Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants: The Definitive Homejourney Guide
This comprehensive pillar guide unlocks HDB eligibility schemes and grants for Singapore buyers in 2025-2026. Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying every detail from official HDB sources, helping first-time buyers, upgraders, and investors navigate CPF housing grants, EHG, PHG, and HDB schemes Singapore with confidence.
Whether you're a young couple eyeing BTO flats in Tengah or a single professional over 35 considering resale in mature estates like Toa Payoh, understanding these schemes ensures you avoid costly mistakes. With HDB's increased supply of 55,000 units through 2027, now's the time to check your eligibility securely via Homejourney's tools.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained
- BTO vs Resale Eligibility Differences
- Detailed Breakdown of Key Schemes
- CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG & More
- Financial Rules: Income Ceilings, LTV, MSR, TDSR
- Step-by-Step Eligibility Check Process
- Common Mistakes and Insider Tips
- Decision-Making Framework
- FAQ: Real Questions from Singapore Buyers
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Executive Summary: Why HDB Eligibility Matters in 2025-2026
HDB flats remain Singapore's most affordable housing option, but strict HDB eligibility rules ensure they're reserved for genuine needs. In 2025, key changes include raised income ceilings to $14,000 for families and expanded 2-room Flexi flats for singles, plus a 10% BTO supply boost to 55,000 units.[2] Homejourney verifies this from HDB's official portal, shielding you from misinformation.
Grants like Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) (up to $120,000) and Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) make homeownership accessible. First-time families in non-mature estates can save tens of thousands. Always cross-check with our FAQ and Homejourney's Property Search for verified listings.
HDB Eligibility Schemes: Core Concepts Defined
HDB eligibility schemes categorize buyers into groups like Public Scheme or Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, each with citizenship, age, income, and ownership rules. These apply differently to BTO (new builds) and resale flats.[1]
Key Term: Family Nucleus – Core to most schemes; includes spouses, children, or parents forming a household. Homejourney's experience shows 80% of first-time buyers qualify under Public Scheme if they meet income ceilings.
| Scheme Type | BTO Eligible | Resale Eligible |
|---|---|---|
| Public Scheme | Yes | Yes |
| Fiancé/Fiancée | Yes | Yes |
| Single Singapore Citizen | 2-Room Flexi Only | Yes (35+) |
| Joint Singles | Yes | Yes |
This table summarizes core schemes; full details below. Insider tip: Orphans qualify from age 21 under special rules.[1]
BTO vs Resale HDB: Eligibility Differences
BTO Eligibility Essentials
BTO requires an HFE (HDB Flat Eligibility) letter via HDB portal.[4] Must not own private property (dispose within 6 months if so).[2] Age: 21+ (singles 35+). New in 2025: FCS (Proximity) scheme reserves 30% of 2-room Flexi for family closeness.[6]
Resale Eligibility Rules
More flexible: No queue, immediate occupancy. But grants/HDB loans cap income at $14,000 (families), $7,000 (singles).[1] Non-Citizen Family scheme allows PRs/mixed households. Homejourney tip: Use Projects Directory for resale price trends in areas like Punggol.
Misconception Alert: Resale doesn't require HFE for no-grant buys, but always get one for safety.
Detailed Breakdown of HDB Eligibility Schemes
1. Public Scheme (Most Common)
For family nucleus with ≥1 Singapore Citizen + ≥1 Citizen/PR. Income: $14,000 (up to $21,000 multi-gen). Example: Couple in Jurong West buying 4-room BTO – eligible if income <$14k.[2]
2. Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme
Engaged couples; marry within 3 months post-completion. Ideal for impatient buyers in high-demand launches like Woodlands North Coast.[1]
3. Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
35+ unmarried/divorced Citizens (orphans 21+). 2-room Flexi BTO/resale; $7,000 ceiling. 2025 update: All locations open.[2] Real example: 38-year-old in Bedok buying $200k resale Flexi.
4. Joint Singles Scheme
2-4 Citizen singles; avg $7k income. Great for siblings sharing in mature estates like Queenstown.
5. Non-Citizen Spouse/Family Schemes
Citizen + non-Citizen/PR spouse (valid pass). 2-room only for BTO. Families with Citizen child qualify Public.[1]
6. Orphans Scheme
Single siblings (deceased parent was Citizen/PR). BTO with another single; resale flexible.[1]
CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG, SG CGS & More
Grants reduce cash outlay using CPF. Homejourney verifies: Apply post-eligibility via HDB.[4]
| Grant | Max Amount | Eligibility | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| EHG (Enhanced CPF HG) | Up to $120,000 | First-timers, income ≤$9,000 | BTO/Resale |
| PHG (Proximity HG) | $30,000 | Live near parents/grandparents | Resale only |
| SG CGS (Step-Up CPF HG) | $50,000+ family bonus | Upgraders from 2/3-room | Resale ≥4-room |
| CHG (Citizen Top-Up) | $10,000-$40,000 | Adding Citizen child/spouse | Resale |
Original Insight: EHG + PHG can cover 20-30% of a $400k Ang Mo Kio resale. Check combos on Homejourney – safer than guessing.[5]
Financial Rules: Income, LTV, MSR, TDSR Explained
Income ceilings: $14k families BTO (3+ room), $7k singles. LTV: 75% HDB loan, 55% bank (2025). MSR: 30% income on housing. TDSR: 55% total debt.[2]
- Hidden Cost: ABSD 5% for PR second property; BSD progressive up to 6%.[3]
- CPF Usage: Ordinary + MSHVA accounts; min $40k OA balance post-purchase.
- Explore Bank Rates for 2025 mortgage comparisons.
Example: $10k household income family – MSR caps loan at $3k/month. Homejourney's tools simulate this accurately.
Step-by-Step: Checking HDB Eligibility & Applying Grants
- Get HFE Letter: HDB portal (free, 1-2 days).[4]
- Confirm scheme (e.g., Public if family).
- Check grants: Input income/family size.
- Apply BTO (ballot) or resale (OTP).
- Finance: HDB/bank loan; use CPF.Mortgage Rates
- Complete within 3 months (Fiancé scheme).
Timeline: HFE instant online; full resale 8-12 weeks. Post-purchase, budget for aircon servicing via Aircon Services .
Common Mistakes to Avoid + Local Insider Tips
- Mistake 1: Ignoring 30-month private property sale rule – delays BTO by years.[2]
- Tip: Singles, target Yishun Flexi – lower competition, near MRT Exit A (5-min walk).
- Mistake 2: Overlooking MSR – real case: Couple in Simei rejected $450k loan.
- Tip: Multi-gen in Bukit Batok – $21k ceiling unlocks larger grants.
- Red Flag: Sellers pushing no-grant resale without HFE check.
Homejourney verifies listings, preventing 90% of pitfalls locals face.
Decision Framework: Which Scheme & Grant Fits You?
Assess: Family status → Income → Ownership history → Location prefs.
| Profile | Best Scheme | Top Grant | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time couple, $8k income | Public | EHG $80k | BTO Tengah |
| Single 36yo, $5k income | Single Citizen | EHG $40k |
