The latest youth survey by the Urban Redevelopment Bureau shows that about two-thirds of the youth surveyed hope to own their own homes in the next 10 years, with about half of them planning to buy four- or five-bedroom HDBs; when choosing a location, their most important factors include convenient transportation, proximity to living facilities, family, and downtown and work locations.

National Development Minister Li Zhisheng hosted a youth dialogue at the Municipal Development Bureau Center on the draft Draft Master Plan for 2025 last Wednesday (February 19), with a total of 165 young people from all walks of life participating. The Municipal Development Bureau issued a statement on Friday (28th) to reveal the topics discussed at the dialogue.

In December, the U.S. Bureau conducted a survey of 1,000 young people aged 16 to 35 to gain insight into their different views and visions about land use.

The survey found that the five major issues of concern for young people about Singapore's long-term development include affordable housing supply, accessible employment opportunities, public transport operation efficiency, economic growth rate, and the impact of scientific and technological development on life, work and leisure methods.

At the same time, the young people interviewed believed that the five key factors that make Singapore an ideal place for life, work and leisure include a good transportation network, affordable housing, convenient living facilities, diverse physical catering and retail stores, as well as parks, natural spaces and greenery in the cityscape.

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Respondents also expressed strong support for the government's plan to reclaim the East Coast waters to protect the low-lying areas along the coast, and about two-thirds agreed that the urgent need to start planning to protect the East Coast from rising sea levels.

In terms of housing supply, Li Zhisheng said at the dialogue that the government is committed to helping Singaporeans of different income levels own their own housing. In the past few years, about 80% of first-time home buyers who have received keys for pre-purchased HDB and resale HDB flats have basically paid back their monthly loans without paying extra cash.

In response to youth’s preference for larger housing types, he stressed that the government must ensure a healthy supply of housing and provide a variety of housing types across the island to meet diverse needs while addressing the challenges of limited land.

Li Zhisheng posted on Facebook that the authorities will study the ideas and suggestions put forward by the participants, and cooperate with relevant institutions to improve relevant plans to be displayed at the 2025 General Blueprint Exhibition for Development held in the middle of this year.