Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants: Your Complete Buying Process Guide
Buying your first HDB flat in Singapore requires understanding multiple eligibility schemes, housing grants, and financial requirements that determine whether you can purchase and what support you'll receive. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety and success by providing verified, transparent information to help you navigate this critical decision with confidence.
This guide walks you through every HDB eligibility scheme available in 2025, explains the grants you may qualify for, and outlines the complete buying process so you can make informed decisions about your home purchase.
HDB Eligibility Schemes: Which One Applies to You?
The Housing Development Board offers seven distinct eligibility schemes, each designed for different family structures and circumstances. Understanding which scheme applies to your situation is the first critical step in your HDB buying journey.
1. Public Scheme (Most Common)
The Public Scheme is the most widely used pathway for HDB purchases and suits families or households forming a valid family nucleus[1]. This includes spouses and children, parents and siblings, or children in legal custody[2].
Key Requirements:
- At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen
- At least one other applicant must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Income ceiling: $14,000 average gross monthly household income for standard families, or $21,000 for extended/multi-generation households[2]
- Cannot own private residential property locally or overseas
- Cannot have sold private property in the last 30 months[2]
Parents and children can be considered part of your family nucleus, making this scheme flexible for multi-generational households. This is particularly valuable for Singaporeans who want to include aging parents in their property purchase.
2. Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
If you're unmarried or divorced and aged 35 and above, you can apply individually under this scheme[1]. Orphans can apply once they reach 21 years old[1].
Key Requirements:
- Must be a Singapore Citizen aged 35 and above (or orphan aged 21+)
- Monthly income ceiling: $7,000[2]
- For BTO flats, only 2-room Flexi units are available[1]
- Cannot own private property or have sold any in the last 30 months
While singles face more limited flat options and higher per-unit costs compared to families, you may access special grants designed to support single-owner households. Homejourney recommends reviewing your CPF balance and financing options carefully before committing to this pathway.
3. Joint Singles Scheme
Groups of 2-4 single Singapore Citizens can apply together to form a household under this scheme[1].
Key Requirements:
- All co-applicants must be Singapore Citizens[1]
- Average household income must not exceed $7,000 monthly[2]
- Each applicant must be unmarried or divorced
- Suitable for friends or relatives wanting to co-own
This scheme offers flexibility for unrelated individuals who want to share housing costs and responsibilities. Ensure all co-applicants have compatible long-term housing plans before committing, as selling or transferring ownership later involves complex procedures.
4. Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme
Couples who haven't officially married can apply under this scheme[1]. You must submit your marriage certificate within 3 months after the resale completion date[1].
Key Requirements:
- At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen
- The other must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Standard income ceilings apply ($14,000 for families)
- Marriage certificate required within 3 months of completion
This scheme provides certainty for engaged couples planning to marry. However, if your wedding is delayed beyond the 3-month window, you may face complications with your flat purchase. Plan your timeline carefully.
5. Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme
If your spouse is neither a Singapore Citizen nor Permanent Resident, this scheme may apply[1].
Key Requirements:
- One spouse must be a Singapore Citizen
- The non-citizen spouse must have a valid Long-Term Visit Pass or Work Pass (for citizens aged 21-34) or Visit Pass/Work Pass (for citizens 35+)[1]
- Eligible for 2-room Flexi flats only[1]
- Must be first-time applicants under this scheme[1]
If your couple has a child who is a Singapore Citizen, you may qualify for the Public Scheme instead, which offers more flat options. Verify your eligibility carefully with HDB before proceeding.
6. Non-Citizen Family Scheme
Families with at least one Singapore Citizen and non-citizen parent or child can apply under this scheme[1].
Key Requirements:
- At least one parent or child must have a valid Long-Term Visit Pass or Work Pass[1]
- Suitable for multi-generational households with mixed citizenship status
7. Orphans Scheme
Orphan siblings who want to buy a BTO flat together, or orphans buying with another single person, can use this scheme[1].
Key Requirements:
- At least one deceased parent must have been a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident[1]
- All siblings must be single (for BTO applications)[1]
- Standard income ceilings apply
CPF Housing Grants: Maximizing Your Financial Support
Beyond eligibility schemes, HDB provides housing grants that can significantly reduce your purchase price. These grants are crucial for first-time buyers and should be factored into your financial planning.
Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG)
The Enhanced Housing Grant provides additional support to first-time buyers purchasing BTO flats or resale flats in non-mature estates[5].
Eligibility Requirements:
- First-time HDB flat buyers
- Household income ceiling: $14,000 for families, $7,000 for singles
- Purchasing BTO or resale flats in non-mature estates
- At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen
The EHG amount varies based on flat type, location, and household income. Homejourney recommends using the official HDB eligibility checker to calculate your exact grant amount before making purchasing decisions.
Priority Housing Grant (PHG)
The Priority Housing Grant supports first-time parents and married couples in their first five years of marriage[5].
Eligibility Requirements:
- At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen
- Married couples or couples with children
- First-time HDB flat buyers
- Standard income ceilings apply
This grant recognizes the housing needs of young families and provides meaningful financial support. If you're planning to start a family, applying before having children may still qualify you for this grant.
Additional Housing Grant (AHG)
Available for upgraders and second-time buyers under specific circumstances, the AHG helps families move to larger or better-located flats.
Key Considerations:
- Only available when upgrading to larger flat types
- Subject to income and ownership requirements
- Amount depends on current flat type and new flat type
Income Ceilings: Understanding Your Financial Limits
Income ceilings are critical eligibility barriers that determine whether you can purchase under each scheme. Exceeding the ceiling for your chosen flat type disqualifies your application, even if all other criteria are met[2].
Current 2025 Income Ceilings
- Families (3-room and larger): $14,000 average gross monthly household income[2]
- Extended/Multi-generation families: $21,000 average gross monthly household income[2]
- Singles (2-room Flexi): $7,000 monthly income[2]
- Resale flats without grants/HDB loan: No income ceiling[1]
