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Singapore's Public Housing, Envy of World, Hits Rough Patch

  • Public housing prices are falling as private home values surge
  • About 80% of Singaporeans are invested in HDB dwellings
The Pinnacle@Duxton stands behind Everton Park residential apartment blocks, both HDB public housing estates, in Singapore.
The Pinnacle@Duxton stands behind Everton Park residential apartment blocks, both HDB public housing estates, in Singapore.

Photographer: Sanjit Das/Bloomberg

Updated on

Singapore’s long romance with public housing is going through a rocky patch, threatening to undermine one of the most popular government policies.

For decades, the no-frills, affordable apartments have been integral to the city-state’s way of life, helping young couples achieve their dreams of home ownership and housing the bulk of the population -- while providing a stepping stone for getting on the private-property ladder.