Measures to Ensure Young Couples Get HDB Flats Given Projected Construction Delays and Increased Property Prices
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Shahira Abdullah’s inquiry about the oversubscription of the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) and assistance for young couples facing BTO delays and rising property prices. Minister Desmond Lee noted that while PPHS applications increased in 2020, HDB is working to stabilize supply and provides interim rental housing on a case-by-case basis. He highlighted that first-timer buyers can receive up to $160,000 in housing grants for resale flats, which serve as an immediate alternative to waiting for new flats. Due to tightened border measures affecting the workforce, BTO projects are projected to face a further three-month delay, bringing total delays to between nine and 12 months. Minister Desmond Lee affirmed that HDB will update affected buyers progressively and monitor the situation closely to render necessary assistance to those impacted by construction delays.
Transcript
75 Dr Shahira Abdullah asked the Minister for National Development in light of the projected BTO construction delays coupled with increased prices in the property market due to the pandemic (a) whether there is now an oversubscription of HDB flats under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme; (b) what additional measures will be taken if there is an oversubscription; and (c) whether there will be an introduction of further measures that may further help young couples who need a home to start a family in the current climate.
Mr Desmond Lee: The Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) provides an additional temporary housing option for households awaiting the completion of their new flats.
In 2020, HDB offered 160 PPHS flats and received 2,350 applications, compared to the 1,370 applications received in 2019. While the number of applications has increased, not all applicants may be in urgent need of temporary housing, or some may have other options, as about 40% of successful PPHS applicants did not turn up for flat selection.
The supply of PPHS flats is limited and depends on the availability of vacant flats, such as those in vacated blocks that are not immediately needed for redevelopment. HDB is working towards a more stable supply and more options for families who need temporary housing. Meanwhile, on a case-by-case basis, HDB may offer interim rental housing to those with no other housing options.
Besides buying new flats from HDB, first-timer buyers with urgent housing needs may consider buying a flat on the resale market and can receive up to $160,000 in housing grants. They can choose from a wide range of resale flats, which are generally ready for immediate occupation, according to their preferences and budgets.
The recent tightened border measures for short-term visitors and long-term pass holders (including Work Permit and S-Pass holders) with recent travel from India, have severely constricted the supply of workers needed for the construction industry and will inevitably result in a further delay for on-going BTO projects. Barring unforeseen circumstances, projects could be delayed by a further three months, on top of the six to nine months previously communicated. HDB will update affected flat buyers progressively. MND and HDB will continue to monitor the situation closely and see how best to render assistance to those affected by the delays.