Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants: Your 2026 Complete Buying Process Guide
Homejourney prioritizes your safety and trust in Singapore's property journey. This guide breaks down HDB eligibility schemes and grants, including the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) and Proximity Housing Grant (PHG), with a step-by-step buying process for first-time buyers, upgraders, and investors. Whether applying for Build-To-Order (BTO) or resale flats, knowing these ensures confident decisions in the 2026 market, where over 55,000 new units are expected from 2025-2027[2].
Link to our pillar: HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: Homejourney 2026 Guide for comprehensive analysis.
Key HDB Eligibility Schemes in Singapore
HDB schemes ensure public housing serves Singaporeans' needs. At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen (SC), with others as SC or Permanent Residents (PR). Minimum age is 21, or 35 for singles[1].
Public Scheme: For families forming a nucleus (spouses, children, parents). Income ceiling: $14,000 monthly ($21,000 for multi-generation). No private property ownership or sales in last 30 months[1].
- Insider tip: Families in mature estates like Toa Payoh often qualify faster due to lower competition.
- Check eligibility via HDB Flat Portal with Singpass[4].
Single Singapore Citizen Scheme (SCSS): Singles/divorced SC aged 35+ (21+ if widowed/orphaned). $7,000 income ceiling for 2-room Flexi flats in all locations (Standard, Plus, Prime) from 2H2024[2].
Joint Singles Scheme (JSS): 2-4 single SCs, $7,000 ceiling. Ideal for shared living[1][2].
Other Schemes: Fiancé/Fiancée (married within 3 months), Orphans (siblings from deceased SC/PR parent), Non-Citizen Spouse (with valid pass, 2-room Flexi only)[1].
Essential CPF Housing Grants: EHG and PHG Explained
Grants reduce upfront costs. First-timers use CPF Ordinary Account (OA) funds, capped by Loan-to-Value (LTV) limits (75% HDB loan, TDSR/MSR apply).
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): For lower-income first-timers. Up to $120,000 (families), $60,000 (singles). Amount based on income: e.g., $80,000 for <$1,500 household income. No income ceiling for resale but affects grant quantum[2].
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): Up to $30,000 for living near parents/siblings within 4km. Available for BTO/resale, first-timers or second-timers[5].
| Grant | Max Amount (Families) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| EHG | $120,000 | First-timers, income-based |
| PHG | $30,000 | Near family, BTO/resale |
Disclaimer: Grants are CPF top-ups, not cash. Consult HDB for 2026 updates; Homejourney verifies data for trust[1][2].
Step-by-Step HDB Buying Process with HFE Letter
The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (valid 9 months) consolidates flat purchase, grants, and loan eligibility since 2023[3].
- Preliminary HFE Check (Free, Instant): Log into HDB Flat Portal via Singpass. Enter applicants/occupiers, declare properties, select loan (HDB or banks like DBS/OCBC)[3][4].
- Apply for HFE Letter (Within 30 Days): Choose loan package. Myinfo retrieves data—no documents needed[3].
- Apply for BTO/Resale: Use HFE for BTO launches or resale OTP. Pay option fee ($1,000-$2,000)[1].
- Grant/Loan Approval: HDB assesses post-OTP. Timeline: 1-2 months.
- Completion: 3-4 months for resale, 3-5 years for BTO. Use Homejourney's bank rates for financing[3].
Real example: A Toa Payoh family (income $10,000) got $80,000 EHG + $20,000 PHG for a 4-room resale, saving $100,000 via HFE[2].
Financial Considerations: Costs, Duties, and CPF Rules
Total costs: Flat price + ABSD (60% for foreigners 2026), BSD (up to 6%), agent fees (2%). LTV: 75% HDB loan if first-timer. MSR: 30% income; TDSR: 55% total debt[1].
- CPF OA: Up to purchase price minus grants/duties.
- Hidden costs: Renovations ($20,000+), maintenance. See Homejourney aircon services.
Compare via Homejourney projects directory and property search.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in HDB Eligibility
Avoid disqualification: Don't exceed income ceilings—e.g., $14,000 for 4-room BTO[1]. Mistake: Forgetting overseas property declaration (must dispose if owned)[1].
- Red flag: No HFE before OTP—wastes fees.
- Tip: Singles, confirm 2-room Flexi in non-mature estates like Tengah (Prime)[2].
- Second-timers: Limited to resale, no EHG unless PHG[2].
Link: HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: Investment vs Own Stay.
Decision Framework: BTO vs Resale with Grants
| Factor | BTO | Resale |
|---|---|---|
| Wait Time | 3-5 years | Immediate |
| Grants | EHG + PHG | EHG (first-timers) |
| Price | Lower | Higher, flexible location |
Choose BTO for affordability if patient; resale for speed. Homejourney verifies listings for safety.
FAQ: HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants
Q: Who qualifies for EHG in 2026?
A: First-timer households earning ≤$14,000 (up to $120,000 grant). Apply via HFE[2].
Q: Can singles get HDB grants?
A: Yes, up to $60,000 EHG under SCSS/JSS for 2-room Flexi[2].
Q: What's the HFE Letter process?
A: Singpass login, preliminary check, apply within 30 days. Covers eligibility, grants, loans[3].
Q: Do income ceilings change?
A: Under review; currently $14,000 families, $7,000 singles. Check HDB[1].
Q: Foreigners and HDB?
A: PRs with SC spouse yes; others limited. High ABSD applies.
Ready to buy safely? Use Homejourney property search and mortgage rates. Homejourney builds trust through verified info—start your journey today. Back to pillar: HDB Eligibility Schemes, Grants & Price Trends: 2026 Analysis.
