Frustration in House Hunting

A couple's ongoing struggle to secure a home in Singapore has sparked discussions on social media, leaving many wondering: what makes finding a house here so challenging? A woman shared her ordeal on the popular Facebook page 'NUSWhispers,' expressing her dismay after years of searching with her boyfriend.

High Hopes Followed by Harsh Realities

From the onset of their eligibility to apply for a Build-To-Order (BTO) flat, the couple had high hopes. However, they soon faced harsh realities in a market characterized by skyrocketing prices. “I’m so disappointed. My boyfriend and I have been house hunting for so long. It feels like an endless marathon,” the woman lamented, mentioning how the couple’s salary had recently surpassed the income ceiling for BTO applications.

Struggles with Private Property

As they shifted their focus to private property, their luck didn’t improve. They endured the lottery system for new condominium launches for two entire years, only to receive discouraging queue numbers. By the time they reached the front of the line, only the expensive 4 to 5-bedroom units were available — options that were both beyond their budget and practical needs.

Sacrifices Made

Despite making sacrifices, like postponing their wedding and honeymoon to save for their home, frustration mounted as they struggled to find an affordable option. “We’ve poured all our savings into this goal, but still can’t secure anything,” she shared. With no familial financial assistance, they began to eye the resale market, which they quickly discovered was not a budget-friendly solution either.

Reflections on Timing and Debt

“Should we have just gotten married at a younger age? It seems like waiting is penalizing us even more. Is it normal for couples to start married life already in debt just to have a roof over their heads?” she pondered, highlighting the pressures many face in today's real estate landscape.

Mixed Reactions from Social Media

Responses to her post were mixed. Some users questioned her perspective, stating that hitting the salary ceiling should theoretically mean easier access to private housing. “It’s ironic to hear you say you can't afford housing after hitting the salary ceiling,” one comment read.

Criticism and Empathy

Critics pointed out that while the woman viewed the market through a narrow lens, many affordable resale options exist if one is willing to compromise. They encouraged her to seek professional help from real estate agents to better understand the available choices. A few empathetic commenters acknowledged the general difficulty in finding a reasonably priced home in Singapore. One individual recounted their own grueling experience, needing more than two decades to finally secure a BTO flat.

Changing Housing Landscape

The landscape of affordable housing in Singapore has seen shifts over the years, particularly after the Housing Development Board (HDB) raised income ceilings for new flats in 2019. Families now have a ceiling of $14,000 for BTO applications, while Executive Condominiums (ECs) allow for up to $16,000. Notably, no income caps apply to resale properties, leading many to consider them viable alternatives despite their increasing prices.

A Common Challenge

In a city where approximately 8 in 10 residents qualify for public housing and 9 in 10 for ECs, the elusive goal of home ownership leaves many couples like this frustrated with the daunting challenge of finding a suitable and affordable property.

Conclusion