Interim Accommodation for Applicants of HDB BTO Flats under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme whose Flats Are Delayed
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) applicants with delayed Build-to-Order flats can select interim housing with expiry dates preceding their flat completion. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee explained that PPHS flats can only be selected if the site expiry date is at least four months after the new flat's completion. This policy prevents families from needing to move out before their permanent homes are ready, with site expiry dates provided on HDB's website for transparency. Although PPHS supply is increasing to 1,800 units in 2023, the Minister noted that limited availability necessitates applicants seek alternative arrangements like staying with family or renting. Low-income households with no other housing options may approach HDB for assistance, which may include Interim Rental Housing offered on a case-by-case basis.
Transcript
64 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for National Development whether HDB will allow applicants of the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme, whose BTO flats are delayed, to select interim accommodation sites whose expiry dates are before the completion of their BTO flats.
Mr Desmond Lee: The intent of the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) is to provide an additional temporary housing option for families awaiting the completion of their new Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats.
PPHS applicants who are shortlisted for flat selection can only select a PPHS flat if the site expiry date is at least four months after the completion date of their new flat. This is to avoid the situation where the family has to move out from their PPHS flat before their new flat is ready and source for alternative accommodation then. Families are encouraged to check the site expiry dates of the flats available, which are shown on HDB's website, before they apply.
While we are on track to increase the PPHS supply from about 800 units in 2021 to 1,800 in 2023, the supply remains limited, and we will not be able to offer a PPHS flat to every applicant. We encourage families awaiting the completion of their new flats to seek other interim housing arrangements where possible, such as staying with their family or renting on the open market.
Low-income households with no other temporary housing options can approach HDB for assistance and HDB may offer them Interim Rental Housing on a case-by-case basis.