Maximize HDB Grants & Financing: Homejourney Guide 2026
This definitive Homejourney guide reveals how to maximize HDB grants and combine them with optimal financing for your dream HDB flat. Discover HDB grant financing strategies, including CPF Housing Grant, EHG PHG grant options, and grant loan combinations that save thousands. As Singapore's trusted property platform prioritizing user safety and transparency, Homejourney verifies every detail to help you make confident decisions.
Whether you're a first-time buyer eyeing a BTO or resale HDB, or upgrading families, this 2026 pillar covers eligibility, calculations, step-by-step applications, and insider tips. Use our eligibility calculator to start today.
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- 1. HDB Grants Overview
- 2. CPF Housing Grants Explained
- 3. Eligibility Criteria for All Buyers
- 4. Strategies to Maximize HDB Grants
- 5. HDB Financing Options
- 6. Bank Loans vs HDB Concessionary Loan
- 7. Grant Loan Combinations
- 8. Step-by-Step Application Process
- 9. Documents Checklist
- 10. Pro Tips to Boost Approval
- 11. FAQs
- Next Steps with Homejourney
Executive Summary
HDB grants can cover up to S$120,000+ for eligible buyers, slashing your cash outlay when paired with smart HDB grant financing. Key grants include Family Grant (S$80,000), EHG (up to S$120,000), and Singles Grant (S$40,000).[2][3] Combine with HDB loans (2.6% pegged rate) or bank loans from DBS, OCBC, UOB via Homejourney for maximum benefits.
Income ceilings: S$14,000 families, S$9,000 EHG, S$7,000 singles. First-timers get priority. Homejourney's multi-bank platform lets you apply once via Singpass to compare offers from 10+ banks, ensuring the best grant loan combination.
1. HDB Grants Overview
HDB offers cash grants credited to your CPF Ordinary Account for resale flats or BTO downpayments. These are non-repayable if conditions met, reducing your loan needs.[2] Total benefits can exceed S$200,000 with financing.
Types of HDB Grants Table
| Grant Type | Max Amount | Income Ceiling | Who Qualifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Grant (FG) | S$80,000 (2-4 rm), S$50,000 (5 rm+) | S$14,000 (S$21,000 extended) | Married couples/families, first-timers |
| Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) | S$120,000 (tiered) | S$9,000 | Lower-income first-timers |
| Singles Grant (SG) | S$40,000 (2-4 rm), S$25,000 (5 rm+) | S$7,000 | Singles 35+ under SSCS |
| EHG Singles | S$60,000 (tiered) | S$4,500 | Singles first-timers |
| Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) | S$20,000-$30,000 | S$14,000 | Near parents/children |
PHG caps at S$30,000 for families living within 4km of parents.[2] All require remaining lease >20 years to age 95.
2. CPF Housing Grants Explained
The CPF Housing Grant (CHG) family evolved into EHG for deeper support. EHG tiers: S$120,000 at S$0-1,500 income, down to S$40,000 at S$8,001-9,000.[2][3] Grants boost CPF OA for downpayment or repayments.
Example: S$500,000 resale 4-room flat. FG S$80,000 + EHG S$80,000 (if eligible) = S$160,000 CPF top-up, covering 32% price. See How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment.
EHG Tier Table (Families)
| Income (S$/mth) | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| 0 - 1,500 | S$120,000 |
| 1,501 - 2,000 | S$110,000 |
| ... (tiered) | ... |
| 8,001 - 9,000 | S$40,000 |
Data from HDB 2026.[2] Use Homejourney's calculator at bank-rates for personalized estimates.
3. Eligibility Criteria for All Buyers
Must be first-timer (no prior HDB/private ownership last 30 months). SC household head, age 21+ (35+ singles). Stable 12-month employment.[1][2]
- Families: Married/engaged, income ≤S$14,000.[1]
- Singles: 35+, ≤S$7,000, 2-room Flexi only.[1]
- Extended: Multi-gen, ≤S$21,000.
- PR Spouse: Reduced by S$10,000 FG.
Check via HDB HFE letter on Singpass. Homejourney integrates this for instant verification.
4. Strategies to Maximize HDB Grants
Layer grants: FG + EHG + PHG. Example: Young family near parents in non-mature estate – S$80k FG + S$100k EHG + S$30k PHG = S$210k.[2]
- Assess income 3 months early – average last 12 months.[1]
- Declare all household (essential occupiers boost EHG).
- Choose resale in target estates for PHG (e.g., within 4km Woodlands parents).
- Time BTO vs resale: Resale unlocks more grants.
Insider tip: Live in public rental first for Step-Up Grant S$15k if ≤S$7k income.[2]
5. HDB Financing Options
HDB Concessionary Loan: 2.6% pegged (90% of CPF OA + accrued interest), 75% LTV, MSR 30% income.[1] Max tenure 25-30 years or to 65.
The chart below shows recent interest rate trends in Singapore:
SORA influences bank rates, but HDB fixed at 2.6% stable. See HDB Loan Interest Rate Trends 2026: Analysis & Savings Tips | Homejourney ">HDB Loan Interest Rate Trends 2026.
6. Bank Loans vs HDB Concessionary Loan
Bank loans offer 90-95% LTV (vs HDB 75-85%), potentially lower rates (SORA+1.2% ~2.8%). But TDSR 55% stricter.[1] Compare on Homejourney bank-rates: DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC etc.
| Feature | HDB Loan | Bank Loan |
|---|---|---|
| LTV | 75% | Up to 90% |
| Rate | 2.6% fixed | SORA-based ~2.8% |
| Income Ceiling | S$14k | None |
Full comparison: HDB Loan vs Bank Loan 2026: Homejourney Comparison ">HDB Loan vs Bank Loan 2026.
7. Grant Loan Combinations
Grants first reduce purchase price effectively. Then layer HDB/bank loan + CPF. Example: S$600k flat, S$100k EHG + S$80k FG = S$420k financed (S$100k down via CPF/cash + S$320k loan).
Maximize: Use grants for CPF OA, bank loan for higher LTV if income >S$14k. Homejourney's multi-bank app sends one Singpass application to DBS-OCBC-UOB-HSBC-Standard Chartered-Maybank-CIMB-RHB-Public-Hong Leong-Citibank.
8. Step-by-Step Application Process
Full guide: HDB BTO Financing Complete Guide 2026 | Homejourney ">HDB BTO Financing Complete Guide.
- Day 1: HFE letter via HDB portal/Singpass.[1]
- Day 2-7: Select flat, apply grants in HDB Resale Portal.
- Within 30 days: Choose HDB/bank loan. Provisional amount shown.
- Week 4: Submit docs. Approval 2-4 weeks.
- Completion: Grants credited at key collection.
Skip bank queues: Apply via Homejourney – one app, multiple offers.
9. Documents Checklist
Details: HDB Loan Documents Checklist 2026 | Homejourney Guide ">HDB Loan Documents Checklist 2026.
- NRIC (front/back)
- Latest 3 payslips + 12m bank stmts
- IRAS NOA (self-employed)
- CPF statements (last 12m)
- Employment letter
- Singpass for MyInfo auto-fill
10. Pro Tips to Boost Approval & Maximize Benefits
- Clear debts 6m prior – boosts MSR/TDSR.[1]
- Include bonuses (50% max if variable).
- Shorten tenure for higher loan if near 65.
- PHG hack: Measure distance via OneMap for parents within 4km.
- Use Homejourney: Track SORA live, compare 10 banks side-by-side.
Real example: Punggol family, S$10k income got S$110k EHG + S$80k FG + S$20k PHG, financed S$550k flat with DBS SORA loan via Homejourney – saved S$15k interest.
11. HDB Grant and Financing FAQs
Q: What is the income ceiling for Family Grant 2026?
A: S$14,000 monthly (S$21,000 extended families).[2]
Q: Can singles get EHG PHG grant?
A: Yes, up to S$60,000 EHG if ≤S$4,500, plus Singles Grant. 35+ only.[1][2]
Q: How to maximize HDB grants with bank loans?
A: Layer grants first, then bank for extra LTV. Use Homejourney to compare DBS/OCBC rates.[1]
Q: CPF Housing Grant vs EHG?
A: EHG replaced CHG for better support up to S$120k tiered.[3]
Q: HDB loan eligibility if income S$15k?
A: No HDB loan (ceiling S$14k), but bank loans ok. Check calculator.[1]
Q: Can I combine PHG with EHG?
A: Yes, for multi-gen near parents.[2]
Q: Processing time for grants?
A: 1-2 months with HFE.[1]
More FAQs on Homejourney.
Next Steps with Homejourney
1. Calculate eligibility: Mortgage Calculator.
2. Compare rates: Bank Rates – DBS to Citibank.
3. Search properties: Property Search within budget.
4. Apply once via Singpass for multi-bank offers.
Homejourney ensures safe, transparent journeys with verified data and customer-first support.
Disclaimer: This is general info. Consult HDB/banks for advice. Rates as of 2026; subject to change.
