Childless couples waiting for their new flats to be built can apply from Monday to rent subsidised Housing Board (HDB) flats in the meantime.

As promised by National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan last month during the budget debate, HDB's Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) has been extended to those without children.

It was originally launched in January for couples with young kids as part of the Government's push to boost the birth rate. The 1,150 unfurnished flats in Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Jurong West and Queenstown, going at 40 per cent below the market rental rate, were meant to provide an affordable source of housing for young families while they waited for their new flats to be completed.

Over 200 applications have been received from young families for the flats that cost between $800 to $1,900 a month to rent. About 900 flats are still available for rent by both couples with children and childless couples. They have until April 29 to apply, said HDB in a statement on Monday.