A Reddit thread published on 9 June 2025 has reignited discussion about Singapore’s public housing system and the accessibility of Build-To-Order (BTO) flats for new citizens.
The original poster (OP) alleged that a Malaysian colleague, who recently attained Singaporean citizenship, is applying for a BTO flat with his partner, a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR).
The couple, both in their late 20s, allegedly told the OP they do not intend to reside in Singapore in the long term.
Instead, the OP claimed, the flat is seen as an investment or a “fallback option” should other plans fail.
The couple allegedly see the BTO flat as a form of investment
According to the OP, the newly minted citizen had obtained his status as an adult male, thereby bypassing National Service (NS), a compulsory obligation for most Singaporean males.
Despite not contributing through NS, he is now eligible for subsidised public housing—a benefit extended to his PR partner as part of a citizen-PR application.
“To me, this exposes a serious flaw in the current policy,” wrote the OP.
The user argued that the BTO scheme was designed to support long-term residents and young families, not speculative investments.
The post further highlighted policy gaps such as the absence of a minimum citizenship tenure before BTO eligibility, and the lack of intent checks on applicants’ plans to live in Singapore.
“There’s no verification of whether the applicants genuinely plan to live in Singapore. That turns BTO flats into speculative tools rather than social support for committed citizens,” the OP argued.
Policy loopholes seen as disadvantaging rooted Singaporeans
The Redditor contrasted the couple’s situation with that of Singaporeans who have completed NS, contributed taxes, and are committed to settling in Singapore, yet often face long waiting times or high costs when applying for housing.
“I’m not against immigration or new citizens,” the OP clarified.
“But access to subsidised public housing should reflect commitment, sacrifice, and intent to settle—not just a passport conversion.”
Frustrated with new citizens purchasing HDBs when they have no intention of living in SG
byu/Physical-Fruit-6185 inSingaporeRaw
Further comments in the thread revealed that the couple had worked in Singapore for less than 10 years.
While the neighbour is said to be a new citizen in his 20s, questions have been raised about his exemption from National Service (NS). Under the Enlistment Act 1970, all male Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents are required to serve NS unless exempted.
It remains unclear how a new citizen of that age could be granted citizenship without fulfilling this obligation.
In Parliament, it has previously been explained that foreigners who become citizens later in life—typically in their 30s or 40s—may be exempted, as they did not benefit from Singapore’s socio-economic system growing up and are considered too old for full-time enlistment.
However, this rationale appears less applicable to younger new citizens, though it is possible the neighbour is around 28 or 29 years old, placing him in a grey area.
Some users view the strategy as financially savvy
The thread prompted numerous reactions, with some comments describing the couple’s move as “financially smart”, if ethically questionable.
One user noted the couple could potentially cash out their CPF, sell the BTO unit after the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), and retire comfortably in Malaysia.
Others claimed this was part of a larger trend where Malaysians obtain citizenship or PR status for strategic advantage in property acquisition.
Broader frustrations with housing and asset policies
Some suggested that there are also Singaporeans keep their Malaysian spouses as PRs to enjoy housing or tax benefits in both countries.
“Ssome already gotten a second property in malaysia, while some already had a property in malaysia before they came to Singapore,” one user wrote.
“Here we are where our beloved government thinks they can stop people owning multiple properties overseas.”
The Redditor lamented the system as skewed towards elites, asserting that average citizens bear the bulk of financial pressure.
Some see strategic value in dual-property arrangements
Several users pointed out the financial benefits of owning properties in both Singapore and Johor Bahru.
For example, one user suggested the new citizen could rent out the BTO flat while the PR spouse purchases landed property in Johor Bahru.
The resulting rental income could fund early retirement.
“Singaporeans can marry a Malaysian and do exactly the same. As long as not both SG, can enjoy benefits on both sides,” one comment noted.
Calls for reforms to PR and housing policies
The discussion also prompted calls for policy change.
Users shared examples of PRs working low-wage jobs who eventually gained PR status and public housing through spousal sponsorships.
There was widespread sentiment that the current system is too easily “gamed,” particularly by Malaysian PRs and new citizens.
Some commenters called for reforms to better align housing access with long-term national commitment, including longer citizenship requirements before BTO eligibility and stricter intent verification.
Frustration among single Singaporeans
Another recurring complaint was the treatment of single Singaporeans in public housing schemes.
One Redditor highlighted that even during past housing surpluses, the eligibility age for singles was not lowered.
“They did not even bother to lower the eligible age for singles. What more now?” the user wrote.
Currently, single citizens aged 35 and older can only apply for 2-room Flexi BTO flats, though they may receive up to S$60,000 in Enhanced CPF Housing Grant. Alternatively, they may buy resale flats from the open market.
From 2019 to 2023, an average of 22,400 new citizenships granted annually
According to official statistics, Singapore granted 23,472 new citizenships and 34,491 PRs in 2023 alone.
Between 2019 and 2023, Singapore issued an average of 22,400 citizenships per year, slightly higher than the previous five-year average of 21,600.
Of those granted citizenship in 2023, 2,776 were aged 21 to 30, and 6,150 were aged 31 to 40, according to a written parliamentary reply by Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam.
Roughly 20 per cent of new citizens were granted citizenship under the Family Ties Scheme, typically involving foreign spouses of Singapore citizens.
In total, 111,890 individuals became citizens over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023.
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