Government to Sell Two Dormitory Sites in 2027, Adding 23,100 Beds for Migrant Worker Housing
Two sites for purpose-built dormitories will be put up for sale in 2027 on 30-year leases. A 10.7 hectare plot in Mandai is expected to yield 15,000 beds, and a 2 hectare site at 529 Upper Jurong Road is estimated to yield 8,100 beds. Together with four sites launched since end-2025, six dormitories will add about 48,300 beds by the early 2030s.
Beds, Mandai Site
Beds, Upper Jurong Road
Beds From Six Sites
Lease Tenure
The Two Sites
To be sold on 30-year leases, the sites are part of the Government’s efforts to build up a sufficient supply of dormitory beds for migrant worker accommodation, said the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of National Development in a statement on 11 September.
The first site is located in Mandai, in Lorong Lada Hitam 1, and has an area of 10.7 hectares. It is expected to yield 15,000 dormitory beds and is slated for launch by the first quarter of 2027.
The other site, at 529 Upper Jurong Road, spans 2 hectares and is estimated to yield 8,100 beds, subject to clearance by public agencies. This site, where a dormitory called Jurong Apartments previously operated, is set to go on sale in the second half of 2027. Existing buildings will be demolished before the new dormitory is built.
The Wider Pipeline
MOM and MND said four purpose-built dormitory sites have been launched since end-2025, with 25,200 beds between them. These are in Terusan Edge in Jurong East, Kranji Close, Lok Yang Way in Pioneer, and Gali Batu.
In total, the six dormitories, including the two to be launched, will add about 48,300 beds by the early 2030s. The ministries said they will update the industry on the dormitory supply pipeline on an annual basis, to support industry planning and participation in upcoming tenders.
Near-Term Measures
While the purpose-built dormitory supply is being increased, the Government will also work with agencies and the dormitory industry on near-term measures to meet employers’ demand for migrant worker accommodation.
These efforts include four new quick-build dormitories that will provide around 16,000 beds in total in 2027, as well as MOM’s second purpose-built dormitory, which will start operating in Sengkang West by mid-2028 and have 7,200 beds.
“We will also temporarily extend the leases of existing dormitories and facilitate factory-converted dormitories, construction temporary quarters and temporary occupation licence quarters, subject to availability of infrastructure capacity and land,” said MOM and MND. They added that MOM is studying a temporary relaxation of the occupancy limits under the new dormitory standards and will update the industry in due course.
The Demand Picture
As at June 2026, there were approximately 1,600 dormitories providing around 467,000 beds for migrant workers.
MOM data shows that the number of work permit holders in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors has climbed steadily in recent years, from 311,100 in December 2020 to 482,600 in December 2025. That is an increase of more than 170,000 workers in five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the two new sites?
Lorong Lada Hitam 1 in Mandai, covering 10.7 hectares and expected to yield 15,000 beds, launching by the first quarter of 2027. And 529 Upper Jurong Road, spanning 2 hectares and estimated to yield 8,100 beds subject to clearance by public agencies, going on sale in the second half of 2027.
How many beds exist today?
As at June 2026 there were approximately 1,600 dormitories providing around 467,000 beds for migrant workers.
What is being done in the near term?
Four new quick-build dormitories providing around 16,000 beds in 2027, and MOM’s second purpose-built dormitory in Sengkang West starting by mid-2028 with 7,200 beds. The Government will also temporarily extend leases of existing dormitories and facilitate factory-converted dormitories, construction temporary quarters and temporary occupation licence quarters, subject to infrastructure capacity and land. MOM is studying a temporary relaxation of occupancy limits under the new dormitory standards.
Why is demand rising?
Work permit holders in the construction, marine shipyard and process sectors rose from 311,100 in December 2020 to 482,600 in December 2025, according to MOM data.
Buying a project still under construction?
Manpower and material constraints are among the quieter reasons completion dates move. If your purchase depends on a handover date, it is worth understanding what is actually committed.