Higher Priority for BTO Flats and Added Subsidies for Resale Flats for Singaporeans Staying Near Parents
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry’s inquiry on providing higher priority for BTO flats or increased resale subsidies for Singaporeans living near their parents. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee responded that the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS) already reserves up to 30% of flat supply for eligible first-timer families living within 4km. He also highlighted the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme for joint applications and the availability of 3Gen flats specifically designed for multi-generational households. For resale flats, the Minister noted that the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) offers $20,000 for couples buying a flat within 4km of their parents. Lastly, he stated that the PHG increases to $30,000 for those purchasing a resale flat to live together with their parents.
Transcript
29 Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB can consider giving (i) higher priority to BTO flat applications or (ii) added subsidies for HDB resale flats, to Singaporeans whose parents or parents-in-law are staying near the new BTO/resale precinct so that they can stay near their parents and provide mutual support.
Mr Desmond Lee: Couples applying for a new flat within 4km of their parents’ residence, can qualify for the Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS). Under the MCPS, up to 30% of the flat supply is set aside for eligible first-timer families, while up to 15% of the flat supply is set aside for second-timer families.
In addition, couples who wish to live near their parents may consider the Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS). This scheme allows a married couple and their parents to make a joint application for two new flats in the same BTO project, and enjoy priority allocation. The parents can book up to a 3-room flat.
Couples who wish to live with their parents can also apply for a 3Gen flat. 3Gen flats are larger than 5-room flats, and come with four bedrooms and two en-suite bathrooms. As these flats are designed for multi-generational living, only multi-generational families are eligible to buy them.
For resale flats, eligible couples that buy a resale flat within 4km of their parents’ residence can qualify for a Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) of $20,000. If they buy a resale flat to live with their parents, they can qualify for a PHG of $30,000.