Come January 2014, nearly 10,000 couples will have benefited from the Parenthood Priority Scheme. Such success, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, was made possible because of quick moves by the Government to help the young meet their aspirations as the housing policies are guided by social objectives.
Because of changing aspirations of young Singaporeans to first get a home before starting a family, the HDB Build-To-Order flat construction was ramped up, and initiatives such as the Parenthood Priority Scheme (PPS) and Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) were introduced.
First, the backlog of first-time buyers has been largely cleared after three years of increased supply. The HDB will thus launch fewer three-, four- and five-room flats next year, but build more two-room flats for singles.
Second, there is the PPS, which sets aside 30% of BTO flats and 50% of balance flats for married couples who have a citizen child aged below 16, or are expecting a child.
Third, the PPHS gives families the option of renting an HDB flat while waiting for their new flat.
The policies introduced have since shown results. Almost 10,000 couples will have benefited from the Parenthood Priority Scheme come January - of this, nearly half are either expecting or already have young children below two years of age, while nearly 800 flats have been taken up under the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme. As vacancies are still available, eligible families can apply at any time, and can move into their rental flats soon after their applications are approved.
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