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A Voice In Every Home

A Citizen-Centric Approach to Housing Renewal in Singapore

This study employs a citizen-centric approach to thoroughly investigate involuntary housing relocation within Singapore. By examining historical and contemporary facets of urban renewal, it uncovers pivotal challenges related to ageing housing, lease deterioration, shifting demographics, and the heightened expectations of the public in the evolution of Singapore’s urban renewal policies, notably exemplified by SERS. Moreover, it critically evaluates the potential of VERS as a transformative tool for guiding future urban renewal efforts, emphasizing the necessity of addressing compensation, citizen engagement, and policy transparency challenges within this framework.

Utilising a qualitative methodology that integrates questionnaire and interview data collection, the study reveals valuable insights into the preferences, concerns, and expectations of homeowner residents concerning involuntary housing relocation. It underscores the crucial need for substantial government support and inclusive decision-making processes to effectively meet the diverse expectations of residents. Homeowners emphasize short-term factors over the age of the property, highlighting the urgent necessity for policy alignment and transparent communication to bridge gaps and accommodate varied needs.


The study sheds light on a spectrum of opinions regarding how the remaining lease duration impacts HDB property values and the anxieties related to involuntary relocation, contingent upon residents' moving intentions and their level of trust in the government. Recommendations encompass the implementation of a dual-tiered communication strategy and a customized compensation formula to augment policy effectiveness. While acknowledging limitations such as a small, non-random sample and the distinctive housing governance in Singapore, future research should broaden the demographic scope, conduct longitudinal studies, and engage in comparative analyses to attain a comprehensive understanding of urban renewal effects and policy efficacy.

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