HDB launches 900 flats for first-timer married couples

Now even to those without children.

According to the Housing and Development Board, it has launched 900 flats for application under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS). All first-timer married couples who are waiting for the completion of their new HDB flats can apply for these flats. The scheme has been extended to include those without children. Families with a citizen child below the age of 16 will however enjoy priority allocation.

The PPHS was introduced in January 2013 to provide an affordable housing option for first-timer married couples with children who need temporary housing while waiting for the completion of their new HDB flats. The monthly rentals range from $800 to $1,900, depending on the flat type and location.

The PPHS flats are primarily vacated Selective En-bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS) flats that are not immediately needed for redevelopment. The flats are unfurnished, but are retrofitted with basic fittings. HDB is carrying out retrofitting works and the flats will be ready for occupation from mid-2013.

To be eligible for PPHS, the married couple must:

- have signed the Agreement for Lease of an uncompleted flat offered under the HDB Build-To-Order (BTO) or Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) Exercise;
- form a first-timer Singapore Citizen (SC) household in the BTO/SBF application; and
- not be owners of an existing HDB flat, unless they are co-owners of the existing flat with other family members and undertake to relinquish their ownership in the existing flat within six months after taking possession of the PPHS flat.

Interested applicants can submit their PPHS application from 8 Apr 2013 (Monday) to 29 Apr 2013 (Monday) via HDB InfoWEB or ekiosks at HDB Hub/ Branches. Successful applicants will be invited for selection exercises from 3Q 2013, based on their balloted queue positions. Families with a citizen child below 16 years old at the point of application for PPHS or BTO/SBF flats will enjoy priority in allocation.

Depending on the demand, HDB will assess the frequency and system for subsequent exercises.