Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants: Complete Buying Process Guide
If you want a fast, practical way to understand HDB eligibilityHDB schemes Singapore
This cluster guide builds on the main Homejourney pillar, HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants Guide , by focusing specifically on the step‑by‑step buying process and the practical details many first‑timers miss.
1. Why HDB Eligibility and Grants Matter Now (2025–2026)
From 2025–2026, HDB remains the most affordable entry point into Singapore’s housing market, but tighter loan rules and higher prices mean you cannot afford to guess your eligibility or grant amounts.
Income ceilings have been raised to $14,000 for most families and $21,000 for multi‑generation households, while grants like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) and Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) can cover easily 20–30% of a typical $350,000–$450,000 resale flat in non‑central towns like Woodlands or Sengkang.[1]
Homejourney’s role is to verify these rules from official HDB sources and present them clearly, so you do not rely on hearsay or outdated blog posts.
2. Key HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained in Simple Terms
HDB groups buyers under “schemes” based on household type. Your scheme determines the flat types you can buy and grants you can receive.[1][2]
2.1 Core HDB Schemes in Singapore
- Public Scheme: For families (e.g. married couples with/without children, or single with parents). At least one Singapore Citizen (SC), and another SC or PR.[1][2]
- Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme: Engaged couples applying for a flat together; you must register your marriage within the HDB deadline (typically 3 months after key collection).[1]
- Single Singapore Citizen Scheme: Unmarried/divorced/widowed SCs aged 35+; can buy 2‑room Flexi BTO or any resale flat type, subject to other rules.[1][2]
- Joint Singles Scheme: 2–4 SC singles (all 35+), buying together; common for friends or siblings pooling CPF.[2]
- Orphans Scheme: Single orphaned siblings (21+) buying together, where at least one deceased parent was SC/PR.[2]
- Non‑Citizen Spouse Scheme: SC with non‑citizen spouse (with eligible Long‑Term Visit Pass/other pass) buying HDB.[2]
Insider tip from the ground: in mature towns like Toa Payoh and Queenstown, most first‑timer couples come under the Public Scheme or Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, while singles in their 30s commonly opt for 2‑room Flexi BTOs in towns like Sembawang or Tengah for affordability.
2.2 Basic Eligibility Checklist (BTO & Resale)
- At least one applicant is a Singapore Citizen.[1][2]
- Age: usually 21+ for families; 35+ for singles (unless Orphans Scheme).[1][2]
- Form a valid family nucleus under one of the schemes above.[1]
- Income ceilings: generally $14,000 for families, $21,000 for multi‑gen families, $7,000 for singles BTO.[1][2]
- Property ownership: no private residential property locally/overseas, or must have disposed of it at least 30 months before applying; cannot own more than one HDB at a time.[2]
- Must not have taken two or more HDB loans or used up your CPF housing grant quota.[2]
If you are unsure which scheme you fall under, Homejourney’s eligibility tools and explainers in the main pillar guide can help you identify the correct scheme in minutes.
3. CPF Housing Grants, EHG and PHG: How They Work in Practice
HDB’s main CPF housing grants reduce your purchase price by being credited into your CPF Ordinary Account (OA), which you then use to pay for the flat.[1]
3.1 Key CPF Housing Grants
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): For first‑timer households (BTO or resale) with income up to $9,000; amount depends on average household income and remaining lease.[1]
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): For resale buyers living with or near parents/children; up to $30,000 depending on circumstances.[1]
- Family Grant & Singles Grant: Resale‑only grants for first‑timers buying from open market; amount depends on flat type and citizenship.[1]
- Top‑up grants (e.g. Citizen Top‑Up): For scenarios like converting a PR to SC spouse or adding a citizen child.[1]
3.2 Real‑World Example: Resale 4‑Room in Woodlands
Imagine a young couple, both SCs, buying a $450,000 4‑room resale flat in Woodlands near parents (10–15 minutes’ walk from Woodlands MRT Exit 2). Their combined income is $6,000.
- EHG: They may qualify for a substantial EHG (exact figure depends on detailed HDB formula).[1]
- Family Grant: As first‑timers, they may also receive the Family Grant for a 4‑room resale flat.[1]
- PHG: If they live within 4 km of parents, they can receive up to $30,000.[1]
Total grants could easily cross $100,000, reducing the effective "cash price" significantly. Homejourney’s grant estimators (linked from our pillar guide and this article) help you model this safely instead of relying on rough guesses.
3.3 Important Grant Rules to Remember
- Grants are credited into CPF OA, not given as cash.
- They reduce your housing loan needed, but also increase CPF "accrued interest" you must refund if you sell later.
- Most major grants are one‑time per household; using them now affects your options for future upgrades.
- Mis‑declaring income or family relationships to gain more grants is a serious offence; always be truthful.
4. The HDB Buying Process: Step‑by‑Step with Eligibility and Grants
Below is a simplified, practical flow that works whether you are eyeing a BTO in Tengah or a resale in Tampines.
Step 1: Confirm Your Scheme and Basic Eligibility
Start by identifying which HDB scheme you belong to (Public, Fiancé/Fiancée, Singles, etc.) and whether you meet age, citizenship, and family nucleus rules.[1][2]
Local insider tip: If you are getting married within the next 1–2 years and planning to buy a BTO in areas like Tengah or Kallang/Whampoa, lock in your eligibility under the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme early. Many couples only realise later that their incomes have exceeded $14,000, making them ineligible.
Step 2: Apply for Your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter
The HFE letter is now the core document that states:
- Whether you are eligible to buy a new or resale HDB flat
- Whether you qualify for an HDB loan, and the maximum amount
- What CPF housing grants (EHG, PHG, Family Grant etc.) you may receive
You apply via the official HDB Flat Portal.[3] Processing typically takes a few working days if documents are complete.
Homejourney strongly recommends obtaining HFE before
