Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on purchase of flats by second-timer families with young children living in public rental flats

Apr 1, 2019

Mr Murali Pillai: To ask the Minister for National Development whether the Fresh Start Housing Scheme, which currently covers the purchase of short-lease 2-room Flexi flats, may be extended to allow persons with bigger families such as those with three or more children to purchase bigger flats on short-term leases.

Answer:

HDB offers 2-room Flexi flats on shorter leases under the Fresh Start Housing Scheme to make home ownership more affordable for second-timer families with young children who are living in public rental flats. Many of these families already face challenges in affording the 2-Room Flexi flats, even with the shorter leases and the Fresh Start Housing Grant. Hence, it would be even more difficult for them to purchase a bigger flat. We want to encourage home ownership for these families, but this has to be done in a sustainable way without overstretching their finances.