Forget the big 30 or 40. 35 is the age that many Singaporean singles look forward to. Reach this age, and they become eligible to buy public housing, be it an HDB resale flat or an HDB BTO flat. And like couple and family applicants, singles can also benefit from HDB housing grants.
In this article, we outline all the available HDB grants for singles (with an infographic too!). No more renting or living with your parents when you can soon look forward to your very own — and relatively affordable — bachelor or bachelorette pad!
(5per cent of 2-room Flexi Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) in non-mature estates have also been reserved for first-timer singles. Also, from May 9, 2023 onwards, you can find out how much grant you’re eligible for by applying for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter.)
HDB grants for singles applying for BTO, SBF and open booking of flats
Flats under the BTO, SBF and open booking schemes are sold at a subsidised price by HDB, so they may be the most cost-effective option for singles. On the other hand, singles can only apply for 2-room Flexi units in non-mature estates under current HDB schemes, with the exception of the Orphans Scheme.
Another thing to note is that the HDB housing grants for singles are only eligible for first-timer applicants.
If you’re applying under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
Under this scheme, you can apply as a single applicant and are eligible for the following grant:
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) (Singles): up to $40,000. To qualify, your average gross monthly household income for at least 12 months^ (see below), up to two months before the HFE letter application, must be within S$4,500. The actual grant amount will be according to your income. So the higher your income is, the lower the grant amount you get.
There’s also another catch: singles applying for BTO flats under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme must also pay a $15,000 premium. According to HDB, the subsidy is meant to benefit couples.
So, in other words, if you’re applying under this scheme, the premium you must pay will cancel out a portion of the grant amount you’ll receive.
If you’re applying under the Joint Singles Scheme or the Orphans Scheme
Through the Joint Singles Scheme, you can apply for a flat with up to three other Singaporean singles.
As for the Orphans Scheme, it allows those with at least one deceased SC or PR parent to apply for a flat with their single siblings. Unlike the other two schemes, this scheme doesn’t limit the flat type you can apply via the BTO, SBF or open booking scheme (i.e. you can buy up to a 5-room flat).
Whether you’re applying under the Joint Singles Scheme or the Orphans Scheme, you’re eligible for the following grant:
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): up to $80,000. You and your co-applicants’ average gross monthly household income must be within $9,000 for at least 12 months^ (see below), up to two months before the HFE letter application. Likewise, the grant amount will be based on your income.
^Income criteria for Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) from 9 May 2023:
To qualify for the EHG, you must have worked continuously for at least 12 months. Your household income will be assessed for a period of these 12 months, which is calculated up to two months before the HFE letter application.
For instance, if you’re applying for the HFE letter in May 2023, the income assessment period will be from April 2022 to March 2023.
On top of that, at least one of the applicants or core occupier must be working at the time of the HFE application.
HDB grants for singles buying HDB resale flats
The availability of grants, absence of a $15,000 premium, a wide selection of flat types and the freedom to choose any location are reasons why most eligible single buyers prefer to go for resale HDB flats. In fact, single Singaporeans can buy any flat of their choice (except 3Gen flats) in the open market.
Note that singles buying an executive flat won’t be eligible for the CPF housing grants.
If you’re buying under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
- Singles Grant:To qualify, your average gross monthly household income must be within $7,000.
2-room to 4-room flat
5-room flat
$40,000* (up from S$25,000)
$25,000* (up from $20,000)
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) (Singles): up to $40,000. The income ceiling for this grant is lower at $4,500^ (see above), with the actual grant amount you can get to be based on your income.
2-room to 4-room flat | 5-room flat |
$40,000* (up from $25,000) | $25,000* (up from $20,000) |
On top of that, if you live withyour parents or children, you’re eligible for:
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): $15,000, for any flat type. Your parents or children will need to be listed as co-applicants or essential occupiers.
On the contrary, if you live nearyour parents or children (within a 4km radius of their home):
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): $10,000, for a 2- to 5-room resale flat. Your parents or children can be living in either public housing or private property within 4km throughout the MOP to fulfil the distance requirement.
Unlike the other two grants, there’s no income ceiling for the PHG.
In total, you can get up to $95,000 in housing grants as a single buying a resale flat!
If you’re buying under the Joint Singles Scheme or the Orphans Scheme
- Singles Grant:In other words, you and your co-applicants can get a maximum of 2 Singles Grant. To qualify, the average gross monthly household income of you and your co-applicant(s) must be within $14,000.
2-room to 4-room flat
5-room flat or bigger
$80,000* ($40,000 ⨉ 2)
$50,000* ($25,000 ⨉ 2)
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): up to $80,000. Likewise, the average gross monthly household income of you and your co-applicant(s) must be within $9,000 for the 12-month period^ (see above). Take note that the actual grant amount will be tiered based on your income.
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): if you’re applying under the Joint Singles Scheme, you may also qualify for this grant.
Live with your parents/ children
Live within 4km of your parents/ children
$15,000
$10,000
2-room to 4-room flat | 5-room flat or bigger |
$80,000* ($40,000 ⨉ 2) | $50,000* ($25,000 ⨉ 2) |
Live with your parents/ children | Live within 4km of your parents/ children |
$15,000 | $10,000 |
HDB flats for sale singles buying under Joint Singles Grant or Orphans Scheme can buy with HDB grants
What if I get married after buying a flat as a single?
If you get married after:
you and your spouse may be entitled to the following grant:
- Top-Up Grant: The amount depends on whether the house you bought as a single is from the resale market or HDB. The monthly income is capped at S$14,000.
Resale flat
2-room or 2-room Flexi flat from HDB (eg. BTO, SBF or open booking)
The amount of the Family Grant amount you are eligible for currently, minus the Singles Grant amount you had previously received*
$40,000
Resale flat | 2-room or 2-room Flexi flat from HDB (eg. BTO, SBF or open booking) |
The amount of the Family Grant amount you are eligible for currently, minus the Singles Grant amount you had previously received* | $40,000 |
Resale flat
2-room or 2-room Flexi flat from HDB (eg. BTO, SBF or open booking)
The amount of the Family Grant amount you are eligible for currently, minus the Singles Grant amount you had previously received*
$40,000
Find out more about the available HDB grants for couples.
How will the HDB grants for singles be disbursed?
From 9 May 2023 onwards, all grants will be credited into the CPF Ordinary Accounts of eligible Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident applicants and essential occupiers.
Here’s the breakdown of how the CPF grants will be disbursed if you’re applying with at least two singles, i.e. under the Joint Singles Scheme or the Orphans Scheme:
- Two applicants: The grant will be split equally into the two CPF accounts (eg. if the full grant is S$50,000, then each will get S$25,000)
- One applicant and one essential occupier (eg. under Orphans Scheme): The grant will be split equally between the two CPF accounts. However, only the applicant’s share can be used to offset the flat purchase price. The essential occupier will have to be listed as a co-owner in order to use their share of the grant. Alternatively, they can use it for their next flat purchase.
No cash will be disbursed.
*Given the increase in Singles Grant amount announced during Budget 2023, if you submit your resale flat application from Feb 14,2023 3.30 pm to March 31, 2023, you’ll receive the additional grant from HDB within three months from the date of the resale completion.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have to refund the grant amount, any CPF savings used to pay for your house and 2.5 per cent accrued interest to your own CPF account if you sell your flat.
For singles, the first $30,000 of the housing grants will be credited back to your CPF OA account. The remainder will go to your CPF Special Account / Retirement Account and Medisave Account.
If it’s any consolation, you can still use the refunded money to pay for your next property purchase.
This article was first published in 99.co.
FAQs
Can singles buy HDB resale flat? ›
Singles—whether individually or jointly—can purchase any type of HDB resale they desire, provided they can afford it. The main disadvantage of buying a resale flat is the cost. At present, and reasonably for the next 30 years or so, the smallest resale HDB you can probably buy is a 3-room unit.
What is the HDB singles grant? ›If you are a first-timer Singapore Citizen (SC) and buying a resale flat on your own, you may be eligible for a Singles Grant of $40,000 for the purchase of a 2- to 4- room resale flat or $25,000 for a 5-room resale flat.
Can singles buy SBF? ›If you are a first-timer single applicant buying an HDB SBF flat, you'll need to fulfil the following criteria: You must be a Singapore citizen. You must be at least 35 years of age if you are unmarried or divorced, or 21 and above if you are widowed or an orphan.
How much is the downpayment on HDB resale? ›Downpayment when buying a resale flat with an HDB loan
The details for buying a resale flat with an HDB loan are largely the same. The minimum downpayment you need to pay remains at 15% of the purchase price, which can once again be paid in cash, with your CPF-OA, or a mix of both.
If you are single, 35 years old and older, you can purchase an HDB flat and may be eligible for housing grants. Here's a comprehensive guide for singles looking to buy an HDB flat. A Build-To-Order (BTO) flat is priced lower than comparable resale flats in the same area, offering an affordable option for home buyers.
Can I buy HDB resale if I own private? ›Owners of private property or owners who have disposed of a private property within the last 15 months may take over the ownership of an HDB flat if they meet the following: The existing flat owner has fulfilled the requisite occupation period. At least 1 of the proposed owners is a Singapore Citizen.
How many times can singles buy BTO? ›However, for BTO (new flats), singles can only buy 2-room Flexi units at non-mature estates. There are no restrictions on the size or location for resale flats. You must meet the EIP and SPR quota for the block/neighbourhood when you submit the resale application. Generally, only Singapore citizens can buy a flat.
How to buy HDB as a single PR? ›Your only options are a resale HDB flat or private property. Single PRs cannot buy an HDB flat, including resale flats. If you're a foreigner and want to buy an executive condo, you'll need to wait 10 years after the date of the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP).
What is the income ceiling for resale HDB? ›| BTO HDB flat type | Income ceiling |
|---|---|
| 4-room flat or bigger | $14,000; or $21,000 if purchasing with extended or multi-generation family |
| 3-room flat | $7,000 or $14,000 depending on the project |
| 2-room Flexi flat | $7,000 for 99-year leases; or $14,000 for short leases (15 to 45 years) |
2 Answers. Hi Elizabeth, sadly you are not allowed to purchase brand new ECs or DBSS as a single, as you do not form a family nucleus or unit. However the door is not closed for Singles to purchase it in the secondary or open market.
Can singles buy jumbo flat? ›
Yes, you are open to buying a jumbo flat from the open market. 1) Jumbo flat is a single unit with a single address. Thus considered as a single unit. 2) Under Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, there are nowhere under HDB policy states there are limitations on the type of resale flat a single can't buy.
How many times can I buy resale HDB? ›There is no limit on how many times you are eligible to purchase a HDB resale. You are only not allowed to take a HDB loan more than 2 times and also purchase a flat directly from HDB (eg BTO/SOB) more than 2 times. I am specialised in HDB transactions. Do contact me at 9337....
Is it worth it to buy resale HDB? ›Thus, HDB resale flats are a good option if you don't want to waste time waiting or renting. However, with prices at a record high, do consider if the price you're paying is worth it based on the remaining years left on the lease.
Can I buy resale flat directly from HDB? ›From 9 May 2023, the HDB Resale Portal will be integrated into the HDB Flat Portal. Resale flat buyers and sellers will transact via the HDB Flat Portal and be guided step-by-step on their journey to complete the transaction.
How much to afford a resale HDB in Singapore? ›| Type of HDB Flat | Median Resale Price (Feb 2022) | Min. Gross Monthly Household Income 30% MSR |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Room | $350,000 | $3,500 |
| 4-Room | $485,000 | $4,850 |
| 5-Room | $608,000 | $6,080 |
| Executive | $777,000 | $7,770 |
You may use your CPF savings to pay for the balance purchase price. The monthly payments will start after the resale completion. Flat buyers taking a housing loan from HDB have the option of retaining up to $20,000 of the available CPF savings in each buyer's OA.
What age can a single person buy a house in Singapore? ›At least 21 years old, if you're purchasing with your family members, are widowed, or orphaned. At least 35 years old, if you're single (unmarried) or divorced (no kids) At least 21 years old.
Can I buy HDB with a friend? ›In order for Lily to purchase an HDB flat with a friend in Singapore, she would need to purchase it under HDB's Joint Singles Scheme (JSS). Under the JSS, singles can only buy a 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate (with a $7000 income ceiling), or any resale flat (excluding 3Gen flats) in any location.
Can I buy resale HDB if I own overseas property? ›In Singapore, it is prohibited to buy a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat if you already own real estate. In this context, real estate includes other HDB flats and both local and overseas private properties.
Can singles buy BTO 3-room? ›In non-mature estates, young married couples tend to apply for 3-room or larger BTO flats, while singles are limited to 2-room flexi units, he noted.
Can a foreigner buy HDB in Singapore? ›
Foreigners may not purchase HDB flats, but they can buy Executive Condominiums (ECs) that are at least 10 years old. Can foreigner buy private condo in Singapore? Under the Residential Property Act (Chapter 274) of the Singapore Law, foreigners are eligible to buy a condominium in Singapore.
Who is eligible for single BTO? ›To be eligible for the Singles Grant, you must be at least 35 years of age and a citizen of Singapore. Additionally, your average gross monthly income must not exceed S$7,000 or S$14,000 depending on your preferred housing scheme. You must be a "first-timer applicant".
How much is the downpayment on BTO split? ›Buyers who are taking bank loans must pay the required 5% down payment in cash, and the rest can be paid using your CPF OA savings, subject to certain limits. If you are taking an HDB loan, you can check out the Staggered Downpayment Scheme and find out if you are eligible.
Which is the largest HDB in Singapore? ›Hougang is the largest HDB town based on land area.
Can I buy a HDB myself? ›Can I buy a resale HDB without an agent? Yes, you can. Before doing so, you will need to visit the HDB Resale Portal for an instant assessment of your eligibility to do so, as well as information on CPF housing grants and the HDB housing loan.
Can I apply BTO if I own a HDB? ›1) Yes, resale HDB flat owners are eligible to buy BTO flats. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria spelled out by HDB. 2) You shall be subject to a resale levy if you had received grants in your resale flat purchase.
Can I buy HDB if I own a condo? ›Can I Buy an HDB Flat If I Own a Condo? If you own a condo, you cannot own an HDB flat at the same time. You would need to sell your condo before buying an HDB flat. You may buy a resale flat if you sell your condo within six months of moving in.
What is the salary cap for BTO HDB? ›At the current income ceiling of $14,000, about 8 in 10 Singaporeans are eligible to apply for a BTO flat, while the $16,000 ceiling enables about 9 in 10 Singaporeans to apply for EC. There is no income restriction for the purchase of a resale HDB flat on the open market.
How much is the deposit for BTO? ›The balance payment of 5% is to be paid during key collection. For a housing loan from a bank/financial institution, you'll need to pay 20% of the flat's purchase price – 5% is payable in cash while the remaining 15% is payable in cash or CPF savings.
Can I BTO and buy resale? ›If you bought a subsidised flat from HDB (i.e. a BTO or SBF flat) or an EC from a developer in the past or received a CPF Housing Grant, you will have to pay a resale levy when buying another subsidised flat. Subsidised housing is: A flat bought from HDB. A resale flat bought with a CPF housing grant.
Can you buy HDB under one name? ›
Can a married Singaporean buy an HDB flat alone? A married person cannot buy an HDB flat under his or her name alone. The spouse must either be a co-owner or an occupant of the flat.
What is the difference between HDB and DBSS? ›The main difference between a HDB and a DBSS is its developer. A regular HDB flat is developed, or built, by HDB itself, for a DBSS on the other hand, it is developed and built by a private developer. The private developer oversees the design, pricing, and construction of the flat.
What is the difference between BTO and DBSS? ›BTO is a type of housing that stands for Build-To-Order. This type of property is sold in Singapore, and it's different from the DBSS (Developed By Sellers) flats. BTOs are developed by the government or state owned companies, whereas DBSS flats are developed by private developers.
Can 2 friends buy a house together Singapore? ›Two or more singles
You may apply for a 2-room Flexi flat from HDB or buy a resale flat on the open market together with other single(s) as co-applicant(s). If you are buying a flat with your sibling(s) who are orphans and single, refer to orphaned siblings.
He further explained: “If we all know that flats which have fewer than 60 years left on the lease will begin to lose value, then by backward induction, flats will begin to lose their value when they have 61 years left on the lease, then 62, and so on, till expectations adjust fully and the prices of even new HDB flat ...
Can a Singaporean own 2 HDB flats? ›Singaporean Citizens cannot concurrently own two HDBs, so your second home will be a private condominium or house.
Can I sell my HDB flat after 5 years? ›The MOP is usually 5 years for most HDB properties including Executive Condominiums. Until you have reached this MOP, you are obliged not to sell your property on the open market or rent out the entire unit. Additionally, HDB property owners cannot buy private residential properties before reaching this MOP.
How long does it take to complete HDB resale? ›The resale completion is about 8 weeks after HDB's acceptance of the resale application. We will notify you via SMS on the specific date and time of your resale completion once it is confirmed and post the information on the HDB Flat Portal.
What if I Cannot sell my HDB flat? ›Yes you can appeal to hdb requesting them to take back your flat , however chances are slim for your appeal to be successful. Even if your appeal is successful, you will probably get a better price for yourself if your hdb is sold to the open, resale market instead .
Will HDB prices drop in 2023 Singapore? ›2 HDB's flash estimate of the 1st Quarter 2023 Resale Price Index (RPI) is 173.4, an increase of 0.9% over that in the 4th Quarter of 2022 (see Annexes A1 and A2). This is a slower increase than the 2.3% increase in the 4th Quarter of 2022, and is the smallest quarterly increase compared to the last 10 quarters.
Why HDB is better than condo? ›
More Space for Less Money
Location aside, HDBs are generally built with the family nucleus in mind. Each bedroom is typically bigger (well technically, the whole place is bigger). Let's compare the average size of your home should you have a million dollars to buy either a HDB or a Private Condominium.
Colonial. Colonial-style homes have the highest resale factor when all other elements are equal. These two-story homes that often have a boxlike appearance are popular because of the amount of functional living space that they often have. Many homeowners also prefer their minimalistic design.
Can singles buy resale HDB? ›Singles—whether individually or jointly—can purchase any type of HDB resale they desire, provided they can afford it. The main disadvantage of buying a resale flat is the cost. At present, and reasonably for the next 30 years or so, the smallest resale HDB you can probably buy is a 3-room unit.
What is the single Singapore citizen scheme? ›Under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme:
If you are purchasing a 2- to 4-room resale flat, you will receive $25,000. If you are purchasing a 5-room resale flat, you will receive $20,000. To qualify for this grant, your monthly income must not exceed $7,000.
- Take a walkabout. ...
- Bring a compass (or use a compass app) ...
- Check water heater(s) ...
- Check for loanshark graffiti. ...
- Swing by the flat a different time. ...
- Check for relevant amenities. ...
- Check for sagging doors.
Highest Transaction
A five-room HDB flat located on Henderson Road smashed the record for the highest resale price. This stunning unit was sold for a jaw-dropping S$1.4 million in May 2022 and comes with an impressive remaining lease of 96 years.
Because HDB properties are subsidised by the government, they are the most affordable type of housing available. The average cost of an HDB property listing is S$532,768 or S$507 per square foot. Smaller flats, such as 2 and 3-room flats typically cost between S$300,000 and S$450,000.
Can I sell my HDB 2 room flat? ›A short-lease 2-room Flexi flat cannot be sold in the open market. If you no longer wish to live in it or become ineligible to do so, the flat must be returned to HDB.
Can a single buy resale HDB with parents? ›Non-resident parents/ child(ren)
You may buy a resale flat as a single, divorced, or widowed SC, with your parents/ child(ren) (under your legal custody, care, and control), who are non-residents (i.e., not SC or SPR).
2 Answers. Hi Elizabeth, sadly you are not allowed to purchase brand new ECs or DBSS as a single, as you do not form a family nucleus or unit. However the door is not closed for Singles to purchase it in the secondary or open market.
What type of HDB can singles buy? ›
Singles who are interested in purchasing HDB flats will have the option of buying their flats under at least two different HDB schemes (Single Singapore Citizen Scheme and Joint Singles Scheme) and have the choice of choosing from three major property types (HDB BTO, resale flats, and ECs).
Can foreigners buy resale HDB in Singapore? ›Under the Residential Property Act, foreign nationals are permitted to own residential property in Singapore. However, there are certain restrictions on the type of property they may own. List of Properties Singapore PRs are eligible to Purchase: Resale HDBs – only with another Singapore PR or SG Citizen.
Can single below 35 buy resale HDB? ›Buy an HDB resale flat as a single. You must be at least 35 years old if you are unmarried or divorced, and at least 21 years old if you are widowed or an orphan. If you are below 35 years old, you must not have another sibling who is below 35 years old buying/ owning another flat under the: Orphans Scheme.
Can 2 singles with HDB get married? ›Answer: No. If you and your spouse both own HDBs each, you will have to dispose of one of the existing HDB flats. HDB is very clear on this issue. In a letter to one HDB flat owner, which was shared on a local forum, it noted that “husband and wife are considered one family unit.
Can a single PR buy HDB? ›Your only options are a resale HDB flat or private property. Single PRs cannot buy an HDB flat, including resale flats. If you're a foreigner and want to buy an executive condo, you'll need to wait 10 years after the date of the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP).
Can joint singles buy BTO? ›Under the Singles Singapore Citizen & Joint Singles Scheme, singles can purchase either new or resale flats. However, for BTO (new flats), singles can only buy 2-room Flexi units at non-mature estates. There are no restrictions on the size or location for resale flats.