Mr Wong, who is also the finance minister, said the government will do more to support lower-income and vulnerable families so they can achieve stability, self-reliance and mobility.
Under the enhanced Fresh Start Housing Scheme, second-timer families with children who live in public rental flats will receive S$75,000 in grants to buy a new standard two-room Flexi or standard three-room flat on a shorter lease, he announced on Tuesday.
Currently, eligible families under the scheme, which was launched in 2016, can get up to S$50,000 in grants.
Second-timer families refer to households that have previously enjoyed one housing subsidy.
First-timer families with children living in public rental flats, or those who have not benefited from housing subsidies, will be allowed to buy shorter-lease subsidised flats through the same scheme, said Mr Wong.
“They typically face more significant challenges in life, like coping with medical issues in the family, or raising children as a single parent,” he added.
These families may have difficulties buying a flat with a full 99-year lease, even with the housing subsidies available to first-time home owners, said Mr Wong.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee will announce more details at the upcoming Committee of Supply debates, he added.
