The number of Singapore residents below the age of 35 who live alone has more than doubled in less than a decade.
According to data from the Singapore Department of Statistics, the figure rose from 10,500 in 2016 to 22,600 in 2025.
That is an increase of about 115 per cent.
Before you imagine that half the people in your Telegram group have secretly moved into atas condominiums, living alone before marriage or the age of 35 is still relatively uncommon in Singapore.
However, the figures suggest that more young adults are choosing to leave their family homes before they can buy an HDB flat on their own.
The Figures Include Singapore Citizens and PRs
The figures refer to Singapore residents, which means Singapore citizens and permanent residents.
They also refer specifically to people living alone, rather than all young adults who have moved away from their parents.
For example, a person who rents a flat with three friends would not be counted as living alone, even though that person no longer stays with their parents.
The 2025 data came from the General Household Survey, while the figure for 2016 was based on the Comprehensive June Labour Force Survey.
The Department of Statistics cautions that figures from these surveys are estimates and are subject to sampling variability.
Why Are More Young Adults Moving Out?
According to The Straits Times, property experts have observed growing interest among young adults in living away from their families.
Some want more privacy and independence, while others need a quieter and more conducive environment when working from home.
The newspaper also spoke to young adults who moved out because of difficult family dynamics, limited space at home or a desire to become less dependent on their parents.
Others had previously lived overseas while studying and became accustomed to managing a home independently.
Of course, independence also comes with its own monthly invoice.
Rent, utilities, groceries and household chores that previously appeared to complete themselves must suddenly be handled by the tenant.
Renting Alone Is Still Expensive
Cost remains one of the biggest barriers for young adults who want to move out.
Based on rental listings on PropertyGuru in July 2026, the median asking rent for a room was S$1,755 in Jalan Besar, S$1,500 in Bukit Timah and S$1,200 in Boon Lay.
PropertyGuru noted that these figures covered a wide variety of rental arrangements and were therefore not directly comparable with co-living units.
More Than 100 Discounted Co-Living Units Are Available
A new initiative under the SG Youth Plan is offering more than 100 co-living units to Singaporeans aged between 21 and 35.
The units are located at 1925 Quarters in Jalan Besar, Coliwoo Boon Lay and Coliwoo Lutheran in Bukit Timah.
Monthly rates start from S$1,800 at 1925 Quarters, S$1,950 at Coliwoo Boon Lay and S$2,000 at Coliwoo Lutheran. Utilities, deposits and other charges may not be included.
The prices are about 30 per cent below the operators’ usual rates, with the discounts absorbed by private operators Coliwoo and Eco-Energy.
Applications opened on 25 July 2026 and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Depending on the property, tenants receive facilities such as an en-suite toilet, a study table, a kitchenette and access to communal spaces.
The Government has stressed that the initiative is not intended to solve Singapore’s housing supply issues. Instead, it is a private sector effort to provide young Singaporeans with more opportunities to experience independent living.
Singles Generally Still Need to Be 35 to Buy an HDB Flat
Currently, an unmarried Singapore citizen generally needs to be at least 35 years old to buy a new or resale HDB flat alone.
This means that most singles below 35 who want to leave their family homes must rent, purchase private property or find another living arrangement.
The Government is reviewing whether the minimum age should be lowered.
National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said on 28 July 2026 that the policy was under careful review, although no change has been announced as of 3 August 2026.
Until then, living independently before 35 will remain possible, but for many young Singaporeans, it will still come down to whether they can afford the rent.
