Those aged 55 or older will soon be able to apply for assisted living flats, known as community care apartments, starting from the Build-To-Order (BTO) sales exercise in October. Currently, seniors must be at least 65 years old to purchase such flats, which come with senior-friendly fittings and a package of care services costing about $159 per month.

Fees for these services, which residents must subscribe to, will be reduced by between 18% and 75%. The changes are part of broader efforts to expand housing and care options for seniors, alongside the roll-out of Age Well Neighbourhoods, according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of National Development, and the Housing Board.

Lower Eligibility Age and More Options

The lower age requirement means that from age 55, individuals can apply for either a two-room flexi flat on a short lease or a community care apartment. This gives those who wish to right-size their homes more options to choose from. The lower eligibility age, which will also apply to community care apartments in Sale of Balance Flats exercises, will give seniors more time to plan ahead.

To date, HDB has launched five projects with such assisted living flats in Bukit Batok, Queenstown, Bedok, Geylang, and Sengkang. In October, about 260 such flats will be offered in Toa Payoh, next to Caldecott MRT station.

Cheaper Service Fees and Streamlined Services

To make the basic service package more affordable, the scope of services in community care apartments will be streamlined from 2026. For apartments already launched for sale, monthly fees will be between 18% and 75% lower. Apartments launched in 2026 or later will have lower fees with the "most streamlined" scope of services.

For example, social activities will be held in active ageing centres at the blocks or nearby, rather than at stand-alone communal spaces within the building. These activities are typically subsidised and most are free. The cost of running these activities and maintaining communal spaces will be removed from the basic package. This would reduce the need for stand-alone communal spaces in future community care apartments.

To further lower fees, an emergency alert device will be made optional. Residents who decide not to have the device will continue to have 24-hour emergency support. Other services that continue to be offered under the basic package include assistance with simple home fixes, letter-reading, and interpreting bills.

Subsidies for Residents with Care Needs

MOH will also subsidise parts of the package, similar to what is currently subsidised under national long-term care schemes. This includes support by community care apartment staff. Those who cannot perform at least one activity of daily living, such as bathing, going to the toilet, and eating, will be eligible for this subsidy. It will be means-tested based on monthly per capita household income.

The basic service package fees will be reviewed periodically to account for seniors' care needs, inflation, and changes to operational costs. The revised fees and subsidies will take effect from the second quarter of 2027.

Impact on Demand and Affordability

According to operator Vanguard Healthcare, the monthly basic fees for Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok — the only completed project with community care apartments at present — will be reduced from $159 to between $130 and $140. Over a 45-year lease, residents would need to have an estimated $167,000 in cash for these service fees, down from $215,000.

The last BTO project with community care apartments, Fernvale Plains in Sengkang in October 2025, was undersubscribed, with 152 applicants for 207 units. Real estate analysts suggest that the widened eligibility could increase demand for community care apartments. The application rate for Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok was 4.2, compared to just 0.7 for Fernvale Plains.

Analysts also noted that there has been a declining number of applicants — from 706 in 2021 to 152 in 2025. In the upcoming BTO sales exercise in October, singles could have a higher chance of balloting for a two-room flexi flat if demand from seniors is diverted to community care apartments.

A Resident's Perspective

Rosemary Retnam Nicholas Gerard, who has been living in Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok since 2025, said the reduced fees would make it more affordable for her son to support her. Her son has been paying about $180 a month for the basic package. "I was a bit apprehensive at first, but now I'm very happy and have made many friends," said the 76-year-old.

Final Thoughts

The changes to community care apartments — lowering the eligibility age and reducing service fees — reflect a broader commitment to expanding housing and care options for seniors in Singapore. By making assisted living more accessible and affordable, the government aims to support seniors in ageing well within their communities, while giving families greater peace of mind. For those considering their housing options, these new measures offer a timely opportunity to explore a supportive living environment that balances independence with care.