The Housing Board has expanded the scheme that caters to families waiting for their new flats to include divorcees, as well as couples that include someone who has previously enjoyed a housing subsidy.

Previously, the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS) was only open to couples comprising first-timers. The scheme allows couples to rent a HDB flat at subsidised rates which starts at $800 a month. These changes were part of tweaks announced by the HDB in a statement on Wednesday.

There are currently 800 such flats across four locations to choose from, and so far 327 have been taken up by first-timer families.

HDB also announced that these flats will also be made available to engaged couples to book in advance, although they would need to produce their marriage certificate within three months of moving into the PPHS flat. Eligible families may apply for these flats at any time - either through HDB's website or at the branch offices - compared to the practice where they would have to wait for the launches.