Buyers are prioritising space, value and financial flexibility – with higher-income singles among those opting for HDB over private housing

• 29% plan to buy in the next 12-18 months; demand remains steady
• 49% of those delaying purchases say they’re building savings first
• Higher-income singles aged 35-39: 54% now prefer 4-room HDBs over private condos
• Demand among singles leans fully toward 2-3 bedroom units, with no interest 1-bedders
• DINKs (dual-income, no kids couples) anchor private housing demand – 34% plan to buy
• 73% of seniors (55+) have no plans to move

SINGAPORE – April 20, 2026 – Singapore’s housing demand remains resilient, but homebuyers are making decisions with a more pragmatic mindset, according to PropertyGuru’s latest Consumer Sentiment Study. 

The nationwide survey of 2,000 Singapore citizens and permanent residents found that 29% intend to buy a home within the next 12 to 18 months, while another 8% are considering renting. 

Despite rising prices, optimism hasn’t faded. Instead, buyers are becoming more deliberate. Among those holding off for now, nearly half (49%) say they’re focusing on building savings before making a move. Rather than losing interest, Singaporeans are simply adjusting when and how they enter the market, a sign that homeownership remains an aspirational goal, but one increasingly timed to financial readiness. 

Higher-income singles rethinking private housing (Figure 2) 

The biggest mindset shift is seen among higher-income singles earning S$10,000 and above a month. 

While 42% of singles aged 30–34 still prefer private housing, the preference changes among those aged 35–39, where 54% now favour 4-room HDB flats. This suggests that even among financially secure buyers, space and manageable costs are taking priority over private ownership. 

Among singles looking at condominiums, demand is focused entirely on 2- and 3-bedroom units, with no interest in 1-bedroom layouts. More singles are evidently choosing homes with room to grow for lifestyle flexibility or future needs. 

Together, these findings suggest a more balanced approach to homebuying among higher-income singles: rather than chasing asset status, many are choosing homes that better fit daily living needs and long-term affordability. 

A more flexible housing homeownership journey (Figures 1 & 3) 

Today’s buyers are not rushing milestones, they’re planning purchases around financial readiness and career stability. 

Among those delaying their purchase, 49% say building savings is their main reason, showing that most still aspire to own but are taking time to prepare financially. Buying intent also follows life stages: it peaks among younger adults (25–29) entering independence, and again among those aged 35–39 who have reached greater income stability. (See Appendix Figure 1.) 

That flexibility is also reflected in Singapore’s rental trends. Younger renters aged 25–29 make up the largest group (42%) (Figure 3), mostly earning between S$2,500 and S$9,000 a month. Many view renting as a stepping stone, a way to live independently while getting financially ready to buy later on. 

Overall, this points to a housing journey that’s more fluid and adaptive, where financial confidence and lifestyle needs guide timing more than conventional milestones like marriage. 

Dual-income households drive private housing demand (Figure 4) 

While some singles are choosing HDB for space and affordability, dual-income couples without kids (DINKs) remain the main force behind private housing demand. 

Defined as married couples aged 30 and above with combined incomes of S$10,000 or more, 34% of DINKs plan to buy property in the next 12–18 months, and 44% are targeting private condominiums. 

Their motivations differ – 53% see property value growth as a key reason to buy, reflecting a mix of lifestyle and investment goals. Many also prefer new project launches, where progressive payment schemes make larger commitments easier to manage. 

These patterns signal sustained confidence from a financially secure household, helping to support private-market activity even as others take a more cautious approach. 

Seniors staying put, shaping supply (Figure 5) 

At the other end of the spectrum, older homeowners remain strongly anchored to their current homes. 

Among respondents aged 55 and above, 73% say they have no plans to move. For those who do, most plan to stay within the same housing segment, with HDB owners moving within HDB, and private homeowners staying in private. 

This “ageing in place” trend reduces the number of resale units in mature estates, making it harder for buyers seeking similar neighbourhoods and housing types. It also highlights the emotional and community ties that shape Singaporean’s housing decisions beyond financial factors. 

A more thoughtful and sustainable market (Figure 6) 

Across all age groups, the survey points to a more measured and financially focused housing journey. Buyers are taking longer to purchase, staying longer in homes, and balancing affordability, space and stability more carefully. 

While sustainability remains a secondary factor, around one in three buyers say eco-friendly features now play a role in their decision – signalling growing awareness of green living and longer-term value considerations. 

A market defined by more measured decision-making 

Taken together, the findings reveal a housing landscape that remains resilient but increasingly shaped by preparedness and practicality. Buyers across segments are weighing trade-offs more carefully, choosing homes that align with their finances, family structures, and future flexibility. 

Singaporeans are showing that while aspiration for homeownership endures, the journey toward it is becoming more thoughtful, adaptable, and sustainable in the long run. 

“This year’s findings reflect a housing market that is maturing in a meaningful way. Buyers across every life stage are making more considered decisions, grounded in financial readiness and a clearer sense of what they want from a home,” said Dr. Yao Lu, Managing Director, PropertyGuru Singapore. “For us, that reinforces the importance of building a platform that meets buyers where they are, with the right information, tools and guidance to support decisions that are increasingly personal and complex.” 

About The Study 

PropertyGuru’s 2026 Consumer Sentiment Survey was conducted online from 27 November to 20 December 2025 among 2,000 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, with national representation across key demographic segments including age, gender, ethnicity, and marital status. 

The study examined housing preferences and decision-making patterns across demographic groups including singles, married couples, dual-income households without children (DINKs), seniors, and first-time buyers. Respondents were surveyed on their intentions to purchase or rent property within the next 12 to 18 months, housing type preferences, key motivations, and barriers to homeownership. 

Methodology note: Due to rounding, some percentages may not sum to 100%. For sub-segments where the sample size is below n=30, results are indicative and should be interpreted with caution. 

Media Contact Information:                                            

Catherine Yang
Head of Communications, PropertyGuru Singapore
[email protected]