HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: Financing Options for 2026 Buyers

HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants: Your Complete Financing Roadmap

Understanding HDB eligibility schemes and grants is the foundation of affordable homeownership in Singapore. With Enhanced CPF Housing Grants (EHG) reaching up to $160,000 and Proximity Housing Grants (PHG) adding another $20,000–$30,000, knowing which schemes you qualify for can reduce your downpayment by tens of thousands of dollars. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety by verifying all eligibility criteria against official HDB sources, ensuring you make confident decisions backed by transparent, accurate information.

This guide walks you through the core schemes, grant stacking strategies, and financing options available in 2026, with real examples showing how these grants work in practice. Whether you're a first-time buyer targeting a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat in Punggol or upgrading to a resale 4-room in Sengkang, this roadmap will clarify your path to homeownership.

Core HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained

Before accessing any grant or loan, you must qualify under at least one HDB eligibility scheme. The scheme you fall into determines which flat types, income ceilings, and grants apply to you. Homejourney recommends starting with the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter—a single, streamlined application via Singpass that assesses your ability to buy a flat, qualify for CPF grants, and secure HDB or bank loans instantly. This letter remains valid for 9 months.

Public Scheme (Most Common)

Designed for family nuclei including at least one Singapore Citizen and one other Citizen or Permanent Resident. Parents and children can be part of your family nucleus. Income ceiling: $14,000/month for standard families, $21,000/month for multi-generational households. This scheme covers both BTO and resale flats, making it the most flexible option for married couples and families.

Single Singapore Citizen Scheme (SCSS)

For unmarried, divorced, or widowed Singapore Citizens aged 35 and above (21+ if orphaned or widowed). Income ceiling: $7,000/month. In BTO exercises, only 2-room Flexi units are available; however, resale options include larger units. Singles can also purchase with family members under the Public Scheme if they form a family nucleus.

Joint Singles Scheme (JSS)

Groups of 2–4 Singapore Citizens can pool resources to buy together. Average monthly income ceiling: $7,000. All co-applicants must be Citizens. This scheme opens access to larger resale flats and Executive Condominiums (ECs), making it popular among young professionals forming shared households.

Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme

Pre-marital couples where at least one is a Singapore Citizen can apply together. You must submit your marriage certificate within 3 months of resale completion. This scheme allows engaged couples to secure a flat before their wedding, with full access to family grants like EHG.

Non-Citizen Spouse and Orphans Schemes

The Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme accommodates couples where one partner is neither a Citizen nor Permanent Resident (holding a valid Long Term Visit Pass or Work Pass). Limited to 2-room Flexi units. The Orphans Scheme supports sibling groups where at least one deceased parent was a Singapore Citizen or PR, with all siblings remaining single.

CPF Housing Grants: Maximizing Your Financial Support

CPF housing grants are non-withdrawable CPF top-ups that reduce your loan quantum, not cash handouts. Eligibility requires an HFE letter and no prior grant receipt (with limited exceptions for second-timers). From July 2025, flexibility expanded for National Service Full-time (NSF) and student couples, allowing them to defer grant applications until after NSF completion.

Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)

The largest grant available. First-timer families earning ≤$14,000/month qualify for up to $80,000; singles earning ≤$7,000/month receive up to $60,000. The grant is tiered—higher income means a lower grant amount, but all first-timers within the ceiling receive something. EHG applies to both BTO and resale purchases.

Real Example: A young couple in Sengkang earning $9,000 combined qualifies for the full $80,000 EHG. On a $450,000 4-room BTO, this reduces their downpayment from $45,000 (10%) to just $5,000—a massive relief for first-time buyers.

Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)

If you're buying near your parents (within 4 km), you unlock an additional $20,000–$30,000 grant, depending on flat size and family income. Singles qualify for PHG too, making this grant accessible beyond married couples. PHG stacks with EHG, multiplying your financial advantage.

Family Grant (Stacking Strategy)

Married couples and engaged pairs can combine EHG and PHG into a Family Grant reaching $50,000–$160,000, depending on income tier and proximity to parents. Homejourney cross-checks your eligibility to ensure maximum stacking per HDB rules—many buyers miss thousands by not applying strategically.

HDB and Bank Financing Options

Once your HFE letter confirms grant eligibility, you'll secure a loan to cover the remaining purchase price. Two main financing routes exist: HDB loans and bank mortgages. Understanding the differences helps you choose the option that fits your financial situation.

HDB Housing Loan

HDB offers loans directly to buyers, with interest rates fixed at 2.6% per annum (as of 2026). Loan tenure extends up to 30 years, and the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio typically caps at 80% of the flat's value. HDB loans are straightforward, with no hidden fees, making them predictable for budget planning. However, HDB loans are only available for HDB flats, not private properties or ECs.

Bank Mortgages

Banks offer competitive rates (often 2.0%–2.5% in 2026) and flexible terms. You can refinance if rates drop, and some banks offer cashback or fee waivers for first-time buyers. However, banks apply stricter debt servicing checks. Check Homejourney's Bank Rates " style="color: #0066cc; text-decoration: none;">bank rates comparison to see current mortgage offers from DBS, OCBC, UOB, and other major lenders.

Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) and Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR)

Both HDB and banks enforce TDSR limits: your monthly loan repayment cannot exceed 60% of gross monthly income. Additionally, MSR caps your mortgage payment at 30% of income. A couple earning $9,000/month can service approximately $5,400 in total debt monthly—critical when calculating how much you can borrow. Homejourney factors these limits into its affordability calculators to prevent over-leveraging.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Navigating HDB eligibility and grants involves multiple steps. Homejourney streamlines this by verifying each stage, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

1. Verify Eligibility: Log into the HDB portal via Singpass and check which schemes apply to you. Note your income ceiling and any restrictions (e.g., flat size for singles).
2. Apply for HFE Letter: Submit your HFE application within 30 days of verification. You'll need citizenship proof, income documents (payslips, tax returns), and a no-property declaration. The HFE letter arrives instantly via Singpass.
3. Search for Properties: Use Homejourney's Property Search " style="color: #0066cc; text-decoration: none;">property search to filter BTO launches, resale flats, and ECs by location, price, and grant eligibility. Our filters show which grants apply to each property.
4. Submit Grant Application: Once you've selected a flat (or received a BTO allocation), apply for EHG and PHG via HDB. Grants are credited post-purchase, reducing your loan quantum.
5. Secure Financing: Submit your HFE letter and grant approval to HDB or your chosen bank. They'll approve your loan quantum and tenure.
6. Complete Purchase: Finalize legal paperwork (typically $2,000–$3,000 in legal fees), and you'll receive the keys within 1–2 months for resale or upon flat completion for BTO.

Timeline Insight: HFE approval is instant, but grants process post-purchase (2–4 weeks). For BTO, the entire timeline spans 3–5 years from application to key collection. For resale, expect 1–2 months from offer to completion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Applying for HFE Too Late – Your HFE letter expires after 9 months. If you're hunting for resale flats, apply early and renew if needed. Missing this window means reapplying and delaying your purchase.

Mistake 2: Not Stacking Grants Strategically – Many buyers claim only EHG and miss PHG eligibility. If your parents live within 4 km of your target flat, apply for PHG too—it's an extra $20,000–$30,000.

Mistake 3: Overlooking TDSR Limits – Couples earning $10,000 might think they can borrow $500,000, but TDSR caps their serviceable debt at $6,000/month. Overextending leads to loan rejection or financial stress.

Mistake 4: Choosing the Wrong Financing Option – HDB loans offer simplicity; bank mortgages offer flexibility and potentially lower rates. Compare both before committing. Homejourney's Bank Rates " style="color: #0066cc; text-decoration: none;">mortgage rates tool shows real-time offers from major banks.

Insider Tips for 2026 Buyers

Tip 1: Target Non-Mature Estates for Lower Prices – BTO flats in Punggol, Tengah, and Woodlands start at $400,000–$450,000 for 4-rooms, compared to $550,000+ in mature estates like Toa Payoh. Combined with $80,000 EHG + $30,000 PHG, your downpayment shrinks dramatically.

Tip 2: Apply Early in BTO Cycles – HDB launches BTO exercises quarterly. Applying early maximizes your chances of allocation in your preferred location. Once allocated, your HFE letter remains valid through the construction period.

Tip 3: Consider Resale Plus for Flexibility