HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants 2026: Homejourney's Complete Guide

HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants 2026: Homejourney's Complete Guide

Navigating HDB eligibility schemes and housing grants can feel overwhelming for first-time buyers in Singapore. Between understanding income ceilings, CPF housing grants, and the various schemes available, there are many moving parts to consider. At Homejourney, we believe that informed buyers make better decisions—and that's why we've created this comprehensive guide to demystify HDB eligibility and help you understand exactly which schemes and grants you qualify for.

This guide covers everything you need to know about HDB eligibility schemes, CPF housing grants (EHG and PHG), income requirements, and the application process. Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading to a larger flat, or exploring investment opportunities, understanding these schemes is the critical first step in your property journey.

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary: What You Need to Know
• HDB Eligibility Basics: Foundation Requirements
• The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter Explained
• Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes
• Income Ceilings and How They Affect Your Eligibility
• CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG, and More
• Step-by-Step HFE Application Process
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Your Next Steps with Homejourney

Executive Summary: What You Need to Know

Before diving into the details, here's what every prospective HDB buyer should understand about eligibility and grants in 2026:

HDB eligibility is determined by multiple factors including citizenship status, age, family composition, income level, and property ownership history. The good news? Most Singaporeans and permanent residents qualify for at least one scheme. The key is understanding which scheme matches your situation and ensuring your household income falls within the specified ceiling.

The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter is your gateway to purchasing any HDB flat. Introduced in May 2023, this consolidated letter replaces the old HLE (Housing Loan Eligibility) letter and tells you three critical things: whether you can purchase a flat, what CPF housing grants you qualify for, and how much you can borrow for a housing loan. The HFE letter is valid for 9 months, giving you a window to find and apply for your ideal property.

CPF housing grants can reduce your out-of-pocket cash requirements significantly. The Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG) and other grant schemes can provide up to $80,000 or more depending on your circumstances, making homeownership more accessible for lower and middle-income families.

Income ceilings matter. Your household's average gross monthly income determines which flat types you can purchase and which grants you qualify for. The current ceilings (last revised in 2019) range from $7,000 for singles to $21,000 for multi-generation families, though there are indications these may be adjusted in 2026 to reflect wage growth.

HDB Eligibility Basics: Foundation Requirements

Before exploring specific schemes, you need to meet fundamental HDB eligibility criteria. These baseline requirements apply across all schemes and flat types.

Citizenship and Residency Requirements

At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen. If you have a co-applicant, they must be either a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident (PR). This is the most fundamental requirement—without at least one citizen in your application, you cannot purchase an HDB flat.

For joint applications (such as married couples or groups of singles), the citizenship composition matters. If one spouse is a non-citizen without PR status, you may qualify under the Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme, but with restrictions—you can only purchase two-room Flexi flats.

Age Requirements

The minimum age for HDB applicants is 21 years old. However, if you're applying as a single person (not as part of a couple or family group), you must be at least 35 years old. This age distinction reflects HDB's policy of prioritizing family-based housing while also providing pathways for older singles to own their homes.

Property Ownership Restrictions

This is where many buyers trip up. You and all occupiers in your household must not own any private residential property, whether in Singapore or overseas. Additionally, if you've sold any private property in the last 30 months, you're currently ineligible to purchase an HDB flat.

If you currently own private property, you have a choice: dispose of it before applying for an HDB, or wait until the 30-month period from your sale has passed. If you purchase a BTO flat while still owning private property, you must sell that private property within 6 months of taking possession of your BTO flat.

Housing Loan History

You cannot have taken two or more HDB housing loans. Additionally, you cannot have previously purchased multiple new HDB flats, DBSS flats, or ECs (Executive Condominiums), or received multiple CPF housing grants—unless you meet specific conditions that permit exceptions.

This restriction exists to ensure HDB flats remain accessible to first-time and early-stage buyers, not to those who have already benefited from multiple rounds of public housing assistance.

The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter Explained

The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter is your single most important document in the HDB purchasing journey. Introduced in May 2023, it consolidated what previously required multiple applications and assessments into one streamlined process.

What the HFE Letter Tells You

Your HFE letter provides three critical pieces of information:

• Flat Purchase Eligibility: Whether you can purchase a BTO or resale HDB flat, and which flat types you're eligible for based on your scheme and income
• CPF Housing Grants: Exactly which grants you qualify for and the grant amounts you'll receive
• Housing Loan Eligibility: How much you can borrow through HDB's loan scheme, the monthly installment amount, and your repayment period

This consolidated approach means you no longer need to submit separate applications for loan eligibility, grant assessment, and purchase eligibility. Everything is assessed together, saving you time and reducing paperwork.

HFE Letter Validity and Timeline

Your HFE letter is valid for 9 months from the date of issue. This gives you a reasonable window to search for properties, participate in BTO ballots, or negotiate with resale sellers. However, if your circumstances change significantly during this period (such as income changes, family composition changes, or property ownership changes), you may need to update your application.

The HDB typically processes HFE applications within 21 working days, though processing times can extend during peak periods (such as after major BTO launches). Plan accordingly if you're working toward a specific timeline.

Do You Need an HFE Letter?

Yes, if you're purchasing any HDB flat—whether BTO or resale—you must have a valid HFE letter. For BTO applications, you need the letter before submitting your application during a sales launch. For resale purchases, you need the letter before obtaining an Option to Purchase (OTP) from the seller and when submitting your resale application to HDB.

The only exception is if you're purchasing an HDB flat purely for investment purposes and meeting all requirements through alternative means, but even then, having an HFE letter streamlines the process significantly.

Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes

HDB offers multiple eligibility schemes designed to accommodate different family structures and circumstances. Understanding which scheme applies to your situation is essential for determining your eligibility and the flat types available to you.

Public Scheme: For Families and Households

The Public Scheme is the most common pathway for HDB purchases. It's designed for families or households forming a valid family nucleus.

Who qualifies: Married couples with or without children, parents with adult children, siblings, or any group forming a recognized family unit. At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen, and at least one other must be a Singapore Citizen or PR.

Family nucleus compositions include:

• Spouses and their children
• Parents and their adult children
• Siblings (if parents are deceased)
• Children in legal custody

Income ceiling: The standard income ceiling is $14,000 average gross monthly household income for most three-room flats and larger. For extended or multi-generation families (such as grandparents, parents, and children living together), the ceiling increases to $21,000.

Property ownership: You and all occupiers must not own private residential property and must not have sold any in the last 30 months.

Flat eligibility: You can purchase any HDB flat type—two-room, three-room, four-room, five-room, or executive flats—depending on your family size and income.

Single Singapore Citizen Scheme: For Unmarried Singaporeans

This scheme caters to unmarried or divorced Singapore Citizens aged 35 and above (orphans can apply from age 21).

Who qualifies: Singapore Citizens who are single, divorced, or widowed, and meet the age requirements. Orphans (individuals whose parents are deceased) can apply from age 21 if at least one deceased parent was a Singapore Citizen or PR.

Income ceiling: $7,000 average gross monthly income.

Flat eligibility: Limited to two-room Flexi flats. While this may seem restrictive, two-room Flexi flats have become increasingly available in recent years, and many are located in mature estates with excellent amenities and transport links.

Premium consideration: Singles typically pay a higher price per square foot compared to families purchasing the same flat type, reflecting the subsidy structure of HDB pricing.

Joint Singles Scheme: For Groups of Singles

If you're a single person but want to live with friends or other singles, the Joint Singles Scheme allows groups of 2 to 4 single Singapore Citizens to apply together.

Who qualifies: All co-applicants must be Singapore Citizens. You can form a group of 2, 3, or 4 singles who want to purchase and live in an HDB flat together.

Income ceiling: $7,000 average gross monthly household income (combined income of all applicants).

Flat eligibility: Two-room or three-room flats, depending on the group size and specific project requirements.

Practical consideration: This scheme is ideal for young professionals, friends wanting to share housing costs, or siblings who aren't married. However, ensure all co-applicants have stable income and a clear understanding of shared ownership responsibilities.

Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme: For Mixed-Citizenship Couples

This scheme accommodates couples where one spouse is a Singapore Citizen and the other is neither a citizen nor a PR.

Who qualifies: Married couples where one spouse is a Singapore Citizen and the other holds a valid Long-Term Visit Pass or Work Pass. The non-citizen spouse must have legal status to reside in Singapore.

Restrictions: You can only purchase two-room Flexi flats, and this must be your first application under this scheme.

Income ceiling: Typically $7,000, though this may vary based on specific circumstances.

Important note: If your non-citizen spouse later obtains Singapore citizenship or PR status, you may become eligible for other schemes and flat types. Homejourney recommends consulting with HDB directly about your options if your spouse's status changes.

Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme: For Engaged Couples

Engaged couples (not yet married) can apply under this scheme if they meet specific requirements.

Who qualifies: At least one must be a Singapore Citizen, and you must provide proof of engagement (such as an engagement letter from HDB-approved religious institutions or civil engagement documentation).

Key requirement: You must marry within a specified timeframe after your flat is allocated. If you don't marry within this period, you may lose your allocation or face penalties.

Practical consideration: This scheme is less commonly used but provides a pathway for couples who are committed but not yet married.

Orphans Scheme: For Orphaned Siblings

This scheme supports orphaned siblings who want to purchase an HDB flat together.

Who qualifies: All applicants must be single, and at least one deceased parent must have been a Singapore Citizen or PR. Applicants can be as young as 21 years old.

Flat eligibility: Similar to other schemes, with income ceilings and flat type restrictions based on the number of applicants and their combined income.

Emotional and practical support: HDB recognizes the unique circumstances of orphaned siblings and provides pathways to homeownership that might otherwise be unavailable.

Income Ceilings and How They Affect Your Eligibility

Income ceilings are one of the most critical factors determining your HDB eligibility. They ensure that HDB flats remain affordable and accessible to lower and middle-income Singaporeans.

Current Income Ceilings (2026)

Here's a clear breakdown of current income ceilings by scheme and family type:

Important note: These ceilings represent average gross monthly household income. The calculation includes all income sources of all household members, including salary, bonuses, allowances, and other regular income.

How Income is Calculated

Understanding how HDB calculates your household income is crucial for determining eligibility. Here's what's included:

• Salary and wages: Your basic salary plus fixed allowances
• Bonuses: Annual bonuses are averaged over the assessment period
• Self-employment income: For self-employed individuals, income is calculated based on tax assessments
• Rental income: If you receive rental income from property, this is included
• Investment income: Dividends and other investment returns may be included

What's typically NOT included: CPF contributions, one-time payments, irregular income, or income from family members who aren't part of your household.

Income Ceiling Impact on Eligibility

If your household income exceeds the ceiling for your chosen scheme and flat type, your application will be disqualified—even if you meet all other criteria. This is a hard cutoff, not a guideline.

Example: A family of four with an average gross monthly income of $14,500 exceeds the $14,000 ceiling for standard families. They would be ineligible for three-room, four-room, five-room, or executive flats under the Public Scheme. However, if they qualify as a multi-generation household (grandparents, parents, and children), the $21,000 ceiling would apply, and they'd be eligible.

Strategic consideration: If your income is close to the ceiling, consider whether you can structure your household differently (such as adding a multi-generation component) to access a higher ceiling. However, all household members must genuinely live together—HDB verifies this.

Potential Income Ceiling Adjustments in 2026

The current income ceilings were last revised in 2019. As of late 2025, government officials have indicated that adjustments may be coming in 2026 to reflect rising incomes and wage growth while maintaining housing affordability. Homejourney recommends monitoring official HDB announcements for any updates, as higher income ceilings could expand your eligibility options.

CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG, and More

CPF housing grants are one of the most valuable benefits available to HDB buyers. These grants reduce the amount of cash you need to pay upfront, making homeownership more accessible. Understanding which grants you qualify for is essential to your financial planning.

Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG)

The Enhanced Housing Grant is the primary grant scheme for most HDB buyers. It provides substantial subsidies to help lower and middle-income families afford homeownership.

Grant amounts: EHG amounts vary based on your income level, family type, and flat type. Grants can range from tens of thousands to over $80,000 for eligible families.

Income eligibility: Generally, households with average gross monthly income of $7,000 or less qualify for maximum grants. Households with income up to the scheme ceiling qualify for reduced grants on a sliding scale.

Key benefit: EHG can be used for both BTO and resale purchases, providing flexibility in your property search.

How it works: Your EHG is credited directly toward your flat purchase price, reducing the amount you need to finance through a housing loan or pay in cash.

First-time Parents and Married Couples (FT(PMC)) Scheme

Recognizing the challenges young families face, HDB introduced flexibility for first-time parents and newly married couples.

Income assessment deferment: From July 2025 onwards, only one party needs to be a full-time student or National Service personnel (NSF), or has recently been one, for the couple to qualify for enhanced support. This recognizes that young couples may have lower current income but strong future earning potential.

Practical benefit: If you're a young couple where one partner recently completed NS or is still studying, you may qualify for better grant amounts than your current income would otherwise suggest.

Staggered Downpayment Scheme

The Staggered Downpayment Scheme addresses cash flow challenges by allowing you to pay your HDB downpayment in two instalments rather than one lump sum.

How it works: Instead of paying your full downpayment (typically 10% of the flat price) upfront, you can split it into two payments spread over time.

Who benefits: This scheme is particularly valuable for buyers who have limited liquid cash but strong income and CPF balances. It eases the immediate financial burden of purchasing.

Flexibility for Young Couples

HDB recognizes that young couples often have lower current income but strong earning potential. Several flexibility measures support younger buyers:

• Income assessment deferment: If you're a first-time parent or recently married couple, HDB may defer part of your income assessment, allowing you to qualify for better terms
• CPF usage flexibility: You can use CPF from both Ordinary Account and Special Account for housing purposes, maximizing your available funds
• Loan tenure extension: Younger buyers may qualify for longer loan repayment periods, reducing monthly installments

Other Grant Schemes

Beyond the main schemes, HDB offers targeted grants for specific situations:

Parenthood Housing Grant (PHG): Additional grant for families with children, recognizing the larger housing needs of families.

First-Seller Grant: For first-time sellers purchasing a resale flat after selling their initial HDB.

Proximity Housing Grant: For families purchasing flats close to their parents' or children's residences, supporting multi-generational living.

The specific grants you qualify for depend on your circumstances. Your HFE letter will detail all grants you're eligible for and the exact amounts.

Maximizing Your CPF Housing Grants

To maximize your grants, consider these strategies:

• Understand your income ceiling: Know exactly where your household income sits relative to the ceiling. If you're close to exceeding it, explore alternative household structures that might apply a higher ceiling
• Time your purchase strategically: If you're expecting significant income changes (such as a promotion or job change), consider timing your purchase before or after those changes based on how they affect your grant eligibility
• Explore all applicable schemes: Don't assume you only qualify for one scheme. Work with HDB to identify all schemes you might qualify for, as some provide better grant amounts than others
• Use grants for downpayment: Apply your grants toward your downpayment first, minimizing the amount you need to finance through loans

Step-by-Step HFE Application Process

Now that you understand the schemes and grants, here's exactly how to apply for your HFE letter and proceed with your HDB purchase.

Step 1: Complete the Preliminary HFE Check

Begin by accessing the HDB flat portal through Singpass. This preliminary check takes about 15-30 minutes and requires:

• Your personal particulars (NRIC, date of birth, etc.)
• Information about other flat applicants and occupiers in your household
• Declaration of any interest in local and/or overseas private property
• Indication of whether you intend to take up a housing loan

This preliminary check doesn't commit you to anything—it simply gives you an early indication of your likely eligibility before you proceed to the formal application.

What you'll learn: Whether you appear to meet basic eligibility criteria and which schemes might apply to your situation.

Step 2: Apply for Your HFE Letter (Within 30 Days)

Once you've completed the preliminary check, you have 30 calendar days to submit your formal HFE application. This is where you provide detailed information and select your housing loan options.

Housing loan selection: You'll have access to HDB's own loan packages as well as bank options including DBS, Hong Leong Finance, Maybank, OCBC, Sing Investments & Finance, and UOB. For each bank option, you'll need to obtain an In-Principle Approval (IPA) showing the loan amount you can borrow.

Required information: Provide complete details about your household income, family composition, property ownership history, and any other information relevant to your eligibility assessment.

Processing time: HDB typically processes HFE applications within 21 working days, though this can extend during peak periods. Plan accordingly if you have a specific timeline in mind.

Your HFE letter validity: Once approved, your HFE letter is valid for 9 months. This gives you a reasonable window to search for properties and make your purchase.

Step 3: Search for Your Ideal Flat

With your HFE letter in hand, you can now search for flats that match your eligibility and preferences. You can explore both BTO launches and resale flats in the open market.

For BTO flats: Monitor HDB's BTO launch announcements. Launches typically occur several times per year, with applications open for specific periods.

For resale flats: You can begin negotiating with sellers and obtaining Option to Purchase (OTP) documents.

Homejourney tip: Use Property Search to explore available properties and get a sense of market prices in your target areas. Understanding current market conditions helps you make informed decisions about location and flat type.

Step 4: Check Your Finances

Before committing to a specific property, thoroughly review your financial situation:

• Downpayment: Confirm you have sufficient cash for the downpayment (typically 10% of the flat price) after accounting for CPF grants and housing loan proceeds
• Monthly installments: Ensure your monthly loan installment is affordable relative to your income. HDB has debt-servicing ratio (DSR) limits to ensure you don't overextend
• Additional costs: Budget for stamp duties, legal fees, and other transaction costs
• CPF usage: Understand exactly how much CPF you'll use for the purchase and ensure you maintain sufficient CPF for retirement

For detailed guidance on financing options and calculating your affordability, explore 组屋完整购买：贷款和融资选项 | Homejourney 2026权威指南 .

Step 5: Apply for Your Chosen Flat

For BTO flats: Submit your application online during the official sales launch period. You'll need your HFE letter and will participate in the ballot system if the flat is oversubscribed.

For resale flats: Obtain an Option to Purchase (OTP) from the seller, then submit your resale application to HDB online. You'll need your HFE letter and the seller's information.

Step 6: Receive Allocation/Ballot Results

For BTO: If the flat is oversubscribed, HDB conducts a ballot. You'll receive notification of whether you've been selected.

For resale: You'll receive confirmation that your application has been submitted and processed.

Step 7: Book Your Flat (BTO) or Exercise OTP (Resale)

For BTO: If selected in the ballot, you'll proceed to book your flat and sign the Agreement for Lease.

For resale: You'll exercise your Option to Purchase, formally committing to the purchase.

Step 8-9: Complete Formalities and Take Possession

Complete all remaining paperwork, arrange your housing loan disbursement, and attend the completion appointment. Once all formalities are complete, you'll receive the keys to your new home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Understanding common pitfalls helps you navigate the HDB process smoothly. Here are mistakes Homejourney sees buyers make—and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Checking Eligibility Before Starting Your Search

The problem: Many buyers fall in love with a specific flat or location, only to discover they don't qualify for that flat type or scheme. This wastes time and creates disappointment.

How to avoid it: