(L-R): Olivia Chiong and her wife Irene Chiong, with their two daughters.
A growing number of individuals in Singapore’s LGBT community, including singles and same-sex couples, are voicing their opinions over what they feel are unfair housing policies geared towards heterosexual couples. Several of them spoke candidly with us about the issues they face and what changes they’d like to see.
By Romesh Navaratnarajah
Singapore has made strides to become more inclusive of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, especially over the past decade. For instance, the annual Pink Dot event, whose stated goal is to support the freedom to love, has grown in stature over the years. Several bars and clubs catering to the community can also be found in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar.
But Leow Yangfa, Executive Director of Oogachaga, a counselling, support and personal development organisation for LGBT individuals in Singapore, told PropertyGuru that housing discrimination still exists.
He noted that LGBT couples and families are not considered a family unit under the Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) policies, meaning they are unable to apply for bigger Build-To-Order (BTO) flats or enjoy relevant government subsidies.
“Same-sex relationships between men and women are not legally recognised,” he said.
Although they can buy an HDB resale flat through the Joint Singles Scheme, he feels this is less than ideal because the scheme is only available to those who have reached 35-years-old.
Responding to our queries, a HDB spokesperson did not address the issue of housing rights for same-sex couples, but said: “Singles who are 35-years-old and above can apply directly to the HDB to buy a two-room Flexi flat in non-mature estates, or buy a resale flat of any size. First-timer singles may also be eligible for housing grants.”
Same aspirations
“I don’t think we can expect the government to do anything for same-sex couples,” said one attached gay man. Speaking on condition of anonymity, he revealed that he waited until age 35 to purchase a resale flat, and was not eligible to buy a larger flat directly from the HDB.
He is currently looking for a new home with his partner. “The next move would either be (to jointly own) a bigger flat or condominium unit. Ultimately, we have the same aspirations and this includes having our own place just like any other couple, gay or straight.”
Gay marriages not recognised
Author Olivia Chiong and her wife Irene are same-sex parents to two young daughters. They got married in San Francisco about three years ago, and now split their time between the US and Singapore.
Chiong, 37, shared that since same-sex marriage is legal in the US, anyone can buy a house if they qualify for a home loan. On the other hand, as same-sex marriage is not recognised in Singapore, it is not possible for couples to purchase an HDB flat, even if they get married overseas.
“The only option is to either buy private property or wait for one party to turn 35 and purchase an HDB flat from the open market. This means that only one person owns the flat,” a situation she calls unfair. “Buying an HDB flat on a single income also limits your budget.”
The couple each own an HDB flat which they jointly purchased with their parents. “When we lived in Singapore, we stayed in my three-room flat while my mother-in-law lived in my wife’s place,” Chiong said.
After they had their first child, they thought of getting a place together. “I wanted a bigger place, perhaps a condominium with a pool.
“However, property prices in Singapore have been rising and it’s hard to imagine spending a million dollars or more on a place that might be smaller than my HDB flat.
“If we move back to Singapore, a bigger place would be in the plans as I feel kids need the space,” she noted.
Going forward, Chiong would like to see policy changes that allow people to buy an HDB flat once they can afford it.
She also questioned the need for an age restriction, and feels removing this barrier would ensure more coverage for single parents and younger singles.
“If the government is not going to recognise same-sex marriage, the least they can do is allow couples who can’t get married to have a roof over their heads. Affordable housing should be accessible to all, not just those who fit the traditional perceptions of family role models,” she said.
Same-sex couples do not enjoy the same housing benefits as married heterosexual couples when it comes to buying an HDB flat.
Equality and diversity
Amin (not his real name), a gay single man, agrees. “Everyone should have access to housing,” the 41-year-old said. Speaking from his own experience, he feels that contributions towards nation-building such as National Service should be considered when applying for public housing.
In addition, he hopes for a more compassionate government to realise that society is made up of different people and sexual orientations.
Less hassle, but more expensive
While not everyone can afford private housing, the absence of many restrictions in this segment of the market means ownership is less of a hassle, especially for couples who can pool their finances to live under one roof.
“Same-sex couples who buy private property together should list their names as joint owners,” noted M. Ravi, a non-practising lawyer who heads the Knowledge Management and Strategic Alliance Division of law firm Eugene Thuraisingam LLP.
The problem arises when the property was already owned by one partner and the other became involved later and was not party or privy to the purchase and ownership.
Said Ravi: “Difficulties will arise in the event of death of the owning partner or if the couple breaks up. In the absence of a Will, probate and intestacy laws will not recognise any claims from a partner in a same-sex relationship. Likewise, in the event of a breakup, the partner not named on the title deed can lay no stake even if he or she has contributed to the upkeep and maintenance of the property, since cohabitation of same-sex couples is not recognised in Singapore.”
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