Xu Wei Jie, a 43-year-old Singaporean executive in the education sector, has never moved out of his parents’ home and has no immediate plans to do so. Although he once considered buying his own place nearby, high property prices and his desire to stay close to family kept him from going ahead. While Xu enjoys personal independence, he admits to feeling some societal pressure, saying there’s an expectation in Singapore that adults should buy a home by a certain age to be seen as fully independent.
A recent court case involving a 62-year-old woman suing her 91-year-old mother for eviction has highlighted the broader issue of adult children continuing to live with their parents. Though the case involved family disputes and wealth, it sparked public debate about adult dependency and generational housing norms in Singapore. Public reaction was divided—some criticized the daughter for being ungrateful, while others suggested that gender dynamics within families might complicate such situations.
In land-scarce Singapore, where around 80% of residents live in public housing, moving out isn’t always a simple decision. Singles are only eligible to purchase public flats after turning 35, making cohabiting with parents the default for many until marriage or financial independence is achieved. Sociologist Chua Beng Huat from the National University of Singapore attributes this trend mainly to high housing costs, noting that private sector rentals are often unaffordable for young professionals.
A regional survey by Milieu Insight found that 73% of Gen Z and Millennials in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines still live with their parents. In Singapore, 69% cited financial constraints and 67% cited comfort at home as key reasons. Moreover, 77% said affordable rental or ownership options are lacking for young adults.
Tan, a 37-year-old nonprofit executive, lives with her aging parents by choice and cites financial limitations as a major reason others stay as well. She emphasized that the most subsidized housing options are limited to those earning below S$7,000 monthly and over age 35.
While mild social stigma exists, cultural norms in Singapore do not enforce independence by a certain age. Xu, who helped his parents pay off their mortgage, sees the family home not as an investment but a place of emotional value—his true home.
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