There's a growing sense that some are exploiting the system while true-blue citizens are left behind.'
Looking for perspective, he asked others in the online community, 'What are your thoughts on new citizens purchasing HDBs?' 'It's not just new citizens…'
In the comments, one Singaporean Redditor responded, 'LOL What to do? Despite the disadvantage and odds stacked against true-blue Sinkies, 65% preferred and continued with the status quo.'
Another commented, 'You are new? This has been happening for 10 to 20 years.'
A third remarked, 'If the screening to allow someone to be a new citizen was done correctly, then none of these problems would happen. The main issue is that citizenship anyhow given out for mainly economic and demographic reasons.'
Some Redditors, however, did not take issue with the couple's strategy. One user even commended it, saying, 'This is a good strategy. He can rent out the HDB, and she can buy a landed property in JB. The rental money allows them to retire earlier in JB.'
Another pointed out that it's not just Malaysians who do this, but locals as well:
'Honestly, it's not just new citizens. I have neighbours who are Singaporeans but rented out their units to non-Singaporeans while they lived with their parents. I have colleagues who do this even before the 5-year MOP is up, too.
Somehow, it's easier to pick on others than to realise and accept that there are a lot of Singaporeans who do things like that too. We just choose to turn a blind eye to it.'
In other news, a young Singaporean who only recently started working took to Reddit to ask if it was unreasonable for him to refuse to contribute to his retired parents' car expenses.
Posting anonymously on the r/SingaporeRaw forum, the user shared his confusion and frustration after his parents asked him and his sister to evenly split the cost of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) for the family car.
'The thing is, both my sis and I don't have driving licenses yet, plus I believe that a car is a luxury item in Singapore,' he said.
Read more: 'Why should I pay for a car I won't use?' — Singaporean upset after parents ask him to pay for family car's COE
Featured image by freepik (for illustration purposes only)
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