Are We Building for a Different Singapore?

Singapore’s population has reached a record 6.11 million, and yet our households are shrinking.
We’re seeing fewer marriages, smaller families, and an ageing population that’s living longer.

At the same time, 1.91 million non-residents from professionals to essential workers now make up almost a third of our total population.
It’s a powerful reminder that while our nation grows in size, the way we live, love, and build homes is quietly evolving.

Let’s unpack what these shifts mean.

Fewer Marriages, Smaller Families

More Singaporeans are delaying marriage or choosing to stay single.
This shift is reshaping our housing preferences from large family flats to smaller, smarter homes that are closer to work, schools, and amenities.

Developers are responding by offering more 1- to 3-bedroom units that suit singles, couples, and right-sizing families.

  • Median age of first marriage: 30.7 (grooms) / 29.0 (brides)
  • Fertility rate: 0.97, below replacement level

The dream home today isn’t necessarily bigger. It’s practical, comfortable, and aligned with our lifestyle choices.

👉 Rozi’s Field Note:
The definition of ‘home’ is evolving, and we must listen. URA & HDB data show rising demand for 2- and 3-bedroom units, and stronger resale performance for well-renovated, smaller flats near transport nodes. Smaller doesn’t mean less, it often means smarter.”

As Our Families Evolve, So Must Our Spaces

From newlyweds looking for flexibility to seniors seeking comfort without complexity, each season of life calls for a different kind of home.
Which brings us to one of Singapore’s most defining shifts: ageing gracefully in place.

Ageing Gracefully, Finding Peace in the Next Chapter

With almost one in five citizens aged 65 and above, many prefer to stay in the homes they’ve built memories in. But maintaining a large flat can become overwhelming, emotionally and financially.

A quiet but meaningful movement is taking shape: right-sizing, selling a larger home to move into a smaller, senior-friendly unit or condo that’s easier to manage.

Government programmes like the Silver Housing Bonus and Lease Buyback Scheme support this transition.*

👉 Rozi’s Field Note:
“It’s natural to hold on, every room tells a story. The marks on the wall, the sound of laughter in the kitchen, the corner where your child once studied. These are pieces of your life that no floor plan can replace.

But memories aren’t lost when we move; they travel with us. Every step forward can carry those stories into new beginnings. Lighter, calmer, and more aligned with the season you’re in now.

Right-sizing isn’t about leaving something behind. It’s about creating space for comfort, for peace, and for the life you deserve in the years ahead.”

*Both schemes are administered by HDB to help seniors right-size or monetise their flats, by topping up their CPF Retirement Accounts or providing CPF LIFE payouts.

More Non-Residents, More Renters. The New Rental Reality

While local household sizes are shrinking, Singapore’s growing non-resident population is quietly shaping another side of the market, rentals. Foreign professionals, essential workers, and students often can’t buy HDB flats, so they rent instead.

This explains why, even in a slower economy, rental rates have held firm or risen in key outer districts, especially in parts of the OCR such as District 19.
These areas attract both locals and expatriates who seek value, good amenities, and growing transport connectivity.

URA data shows OCR rental index up 0.7 % quarter-on-quarter (Q1 2025) — signalling steady demand in suburban corridors near new MRT lines and integrated hubs.

👉 Rozi’s Field Note:
“For investors, this is a window to capture stable yield but for tenants, it’s a reminder to plan early. When non-resident numbers rise, available units get snapped up fast.”

What Happens Next?

Looking ahead, several key forces will continue shaping our housing landscape.
The rise in non-residents is likely to sustain strong rental demand, particularly across private condos and the suburban OCR areas where affordability meets convenience.
At the same time, smaller family sizes are shifting demand toward compact, efficient units prompting developers to adjust their unit mix accordingly.

An ageing population is driving more right-sizing decisions and demand for senior-friendly housing, while fewer marriages mean slower family formation but more individual buyers and dual-income investors entering the market.
Even with these transitions, tight supply continues to support price resilience, especially for well-located properties that offer both accessibility and value.

👉 Rozi’s Field Note:
“Housing demand is no longer driven by sheer numbers, it’s shaped by how people live, work, and age. Our role isn’t just to sell homes, but to help families plan with clarity and purpose.”

Rethink, Recalibrate, Renew

We’re entering a new chapter in Singapore’s housing story, one shaped by changing family structures, longer lifespans, and a globally mobile workforce.

As our city grows upward and outward, perhaps the real question isn’t where we live but how we choose to live. Maybe the smarter move isn’t to buy bigger, but to plan better for comfort, peace, and purpose.

If you’re wondering how these trends could shape your next property decision whether upgrading, downsizing, or investing DM me and let’s explore your options together.