More young couples are now living with or near their parents in Housing Board (HDB) estates compared to a decade ago. Despite this higher number, there are still those who want to do so but are unable to.

This is according to the latest HDB Sample Household Survey. National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan provided excerpts of this survey on his blog on Sunday morning. The survey showed that the proportion of young couples who live with or near their parents increased from 31 per cent in 2003 to 37 per cent last year. In total however, about half of the respondents wanted to live with or near their parents but only 37 managed to.

Mr Khaw hinted in his blog that more would be done to help these young couples, in addition to existing schemes like higher priority and larger grants. "I strongly support families living close to one another," said Mr Khaw. "We must do more to help families stay close to one another."

The Ministry of National Development is conducting a public consultation on a number of housing issues including how such young couples may be helped. Members of the public can sign up for the dialogue or give their views at http://www.mnd.gov.sg/HomeSweetHome/