Executive Summary: Why HDB Eligibility & Grants Matter in 2026
If you are buying an HDB flat in 2026, understanding HDB eligibility, CPF housing grants, the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), and the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) is just as important as choosing the right estate. Homejourney’s role is to help you navigate these rules safely, using verified data from HDB and other official sources so you do not make costly mistakes.
In 2025–2026, HDB has kept income ceilings for BTO and most new flats at $14,000 for families (and up to $21,000 for multi‑generation households), while first‑timer grants like the EHG (up to $80,000 for families, $40,000 for singles on resale) and PHG (up to $30,000 for living with parents) remain key tools to keep housing affordable.[1][3] At the same time, stricter rules around HFE letters, LTV limits, and MSR/TDSR mean you must plan both eligibility and financing together.[1][4]
From walking young couples through their first BTO in Tampines GreenBloom to helping second‑timers right‑size from a 5‑room in Jurong West to a 3‑room in Queenstown, one pattern stands out: buyers who understand the schemes and grants early are less stressed, make better decisions, and avoid last‑minute surprises. This Homejourney pillar guide consolidates everything you need to know about HDB schemes Singapore and grants, so you can buy with confidence and safety in mind.
Table of Contents
- 1. HDB Eligibility Basics: Who Can Buy What in 2026
- 2. HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained (Public, Fiancé, Singles & More)
- 3. CPF Housing Grants Overview: EHG, PHG & Other Key Grants
- 4. Financial Rules: Income Ceilings, LTV, MSR, TDSR & CPF Usage
- 5. Step‑by‑Step: How to Check HDB Eligibility & Apply Grants Safely
- 6. Common Mistakes & Real‑World Examples from Singapore Buyers
- 7. Decision‑Making Framework: BTO vs Resale, Own‑Stay vs Investment
- 8. Cost & Timeline: What to Expect from Booking to Key Collection
- 9. FAQs: Real Questions from Singapore Buyers
- 10. Next Steps & How Homejourney Keeps Your Purchase Safe
1. HDB Eligibility Basics: Who Can Buy What in 2026
1.1 The Three Big Questions You Must Answer First
Before comparing flats in Sengkang versus Bukit Batok on Homejourney’s property search Property Search , you should answer three questions:
- Who are you buying with? (family, fiancé/fiancée, single, parents)
- What type of flat and market? (BTO, Plus/Prime, resale, new vs old)
- How are you financing? (HDB loan vs bank loan, CPF vs cash)
Your answers determine which HDB eligibility scheme applies, what CPF housing grants you qualify for, and how much you can borrow. According to HDB, buyers must qualify under at least one eligibility scheme (e.g. Public Scheme, Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, Single Singapore Citizen Scheme) and meet citizenship, age, property ownership, and other rules.[1][2][3]
1.2 Core HDB Eligibility Requirements (Quick Checklist)
Below is a simplified checklist for most typical buyers. Always confirm details on HDB’s portal and with your HFE letter because rules may be updated.[4]
Insider tip from the ground: officers at HDB Hub in Toa Payoh will often refer you straight back to your HFE letter for most eligibility questions. Get the HFE done first; do not wait until you fall in love with a 4‑room in Clementi only to find out your spouse’s overseas property disqualifies you.
2. HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained (Public, Fiancé, Singles & More)
2.1 Key HDB Schemes Singapore: At a Glance
HDB groups buyers into different eligibility schemes, each with specific conditions. Here is a high‑level comparison suitable for quick reference.
2.2 Public Scheme (Most Common Family Route)
Under the Public Scheme, you form a family nucleus consisting of:
- You and your spouse (and children, if any), or
- You and your parents/siblings, or
- You and your children if you are widowed/divorced with legal custody.[2][3]
You must have at least one Singapore Citizen and at least one other Singapore Citizen or PR in the application.[2] For BTO and new flats, your average gross monthly household income generally cannot exceed $14,000 for families and $21,000 for multi‑generation flats.[1][2]
Real‑life example: A couple working in Changi Business Park earning $6,000 and $4,500 respectively (total $10,500) wanting a 4‑room BTO in Tampines. They qualify under the Public Scheme and meet the BTO income ceiling, so they can also access grants like the EHG if they are first‑timers.
2.3 Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme
The Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme is for engaged couples who plan to marry within HDB’s specified window. You must register your marriage typically within 3 months of key collection for BTOs or within HDB’s stated period; exact timing is stated in your approval letter.[1][2]
This is very common for couples in their late 20s booking BTOs near MRT stations like Woodlands North or Punggol Coast. Insider tip: if your wedding is likely to be delayed, speak to HDB early—do not ignore the deadline, as non‑compliance can lead to cancellation.
2.4 Single Singapore Citizen & Joint Singles Schemes
Singles (unmarried, divorced, or widowed Singapore Citizens) can buy HDB flats under two main schemes:[1][2][3]
- Single Singapore Citizen Scheme – Buying alone; must be at least 35 years old.
- Joint Singles Scheme – 2 to 4 single SCs buying together; each must be at least 35.
For BTOs, singles can generally buy 2‑room Flexi flats (subject to flat type, location and income ceiling, often around $7,000 for singles).[2][3] For resale flats, singles can buy most flat types, subject to standard ownership and citizenship rules.
Example: A 38‑year‑old working in Raffles Place earning $5,000 a month wants to stay near his parents in Bedok South. He buys a 2‑room Flexi resale flat for about $200,000 and uses EHG for singles plus PHG since the flat is within 4km of his parents’ home.[1][3]
2.5 Non‑Citizen Spouse & Orphans Schemes
Under the Non‑Citizen Spouse Scheme, a Singapore Citizen can buy certain flats with a foreign spouse holding a valid Long‑Term Visit Pass (LTVP/LTVP+) or eligible work pass.[2][3] Flat choices can be more limited compared to full‑citizen couples, and grant amounts may differ, so always check using your HFE letter and HDB calculator.[4]
The Orphans Scheme is designed for orphaned siblings who wish to stay together in the family home or buy a new flat together. At least one sibling must be a Singapore Citizen and they must be unmarried; HDB has additional rules to prevent siblings from separating into multiple flats prematurely.[1]
3. CPF Housing Grants Overview: EHG, PHG & Other Key Grants
3.1 What Are CPF Housing Grants?
CPF housing grants are amounts credited into your CPF Ordinary Account, which you then use to pay for your flat (downpayment or loan reduction). They are not cash on hand, but they significantly reduce how much cash and loan you need. Key grants include the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), Proximity Housing Grant (PHG), and several targeted schemes for families.[1][3][5]
3.2 Main HDB Grants in 2026 (Quick Comparison)
Here is a simplified table of major grants for HDB buyers in 2025–2026. Exact quantum depends on income, flat type, and whether you are buying new or resale.
