Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants: Investment vs Own Stay Guide
Homejourney helps Singapore property seekers navigate HDB eligibility schemes and grants by distinguishing own-stay purchases from investments. For own-stay, families access schemes like Public Scheme with CPF grants such as EHG up to $120,000; investments are limited to resale HDB after 5-year MOP, without grants but with resale levy considerations.[1][2]
This cluster article builds on our pillar HDB Eligibility Schemes, Grants & Loans: Homejourney Guide, offering tactical advice for first-time buyers, upgraders, and investors prioritizing safety and trust.
Key HDB Eligibility Schemes: Own-Stay Focus
HDB eligibility starts with your family nucleus and citizenship. The Public Scheme suits most own-stay buyers: at least one Singapore Citizen, others Citizens or PRs, forming a family nucleus (spouses, children, parents).[1][2]
Singles aged 35+ qualify under Single Singapore Citizen Scheme for 2-room Flexi BTOs (income ceiling $7,000/month). Joint Singles (2-4 Citizens, same ceiling) or Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme (marry within 3 months post-purchase) enable co-ownership for own-stay.[1]
Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme requires a valid pass for the foreign spouse; first-timers get 2-room Flexi. Orphans from age 21 if a parent was Citizen/PR.[2] Check via HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter at Homejourney's property search for verified eligibility.
Income Ceilings for BTO Own-Stay (2025-2026)
| Scheme | Income Ceiling | Flat Type |
|---|---|---|
| Public/Family | $14,000 (household) | 3-room+ |
| Singles/Joint | $7,000 (average) | 2-room Flexi |
| Multi-gen | $21,000 | All |
No private property ownership allowed; dispose within 6-30 months if owned.[2] Homejourney verifies these for user safety.
CPF Housing Grants: Own-Stay Boosters
CPF housing grants like Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) offer up to $120,000 for first-timer families (income ≤$9,000), scaling down above. Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) adds $20,000-$30,000 to live near parents.[1] (Official HDB rates; confirm via HFE).
For resale own-stay, Family Grant up to $50,000; singles $25,000-$40,000 under certain schemes. Use Homejourney's bank rates tool alongside to compare HDB loans (2.6% interest, 25-year cap) vs bank loans, factoring MSR/TDSR (30-55% of income).[2]
Insider tip: First-time parents get priority BTO ballots; apply early in cycles like Feb 2026 Woodlands launches.[2]
HDB for Investment: Resale Only Post-MOP
Investors cannot use BTO schemes for profit; must serve 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) for own-stay first. Post-MOP, sell resale HDB (no grants, pay resale levy $5,000-$55,000 based on lease).[1]
Eligibility mirrors own-stay but no income ceiling without grants/HDB loan. Singles/joints buy any resale size. Foreigners/PRs face ABSD (5-30% for PRs, 60% for foreigners on second+ property); Citizens pay BSD only.[3]
LTV limits: 75% HDB loan (first-timer), 45% bank. No CPF grants for investment intent. Track via Homejourney projects directory for post-MOP resale trends in mature estates like Toa Payoh (prices ~$500k-$800k).
Investment vs Own-Stay: Decision Framework
| Factor | Own-Stay | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Schemes | BTO Public/Singles + Grants | Resale Post-MOP |
| Grants | EHG/PHG up to $160k | None |
| Costs | Lower entry, subsidies | ABSD, levy, higher stamp duty |
| Timeline | 3-5 years build | Immediate |
Own-stay suits families building equity with grants; investment for rental yield (3-4% in non-mature estates). Calculate via Homejourney tools.[2]
Step-by-Step: Check Your HDB Eligibility
Get HFE Letter online (HDB portal): inputs citizenship, income, ownership.[4]
Assess grants: EHG if ≤$9,000 income; PHG for proximity.[1]
Compare financing on Homejourney mortgage rates.
Apply BTO or search resale on Homejourney search.
Budget extras: 1% agent fee, $2k-$5k legal, post-purchase aircon services.
Timeline: HFE instant; BTO ballot 1-3 months wait. Disclaimer: Rules change; consult HDB/Homejourney for 2026 updates. Not financial advice.
Common Mistakes and Insider Tips
Mistake: Ignoring MSR (30% income to housing). Tip: Use combined income for couples.[2]
Mistake: Buying resale pre-grant check. Tip: Singles over 35 get CHG $15k-$30k in mature estates.
Investment pitfall: Forgetting 10% ABSD on second HDB. Real example: PR investor paid $50k extra on $500k Sengkang resale.[3]
Local tip: Priority for singles in 2025 FCS (Proximity) scheme, 30% 2-room Flexi quota.[6]
Avoid red flags like unverified agents; Homejourney verifies for trust.
FAQ: HDB Schemes Singapore
Q: What's the difference between EHG and PHG?
EHG is income-based (up to $120k first-timers); PHG is location-based ($20k-$30k near parents). Stackable for own-stay.[1]
Q: Can investors use HDB schemes?
No BTO/grants for investment; resale post-MOP only, with duties/levy.[2]
Q: PR eligibility for HDB own-stay?
