Understanding HDB Eligibility Schemes and Grants: Your 2025 Guide
Navigating HDB eligibility schemes can feel overwhelming, but understanding which scheme applies to your situation is the critical first step toward homeownership in Singapore. At Homejourney, we prioritize your safety and success by breaking down every scheme, grant, and income requirement so you can make confident decisions about your HDB purchase.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, a young couple, a single professional, or planning a multi-generational household, HDB has specific eligibility schemes designed for your circumstances. Each scheme comes with its own income ceilings, property restrictions, and grant opportunities—and getting these details right from the start can save you months of delays and thousands of dollars.
The Six Core HDB Eligibility Schemes Explained
HDB offers distinct eligibility schemes to ensure fair access to public housing for different family structures and circumstances. Understanding which scheme applies to you is essential before you begin your application journey.
1. Public Scheme: For Family Nucleuses
The Public Scheme is the most common pathway for families buying HDB flats. This scheme is designed for applicants who form a valid family nucleus—typically spouses with children, or multi-generational households including parents and adult children.
To qualify under the Public Scheme, at least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen, and at least one other must be either a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident. Your parents or children can be included as part of your family nucleus, which is particularly valuable for extended families planning to live together.
The income ceiling for the Public Scheme is $14,000 average gross monthly household income for standard families, or $21,000 for extended or multi-generation households. This higher ceiling recognizes that larger family units typically have combined incomes from multiple earners.
2. Single Singapore Citizen Scheme: For Eligible Singles
Single Singaporeans aged 35 and above can apply independently under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme. This scheme also applies to unmarried or divorced individuals who meet the age requirement, and orphans can apply once they reach 21 years old.
An important restriction: singles can only purchase two-room Flexi units under this scheme. The monthly income ceiling is $7,000, which is half the family ceiling. While singles pay a premium compared to families, you may be eligible for special grants to offset costs.
3. Joint Singles Scheme: For Groups of 2-4 Singles
If you're a single looking to buy with friends or colleagues, the Joint Singles Scheme allows groups of two to four single Singapore Citizens to apply together and form a household. All co-applicants must be Singapore Citizens, and your average household income must not exceed $7,000 monthly.
This scheme is ideal for young professionals, friends sharing housing costs, or siblings who want to own property together. It provides a pathway to homeownership without requiring marriage or a traditional family structure.
4. Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme: For Engaged Couples
Couples who are engaged but not yet married can apply under the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme. This scheme recognizes that many couples purchase flats before their wedding date. The key requirement is that you must submit your certificate of marriage within 3 months after the resale completion date.
This scheme applies to both Built-to-Order (BTO) and resale flats, giving engaged couples flexibility in their purchase timing without waiting for their wedding to be officially registered.
5. Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme: For Mixed-Citizenship Couples
If one spouse is a Singapore Citizen and the other is neither a Citizen nor a Permanent Resident, you can apply under the Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme. The non-citizen spouse must have a valid Long-Term Visit Pass or Work Pass.
This scheme is restricted to two-room Flexi units only, and you must be first-time applicants under this scheme. The age of the citizen spouse affects documentation requirements: if the citizen is between 21-34 years old, the non-citizen must have a Long-Term Visit Pass or Work Pass; if 35 or older, a standard Visit Pass or Work Pass suffices.
6. Orphans Scheme: For Orphaned Siblings
Orphaned siblings can purchase HDB flats together under the Orphans Scheme. At least one deceased parent must have been a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, and all siblings must be single. For resale flats, orphans can apply with another single person, providing flexibility in their purchase arrangements.
Income Ceilings: The Critical Eligibility Threshold
Income ceilings are non-negotiable eligibility requirements that determine whether your household qualifies for HDB purchase. If your household income exceeds the ceiling for your chosen flat type, your application will be disqualified regardless of other qualifications.
Current 2025 Income Ceilings:
- $14,000 monthly for families applying for three-room flats and larger
- $21,000 monthly for extended or multi-generation families applying collectively
- $7,000 monthly for singles under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
- $7,000 average monthly for Joint Singles Scheme applicants
- Resale flats with grants or HDB loan: $14,000 for families, $7,000 for singles
- Resale flats without grants or HDB loan: No income ceiling applies
These income ceilings were last revised in 2019. Government officials have indicated that adjustments may occur in the coming years to reflect rising incomes while maintaining housing affordability. At Homejourney, we recommend confirming current ceilings directly with HDB before submitting your application, as policy updates can affect eligibility.
CPF Housing Grants: Maximizing Your Purchasing Power
CPF housing grants are government subsidies that reduce the amount you need to pay out of pocket for your HDB flat. Understanding which grants you qualify for can significantly impact your affordability and purchasing power.
Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG)
The Enhanced Housing Grant provides additional subsidies to first-time buyers, particularly those with lower incomes. The grant amount varies based on your household income, flat type, and location. First-time buyers in their first or second HDB purchase typically receive the highest EHG amounts.
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
If you're buying a resale flat near your parents or adult children, the Proximity Housing Grant provides additional subsidies to encourage multi-generational living. This grant recognizes the value of family proximity and supports Singaporean cultural preferences for living near extended family members.
To qualify for PHG, your parents or adult children must be living in an HDB flat within a defined proximity range. The grant amount varies based on flat type and location. This is particularly valuable for families in mature estates where parents already own flats.
First-Time Parents and Married Couples Grant (FT(PMC))
Newly married couples or couples with young children may qualify for additional grants under the First-Time Parents and Married Couples scheme. These grants acknowledge the housing needs of young families and provide financial support during this critical life stage.
HDB Loan vs. Bank Loan: Understanding Your Financing Options
Once you've confirmed your eligibility for an HDB scheme, you'll need to decide between an HDB loan and a bank loan. This decision significantly impacts your monthly payments and total borrowing costs.
HDB Loans: HDB offers concessional loan rates, typically lower than market rates. HDB loans have maximum loan tenure of 25 years and are designed to be affordable for lower- to middle-income Singaporeans. You can use CPF to service HDB loan payments, which reduces your cash outflow.
Bank Loans: Banks typically offer longer loan tenures (up to 30-35 years) and may provide more flexible terms. However, bank loan interest rates are generally higher than HDB rates. You'll need to meet bank lending criteria, including Debt-to-Income Ratio (TDSR) and Loan-to-Value (LTV) requirements.
At Homejourney, we recommend comparing current HDB and bank loan rates before making your decision. You can explore your financing options through the official HDB eligibility tool, which provides estimates for both HDB and bank loan scenarios. Visit Bank Rates to compare current market rates and understand how different loan structures affect your affordability.
Property Ownership Restrictions: What You Need to Know
HDB has strict property ownership rules designed to ensure flats remain affordable and accessible. These restrictions apply to both BTO and resale purchases and are non-negotiable eligibility criteria.
Key Restrictions:
