The Ministry of National Development, the Ministry of Health, and the Housing & Development Board worked together to create CCAs, an innovative public housing program in Singapore. Integrating care services with age-friendly housing in these apartments enables seniors to age independently in a supportive community environment.
Key features of community care apartments
1. Senior-friendly design and minimal renovation
Every CCA unit, measuring 32 square meters, is carefully planned to meet the requirements of elderly inhabitants. The open floor plan features sliding partitions that can divide the living and bedroom spaces, offering versatility and seclusion. The units are equipped with necessary features already, reducing the need for extra renovations.
- Wide, wheelchair-accessible main doors with built-in benches.
- Spacious, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms equipped with grab bars and slip-resistant flooring.
- Built-in wardrobes and kitchen cabinets.
- A furnished kitchen area (excluding appliances like refrigerators and washing machines).
- A service yard accessible from the bathroom, complete with a clothes-drying rack.
Every floor has a common area designed to promote socialising among residents and build a strong community.
2. Integrated care services
To support independent living, residents must subscribe to a Basic Service Package.
- 24-hour emergency monitoring and response.
- Basic health checks.
- An on-site community manager who organizes regular activities and programs.
- Help with simple home repairs.
- Key card access to individual flats.
3. Eligibility criteria
Following the latest policy enhancements announced in July 2026, Community Care Apartments (CCAs) will be open to a wider group of seniors. From the October 2026 Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise, the minimum eligible age will be lowered from 65 to 55, allowing more Singaporeans to plan their retirement housing earlier. Applicants have the option to select a lease lasting from 15 to 45 years (previously 15 to 35 years), in increments of five years, ensuring coverage until they reach at least 95 years old.
4. Upfront payment and lease conditions
Those who are approved need to make complete payment for the flat upfront, using cash and/or CPF funds. The Basic Service Package offers the option of paying in full upfront or making partial payments with monthly fees over the lease period. Unlike regular HDB flats, CCAs cannot be sold or leased. Residents who no longer need the apartment can return it to HDB and get a refund depending on the remaining lease value.
Developments and future plans
As of July 2026, HDB has launched five Community Care Apartment (CCA) projects across Bukit Batok, Queenstown, Bedok, Geylang, and Sengkang. Among them, Harmony Village @ Bukit Batok remains Singapore’s only completed CCA development, offering a first look at how the housing model supports seniors to age in place with integrated care services.
The CCA programme will continue to expand, with a sixth project in Toa Payoh, located next to Caldecott MRT station, slated for launch in the October 2026 Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise. This upcoming project will also be the first CCA launch to reflect the latest policy changes, including the lowered minimum eligibility age of 55.
Conclusion
Community Care Apartments in Singapore mark a major step forward in public housing, providing seniors with a special mix of independent living and comprehensive care services. CCAs offer a supportive environment for seniors to gracefully age in the community by integrating well-designed living spaces with necessary services. With Singapore’s ongoing development of more apartments in different areas, they will play a crucial role in the country’s senior living strategy.
