HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: Homejourney 2026 Guide
Executive Summary: This definitive Homejourney guide unlocks HDB eligibility schemes and grants for Singapore buyers in 2026. Covering HDB eligibility, CPF housing grants, EHG, PHG, and HDB schemes Singapore, we provide step-by-step insights, current rules, and insider tips to ensure safe, informed decisions in a trusted environment.
Homejourney prioritizes your safety with verified data from official HDB sources, helping first-timers, families, singles, and upgraders navigate eligibility confidently.
Table of Contents
- 1. Why HDB Eligibility Matters in 2026
- 2. HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter Explained
- 3. Core HDB Eligibility Schemes
- 4. CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG & More
- 5. BTO vs Resale Eligibility Differences
- 6. Income Ceilings, LTV, MSR & TDSR
- 7. Eligibility for Singles & Special Cases
- 8. Step-by-Step Application Process
- 9. 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 10. Costs, CPF Usage & Financing
- 11. FAQ: HDB Eligibility & Grants
- 12. Next Steps with Homejourney
1. Why HDB Eligibility Matters in 2026
Singapore's HDB flats remain the cornerstone of affordable housing, but strict HDB eligibility rules ensure they serve public needs. In 2026, with over 55,000 new BTO units launched from 2025-2027, demand stays high amid rising prices.[2] Understanding HDB schemes Singapore like family nucleus or singles schemes prevents disqualification.
As a first-time buyer in areas like Punggol or Tengah, failing eligibility checks wastes months. Homejourney verifies rules from HDB sources, building trust through transparency.[1][2]
Current market: BTO prices start at S$150,000 for 2-room Flexi, up 5-10% YoY. Resale averages S$500,000 islandwide. Grants like EHG up to S$120,000 slash costs for eligible households.[2]
2. HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter Explained
The HFE letter is your gateway to buying HDB flats, consolidating checks for purchase eligibility, CPF housing grants, and loans since May 2023.[3] Valid for 9 months, it confirms if you qualify for BTO or resale.[3]
What the HFE Letter Covers
- Flat Purchase: BTO/resale eligibility under schemes.
- CPF Grants: Amounts for EHG, PHG, etc.
- HDB/Bank Loans: Max quantum based on LTV.[3]
Insider tip: Apply via HDB Flat Portal with Singpass; Myinfo auto-fills details, cutting paperwork.[3] Homejourney recommends this before viewing flats on our Property Search tool.
HFE vs Old HLE: Key Changes
| Aspect | Old HLE | New HFE (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Loan only | Flat, grants, loans |
| Validity | 6 months | 9 months |
| Application | Separate docs | Singpass Myinfo |
Source: HDB updates.[3] Always cross-check on Homejourney for latest.
3. Core HDB Eligibility Schemes
HDB eligibility schemes define who can buy. At least one Singapore Citizen (SC) applicant; others SC or PR. Age: 21+ (35+ for singles).[1]
Public Scheme (Family Nucleus)
For married couples, parents with kids. Income ceiling: S$14,000 (S$21,000 multi-gen).[1] No private property ownership or sold within 30 months.[1]
Other Schemes Table
| Scheme | Who Qualifies | Key Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Fiancé/Fiancée | Engaged SC couples | Marry post-ballot |
| Orphans | Orphan siblings (21+) | Deceased parent SC/PR |
| Non-Citizen Spouse | SC + non-SC/PR spouse | 2-room Flexi only |
4. CPF Housing Grants: EHG, PHG & More
CPF housing grants reduce cash outlay. First-timers get most; amounts tiered by income.[2]
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
Up to S$120,000 for families; S$60,000 per single (max S$120,000 joint).[2] For households ≤S$1,500/month avg. Deducted from purchase price.[2]
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
S$20,000 to live near parents/children. No income ceiling; resale only.[1] Homejourney tip: Verify parents' flat via HFE.
Grants Comparison
| Grant | Max Amount (Family) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| EHG | S$120,000 | First-timer, income-based |
| PHG | S$20,000 | Near parents |
| Family Grant | S$50,000 | 2nd-timer families |
5. BTO vs Resale Eligibility Differences
BTO: Stricter; needs HFE pre-launch. No prior 2+ HDB loans.[1] Resale: Flexible, but second-timers limited grants.
- BTO Priority: First-timers 85% quota.
- Resale: Any size except 3Gen for singles.[2]
See HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: Step‑by‑Step Buying Process | Homejourney for processes.
6. Income Ceilings, LTV, MSR & TDSR
Income: S$14k families, S$7k singles for BTO.[1][2] LTV: 75% HDB loan (90% for
MSR & TDSR Defined
- MSR: Housing ≤30% income.
- TDSR: All debt ≤55% income (MAS rule).
Check rates via Bank Rates or Mortgage Rates on Homejourney.
7. Eligibility for Singles & Special Cases
Singles (35+ SC): 2-room Flexi all locations post-2H2024.[2] Joint: 2-4 singles, S$7k ceiling.[1]
From 2025-2027 supply boost aids singles.[2] Example: Single in Bedok earning S$5k qualifies for EHG S$60k.
8. Step-by-Step Application Process
- Prelim HFE Check: HDB Portal, Singpass.[3]
- Full HFE: Select loan (HDB/DBS/OCBC etc.) within 30 days.[3]
- BTO Ballot: Use HFE during launch.
- Resale: HFE + options fee.
Timeline: HFE in days; BTO wait 3-5 years. Detail in HDB Eligibility Schemes & Grants: Investment vs Own Stay | Homejourney .
9. 8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming PR spouse auto-qualifies (needs scheme).[1]
- Ignoring 30-month private property rule.[1]
- Missing income docs pre-HFE.[3]
- Overlooking MSR in dual-income homes.
- Not disposing private property in 6 months.[1]
- Singles applying under 35 (except orphans).[2]
- Forgetting ABSD for non-first-timers.
- Skipping Homejourney verification tools.
Real example: Couple in Jurong lost ballot for unreported overseas condo.
10. Costs, CPF Usage & Financing
Breakdown for S$300k BTO: Grants S$80k EHG, CPF Ordinary + MSH, HDB loan 75%.[2] Hidden: BSD 1-3%, ABSD 0-65% foreigners.
Strategies: Max CPF for downpayment. Explore HDB Eligibility Schemes, Grants & Loans: Homejourney’s 2026 Financing Playbook .
11. FAQ: HDB Eligibility & Grants
Q: Who qualifies for EHG?
A: First-timers ≤S$1,500/month; up to S$120k families.[2]
Q: Singles HDB eligibility?
A: 35+ SC for SCSS; 2-room Flexi.[2]
Q: PHG amount?
A: S$20k near parents, resale.[1]
Q: Income ceiling 2026?
A: S$14k families, under review.[1]
Q: Foreigners buy HDB?
A: No, unless SC spouse scheme (limited).[1]
Q: How to check HDB eligibility?
A: HFE letter on HDB portal; use Homejourney Property Search post-check.
Q: Second-timer grants?
A: Limited; PHG ok.[1] See HDB购房补贴和资格投资 vs 自住：如何选择 | Homejourney指南 .
12. Next Steps with Homejourney
1. Get HFE letter today.
2. Search verified flats on Property Search .
3. Compare loans via Bank Rates .
4. Analyze projects at Projects .
Homejourney ensures safety with verified listings and support. Start your journey securely.
Disclaimer: Not financial advice. Consult HDB/professionals. Data current Jan 2026; rules change.[1][2][3]
