Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants: Your 2026 Buying Roadmap
HDB eligibility schemes determine who can buy new Build-To-Order (BTO) or resale flats, while grants like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) and Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) reduce costs by up to $160,000 for qualifying buyers. This complete buying process guide breaks down HDB eligibility, CPF housing grants, and HDB schemes Singapore buyers need, with actionable steps for first-timers, upgraders, and investors. Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying data from official HDB sources, helping you navigate 2026's competitive market confidently.
Linking to our pillar HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: 2026 Buying Guide | Homejourney HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants 2026: Homejourney Guide , this cluster delivers tactical advice on eligibility checks, grant stacking, and the full purchase timeline. With BTO waits at 3-5 years and resale prices rising (e.g., 4-room Punggol flats from $400k), understanding these saves thousands.[1][2]
Core HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained
HDB offers schemes for diverse buyers, each with citizenship, age, income, and ownership rules. All require no private property ownership in the last 30 months and an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter via Singpass—valid 6 months for BTO, 9 for resale.[1][4]
- Public Scheme: For family nucleus with at least one Singapore Citizen (SC), spouse SC/PR. Includes parents/children; no income ceiling for BTO without grants.[1]
- Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme: Engaged couples buy pre-marriage; submit certificate within 3 months of resale completion or BTO key collection.[1]
- Single Singapore Citizen Scheme (SCSS): SCs aged 35+ ($7,000 income ceiling), or 21+ if orphaned/widowed. Limited to 2-room Flexi BTO.[1][2]
- Joint Singles Scheme (JSS): 2-4 SC singles, average $7,000 income ceiling. Eligible for resale flats.[1]
- Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme: SC with non-citizen spouse (valid pass required). First-timers only for 2-room Flexi BTO.[1]
- Orphans Scheme: Single orphan siblings (one deceased parent SC/PR). BTO/resale options.[1]
Resale Additions: Non-Citizen Family (SC with non-citizen kin) and Conversion Scheme for prior owners. Income ceilings apply with grants/HDB loans: $14,000 family, $7,000 single.[1][2]
2026 Updates: Flexibility for NSFs and Students
From July 2025 BTO sales, one partner as full-time student/NSF qualifies couples. Defer income assessment for grants/loans if recently employed.[3] Homejourney's tools cross-check your profile against these for maximum eligibility.[2]
Key CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG, and Stacking Rules
CPF housing grants are tiered by income, family status, and proximity. First-timers under $14,000 monthly ($21,000 multi-gen) access the most.[2]
| Grant | Max Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) | $80k family / $60k single | First-timers, income ≤$14k; tiered (e.g., $9k=full) |
| Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) | $20k (near parents) / $30k (near in-laws) | SC child buying within 4km; stackable |
| Family Grant | $50k (SC/PR spouse) / $160k stacked | Married/engaged, $14k ceiling |
| Half-Housing Grant | Up to $40k | Singles buying with family |
Stack EHG + PHG for $100k+ savings. Investors note: Grants for own-stay only; resale min 5-year MOP. Check stacking via HFE.[1][2] Disclaimer: Grants deducted from CPF; consult HDB for personalized calc. Homejourney not financial advisor.
Step-by-Step HDB Buying Process with Eligibility & Grants
- Check Eligibility: Use HDB Flat Portal via Singpass for free HFE Letter (instant). Input income, citizenship, ownership.[4]
- Assess Affordability: Factor MSR (30% income for housing), TDSR (55% total debt), LTV (75% HDB loan). View Bank Rates or Mortgage Rates on Homejourney for options.[2]
- Search Properties: BTO via HDB launches; resale on Property Search or Projects Directory . Punggol non-mature estates: lower ballot chances, faster queues.[1][2]
- Apply & Balloting: Submit BFE (BTO) or OTP for resale. Include grant intent.
- Financing & Grants: HDB assesses post-selection. Pay staggered downpayment (two instalments).[3]
- Completion: Legal fees $2-3k, stamp duties (BSD 1-6%, ABSD 60% foreigners). Timeline: BTO 3-5 years; resale 8-12 weeks.[2]
Costs: HFE $10-50, valuation $200-500. Insider tip: Apply HFE early in BTO cycles (Feb/Aug) for edges like Yishun 3-room at $350k.[1][2]
Financial Rules: CPF, Loans, Duties in 2026
Use CPF Ordinary Account (up to 120% with grants). HDB loans at 2.6% pegged rate; banks competitive—compare via Bank Rates .[2] ABSD: 0% SC first home, 17% second, 60% foreigners. MSR/TDSR cap borrowing; e.g., $10k income = $3k housing payment.[2]
Hidden costs: Renovations $20-50k (aircon servicing via Aircon Services ), agent fees 1-2% resale. For investment vs own-stay, see HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: Invest vs Own Stay | Homejourney .[2]
Common Mistakes & Pro Tips
- Mistake: Ignoring income ceiling fluctuations—EHG tiers drop above $9k. Pro: Use Homejourney calculator for scenarios.[2]
- Mistake: Missing MOP (5 years resale). Pro: Plan upgrades via Projects .
- Mistake: Overlooking passes for non-citizens. Pro: Verify LT/VP validity pre-HFE.[1]
Red flag: Unverified agents promising grants. Homejourney verifies listings for trust.[2]
FAQ: HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants
Q: Who qualifies for EHG in 2026?
A: First-timer SC families/couples ≤$14k/month; up to $80k, income-tiered (e.g., $1.5k=$80k). Singles $60k.[1][2]
Q: Can singles get PHG?
A: Yes, SC singles 35+ buying near parents ($20k-$30k), stackable with EHG/SCSS.[1][2]
Q: Foreigners and HDB schemes?
A: Non-citizen spouses via scheme, but 60% ABSD. PRs better via Public Scheme.[1]
Q: How to maximize grants?
A: Get HFE, prove proximity (parents' address), stay under ceilings. Stack up to $160k.[2]
Q: BTO vs Resale for grants?
A: Both eligible; resale faster but pricier. See price trends HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: 2026 Price Trends Analysis | Homejourney .[1][2]
Ready to buy safely? Start with Homejourney's Property Search and HFE check. Link back to our pillar for full 2026 strategies: HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants 2026: Homejourney Guide . Your trusted path to homeownership begins here.
