Debated in Parliament on 6 Jul 2021.
Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for National Development (a) how may HDB increase the stock of available flats under Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme to support families impacted by BTO construction delays; and (b) whether the rental rates can be flexible and adjusted to accommodate low-income families.
We recognise that the delays to the completion of BTO flats have caused inconvenience to flat buyers. HDB is doing its best to work with contractors and consultants to expedite construction works as much as possible, while ensuring that project quality and safety standards are not compromised. HDB is also working with various agencies on mitigating measures to reduce the length of delays. This includes getting exemptions to allow less noisy construction activities to be carried out on Sundays and Public Holidays where possible. We will continue to keep flat buyers updated on the completion date of their new flat through letters and the My HDBPage as construction progresses.
Meanwhile, flat buyers are encouraged to find alternative housing arrangements with family members, relatives or on the open market. Where they are unable to do so, first-timer applicants who are waiting for their BTO flats could apply for temporary housing under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS). Given the limited supply of PPHS flats, we are considering how to finetune allocation to give priority to families in greater need of temporary housing. We are also studying ways to increase the supply of temporary housing to better support affected flat buyers in need of housing. We will provide more details on these measures when ready.
The rental rates for 3-room PPHS flats are significantly lower compared to the open market, and range from $600 to $900 per month, depending on location. For low-income households with no other housing options, HDB may offer Interim Rental Housing on a case-by-case basis. The average monthly rent for a 1-room interim rental housing flat is $300.
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