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Buying an HDB flat is a rite of passage for most Singaporeans. Hence, understanding the available housing grants is important for many, as the grants help offset the flat’s purchase price so it’s easier to own the flat you want. If you have just “put a ring on it” or are intending to apply for a flat with your family members for the first time, this article will help you navigate through the various available grants for a BTO, resale flat or an executive condominium.
Buying A BTO Flat
For homebuyers who don’t need a home immediately, a BTO flat is a good option as a first home since BTO flats are usually priced below comparable resale flats in the same area. Do note that there is a maximum household monthly income of $14,000 to be eligible for a BTO flat.
In addition, homebuyers may also be eligible for the following grant, with the grant structure heavily tilted towards the lower- and middle-income households.
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): For first-time homeowners buying new or resale flats, whose average monthly household income is below $9,000. The EHG provides a grant quantum of between $5,000 to $80,000 in housing grant amount, depending on the buyers’ household income.
| Average Monthly Household Income (Over a period of 12 months) | Enhanced CPF Housing Grant Amount |
| Not more than $1,500 | $80,000 |
| $1,501 to $2,000 | $75,000 |
| $2,001 to $2,500 | $70,000 |
| $2,501 to $3,000 | $65,000 |
| $3,001 to $3,500 | $60,000 |
| $3,501 to $4,000 | $55,000 |
| $4,001 to $4,500 | $50,000 |
| $4,501 to $5,000 | $45,000 |
| $5,001 to $5,500 | $40,000 |
| $5,501 to $6,000 | $35,000 |
| $6,001 to $6,500 | $30,000 |
| $6,501 to $7,000 | $25,000 |
| $7,001 to $7,500 | $20,000 |
| $7,501 to $8,000 | $15,000 |
| $8,001 to $8,500 | $10,000 |
| $8,501 to $9,000 | $5,000 |
Buying A Resale Flat
For couples and families who need a home immediately or wish to live in specific locations, buying an HDB resale flat on the open market may be a more suitable option. Eligible couples may enjoy up to $160,000 in housing grants, depending on their household income, the type of flat they buy, and the extent to which the flat can last the buyer and his/her spouse till 95 years old. This comprises the following 3 grants:
1. CPF Housing Grants for Resale Flats (Families) or Family Grant: For first-time applicants buying a resale HDB flat, with a monthly gross household income not exceeding $14,000.
| CPF Housing Grants for Resale Flats | 2-room to 4-room resale flat | 5-room or bigger resale flat |
| Singapore Citizen/ Singapore Citizen | $50,000 | $40,000 |
| Singapore Citizen/Singapore PR | $40,000 | $30,000 |
If your household income is less than $9,000, you are also eligible for the Enhanced Housing Grant.
2. Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): If you are buying a resale flat, you must first qualify for the CPF Housing Grants for resale flats (Families or Singles) before applying for the EHG. This is the same grant that BTO buyers are also eligible for (i.e. for first-timers whose monthly gross household income is below $9,000).
3. Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): If you are buying a resale flat to live with your parents or within 4 km of where your parents are staying, you can also qualify for the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG).
| Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) | Grant Amount |
| Living with parents | $30,000 |
| Living near parent (within 4 km) | $20,000 |
Buying An Executive Condominium
For those whose household income exceeds $14,000, you would no longer qualify to buy a BTO. Instead, you can apply for an Executive Condominium from a property developer, if you do not exceed the income ceiling of $16,000. If your income is $12,000 or lower, you may be eligible for a CPF Housing Grant of up to $30,000.
Read Also: Complete First-Timers’ Guide To Buying A New Executive Condominium (EC) In Singapore
