Home Ownership Scheme


In 1964, HDB launched the Home Ownership for the People Scheme in order to encourage Singaporeans to own their own homes and enable low income Singaporeans to purchase flats at affordable prices instead of renting. The then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew mentioned that a high home ownership rate would lead to the country becoming more stable. Singaporeans who registered for a flat will have to go through a balloting exercise where a Member of Parliament (MP) will be officiating this event. Purchasers were given their registration numbers which are balloted against the addresses of flats. The first flats to be sold under this scheme are located at Commonwealth Estate in Queenstown including "Chap Lak Lau" as the 3 blocks of flats at Commonwealth Close are 16-storeys high. 2-room flats costs $4900 while the 3-room flats cost $6200.

Balloting in progress
10-storey flats at Commonwealth Drive

Chap Lak Lau in Commonwealth Close with the VIP Block at Block 81


An aerial view of Commonwealth Estate, 1964

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