HDB Guide
HDB Eligibility & Grants
Whether you can buy an HDB flat and how much grant support you can get are two separate questions, governed by different rules. This guide separates the two clearly, so you know what actually applies to your situation before you start viewing flats.
Reviewed by Glenice Toh
Get Your HFE Letter Before You View Seriously
Before you can request a valuation or grant an Option to Purchase on a resale flat, HDB requires a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. It checks your eligibility, financing and grant eligibility in one step, and it's free to apply for online. Treat it as the starting point, not a formality to handle later.
Who Can Buy An HDB Resale Flat
Eligibility
- At least one buyer is a Singapore Citizen for most schemes; Singapore Citizen and Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) couples can buy resale flats together.
- Buyers are generally at least 21 years old, or 35 for the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme and the Joint Singles Scheme.
- You form a recognised family nucleus — married or engaged couple, Joint Singles (Singapore Citizens 35 and above), Single Singapore Citizen, Orphans, or Non-Citizen Spouse scheme.
- You, and your spouse if applicable, do not currently own another flat, HDB shophouse, or private residential property in Singapore or overseas, or you commit to disposing of it within the required timeframe.
How Grants Layer On Top
Eligibility to buy and eligibility for a grant are assessed separately. Meeting the citizenship and family nucleus rules above only means you're allowed to buy — whether you also qualify for a grant, and how much, depends on your household income and which scheme you fall under.
Government Grants
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1
Family Grant
For eligible families buying a resale flat, subject to a household income ceiling set by HDB. Amount varies by flat type.
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2
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
Income-tested support layered on top of other grants, with the amount tapering down as household income rises.
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3
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
For buyers purchasing a resale flat to live with or near their parents or children, within a specified distance.
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4
Single Singapore Citizen Scheme grants
A reduced version of the Family Grant and EHG for eligible singles buying alone.
Where The Existing Property Rule Catches People Out
Decide Which Scheme You're Buying Under
Decide This Before Moving On
Your family nucleus determines which scheme applies — and it affects both eligibility and grant amount.
- Married or engaged coupleThe standard family nucleus; broadest grant eligibility.
- Joint Singles / Single Singapore CitizenSingapore Citizens 35 and above buying alone or with another single; reduced grant quantum, flat-type restrictions apply.
- Non-Citizen Spouse / OrphansSpecific eligibility schemes with their own conditions — confirm directly with HDB or in your HFE letter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an HFE letter before viewing HDB flats?
Yes. An HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter is required before you can request a valuation or grant an Option to Purchase for a resale flat.
Can a Singapore Citizen and a Singapore Permanent Resident buy a resale flat together?
Yes, an SC/SPR couple can jointly buy a resale flat, subject to the usual family nucleus and existing property conditions.
If I already own a private property, can I still buy an HDB resale flat?
In most cases yes, but you'll generally need to dispose of the private property within 6 months of completing the HDB purchase. Confirm the exact condition that applies to you via your HFE letter.
How much grant can I get?
It depends on your household income, flat type and which scheme you qualify under, and the figures are revised periodically. Your HFE letter or HDB's grant calculator will confirm the amount that currently applies to you.
Affordability
Estimate monthly mortgage capacity and an indicative maximum property price.
Run the Affordability calculator →Not sure which scheme or grant applies to you?
Every family nucleus and ownership history is different. Talk it through before you commit to a valuation or an offer.
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