More than 500 young Singaporeans have registered for a new initiative offering discounted co-living accommodation, despite rents starting at S$1,800 a month.
There are just over 100 rooms available.
That means the initiative became five times oversubscribed within just 11 days of its launch.
Apparently, moving out of your parents’ home now also comes with a queue.
More Than 500 People Registered in 11 Days
The independent living initiative was launched on 25 July 2026 as part of the SG Youth Plan.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), more than 500 applications were submitted between 25 July and 4 August.
The majority of those who registered were single.
The initiative is available to Singapore citizens aged between 21 and 35.
Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, which means some applicants have already been placed on a waitlist.
The National Youth Council said information such as an applicant’s race, religion and income will not be used as selection criteria.
However, there is one important distinction.
More than 500 people registering their interest does not mean that more than 500 people have committed to paying the rent. Applicants first register with MCCY, after which their information is passed to the participating co-living operators.
The S$1,800 Price Is the Cheapest Option
There are more than 100 rooms across three properties: 1925 Quarters in Jalan Besar, Coliwoo Boon Lay and Coliwoo Lutheran in Bukit Timah.
The rooms are being offered at discounted rates by private operators Coliwoo and Eco-Energy.
The cheapest option is at 1925 Quarters at 95 Hindoo Road, where studio units start from S$1,800 a month.
At Coliwoo Boon Lay, rooms start from S$1,950 a month, while rooms at Coliwoo Lutheran start from S$2,000.
According to the official SG Youth Plan website, these prices exclude utilities, deposits and other applicable charges.
The discounted rates are about 30 per cent below the usual rates, with the private operators absorbing the discounts rather than the Government paying the difference.
The rooms also differ depending on the property.
For example, rooms at the two Coliwoo properties come with en-suite toilets, air-conditioning, a mini fridge and access to communal areas such as kitchens, lounges and gyms.
The studio units at 1925 Quarters include an en-suite toilet, kitchenette, washer and dryer.
Rooms can also be shared with a roommate.
So Why Is There So Much Demand?
The response comes despite questions over whether rents starting at S$1,800 would be affordable for young adults, particularly those early in their careers.
Property experts previously told The Straits Times that price could be a deterrent.
However, co-living offers something different from simply renting a room.
These properties typically offer furnished accommodation, communal facilities and more flexible leases.
PropNex chief executive Kelvin Fong told ST that S$1,800 is broadly comparable with market rates for master bedrooms in private condominiums.
Meanwhile, most prospective tenants at 1925 Quarters indicated that they were interested in stays lasting between three and six months.
The demand also appears to fit into a broader trend.
Department of Statistics data cited by ST showed that the number of Singapore citizens and permanent residents under 35 living alone more than doubled from 10,500 in 2016 to 22,600 in 2025.
Under the 2025 National Youth Survey, having a place of their own also consistently ranked among young Singaporeans’ top life goals.
More Rooms Could Eventually Be Added
The current supply may not remain at just over 100 rooms.
Coliwoo executive chairman and chief executive Kelvin Lim told ST that the company is open to providing additional rooms under the programme and will work with MCCY to assess demand.
1925 Quarters director David Tan similarly said his company is open to offering more units.
This is happening as the Government studies a wider range of rental housing options for Singaporeans.
On 3 August, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said these could include more co-living arrangements, long-stay serviced apartments and Build-To-Rent developments.
He said home ownership remains a key part of Singapore’s social compact, but acknowledged that some younger Singaporeans want flexible accommodation before eventually buying their own homes.
With more than 500 people registering for slightly over 100 rooms in less than two weeks, there certainly appears to be demand for that extra option.
