The applications were submitted from July 25, when the initiative was launched, through Aug. 4, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said in response to queries from The Straits Times.

The initiative, introduced under the SG Youth Plan, a five-year program for Singapore’s youth, offers more than 100 rooms at three co-living properties at a 30% discount.

They are available to Singaporeans aged 21 to 35 who want to live independently, including singles and couples waiting for Build-to-Order flats.

An MCCY spokesperson said most applicants are single, with the most common reason for signing up being "the desire for more personal space and the opportunity to experience living independently".

Rooms will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The National Youth Council (NYC) said information collected from applicants, including race, religion and income level, will not be used as selection criteria.

David Tan, director of 1925 Quarters, one of the co-living facility, said most prospective tenants indicated that they would prefer a three- to six-month stay.

Rooms at 1925 Quarters, Singapore. Photos via Instagram/1925quarters

The demand comes amid growing interest in flexible accommodation options, even as homeownership continues to be encouraged and remains a key tenet of Singapore’s social compact, said Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat.

"As our society becomes more diverse, our household structures, lifestyles and housing aspirations have also evolved," Chee said, as quoted by property news platform EdgeProp.

For instance, younger Singaporeans may choose to rent before purchasing their own homes for various reasons, including a desire for independent living or greater flexibility.

The key is to provide options for people with different needs and aspirations, Chee added.

Kelvin Lim, executive chairman and chief executive of Coliwoo, said the company is open to making more rooms available under the program. It will work with MCCY to assess demand before determining the timing, location and number of additional units.

Tan similarly said the firm is open to offering more units. It has an upcoming property at Admiralty Hills that is scheduled to launch in the coming months. The property comprises 20 black-and-white former colonial houses.

Some property experts had said the price could deter young people, particularly those early in their careers or saving to purchase their first homes.

However, they noted that the attractiveness of the rooms ultimately depends on individuals’ budgets and preferences.

PropNex CEO Kelvin Fong said some people may view co-living as a popular alternative to other rental options because of its flexible lease terms and shared amenities. He said the SGD1,800 monthly rent is also broadly comparable with market rates for master bedrooms in private condominiums.

The strong demand for the initiative despite its price tag reflects a strong aspiration among Singaporeans under 35 to live independently.

The Department of Statistics’ data shows the number of Singaporean citizens and permanent residents under 35 who live alone more than doubled from 10,500 in 2016 to 22,600 in 2025.

Coliwoo’s Lim and 1925 Quarters’ Tan said the strong demand was expected. "The response so far reinforces what we have already observed on our own platform: Today’s youth are actively looking for housing options that offer both independence and community," Lim said.

Addressing public sentiment over high prices, Lim said the company’s rates and furnishings tend to "compare favourably to bare-room rentals". The properties also have a minimum lease term of one month, compared with typical two-year leases.

"For young people stepping into independent living for the first time, that social layer can meaningfully ease the transition, which is part of why we see this as a genuinely different housing experience, rather than simply a cheaper or pricier version of the same thing."