WHO WILL BENEFIT?
Some companies that employ foreign workers, such as those from the food and beverage and service sectors, will benefit from the temporary increase in occupancy cap as they will require fewer rental units to house their staff, ERA Singapore’s key executive officer Eugene Lim said.
Some firms rent HDB flats or private apartments for foreign workers to live in.
This move is also expected to benefit lower-income groups, students, blue-collar foreign workers, and big families, Ms Sun said, adding that these tenants will have the option of sharing a unit with more people and saving on rental costs.
“Many foreign students and blue-collar workers have been struggling with the increasing rental costs and inflation. Allowing more people to share rental units can help reduce the cost of living.
“This will not only benefit these individuals but also help to attract and retain foreign workers who are essential in supporting sectors like manufacturing, nursing, service, and retail industries,” she added.
Ms Sun also said that families of seven to eight people, who previously had to rent two separate units to live together, will no longer need to do so.
For instance, a couple with two children, two elderly parents or relatives, and a domestic helper can now reside together in a single unit. This will also help to lower their rental costs.
This move will encourage more families to stay together and take care of their elderly family members, she added.