Buying a home together as a couple is an exciting milestone, and HDB grants can play a crucial role in making your dream of homeownership a reality. These grants provide financial assistance to eligible couples, helping them afford their HDB flats. In this guide, we delve into the different types of grants available, the eligibility criteria, and the grant amounts. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of HDB grants for couples and be ready to take the next step toward purchasing your dream home.
TL;DR
| Grants | BTO/ SBF/ Open Booking of Flats applicants | Resale applicants | Combined monthly household income | Grant amount |
| Enhanced CPF Housing Grant | Both first-timers, First-timer + Second-timer | Both first-timers, First-timer + Second-timer | <$9,000 | First-timer: max $80,000 First-timer + Second-timer: max $40,000 |
| Step-Up CPF Housing Grant | Both second-timers | Both second-timers | <$7,000 | $15,000 |
| CPF Housing Grant for Resale Flats (Families) | N.A. | Both first-timers, First-timer + Second-timer | <$14,000 or <$21,000 (applying with extended family) | First-timer: max $80,000 First-timer + Second-timer: max $40,000 |
| Proximity Housing Grant | N.A. | Both first-timers, First-timer + Second-timer | None | Live with your parents/child: $30,000 Live near your parents/child (within 4km): $20,000 |
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
| Criteria | Details | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Household |
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| Employment | You and/or your partner must:
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| Monthly household income ceiling | Average gross monthly household income <$9,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining lease of flat |
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| Amount granted | For first-timer households:
Source: Housing & Development Board
For first-timer and second-timer households:
Source: Housing & Development Board | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Usage and distribution of EHG | The EHG can be used to:
All members of the household will receive equal shares of the EHG. It will be fully credited into CPF OA of SCs and SPRs. It will not be paid in cash. Only applicants can use their share of the housing grant to pay for the flat purchase. |
Source: Housing & Development Board
Step-Up CPF Housing Grant
| Criteria | Details | ||||||
| Household | Married couples or families who have taken one housing subsidy and meet the following conditions:
Source: Housing & Development Board | ||||||
| Employment | You and/or your partner must:
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| Monthly household income ceiling | Average gross monthly household income <$7,000 | ||||||
| Remaining lease of flat |
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| Amount granted | $15,000 | ||||||
| Usage and distribution of Step-Up | Step-up can be used to:
All members of the household will receive equal shares of the Step-Up grant. It will be fully credited into CPF OA of SCs and SPRs. It will not be paid in cash. Only applicants can use their share of the housing grant to pay for the flat purchase. |
Source: Housing Development Board
CPF Housing Grant for Resale Flats (Families)
| Criteria | Details |
| Household |
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| Age | >21 years old |
| Monthly household income ceiling | Average gross monthly household income <$14,000 If you are purchasing with an extended or multi-generation family, |
| Remaining lease of flat |
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| Amount granted | First-timer households Buying a 2- to 4-room resale flat: SC/ SC: $80,000 SC/ SPR: $70,000 Buying a 5-room or bigger resale flat:
First-timer and second-timer households Buying a 5-room or bigger resale flat: |
| Usage and distribution of Family Grant | Family Grant can be used to:
All members of the household will receive equal shares of the Step-Up grant. It will be fully credited into CPF OA of SCs and SPRs. It will not be paid in cash. Only applicants can use their share of the housing grant to pay for the flat purchase. |
Source: Housing & Development Board
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
| Criteria | Details |
| Household | Couples who have not taken the PHG previously |
| Age | >21 years old |
| Conditions for parents/child helping applicants to qualify for PHG | Child must be >34 years old. Both parents/child must be at least an SPR. |
| Remaining lease of flat | More than 20 years |
| Amount granted | Live with your parents/child: $30,000 Live within 4km of your parents/child: $20,000 |
Source: Housing & Development Board
Case Study: First-timer couple getting a Sale of Balance Flat
Alex and Mabel, a newlywed couple from Singapore, are embarking on their journey to purchase their first home together. They have set their sights on a 4-room Sale of Balance Flat (SBF), which comes with a price tag of $400,000. They qualify for the Staggered Downpayment Scheme and will be purchasing their flat with a HDB loan which covers up to 80% of the purchase price. They also intend to pay for their loan instalments using CPF. With an average monthly income of $3,900, they qualify for the Enhanced Housing Grant, amounting to $55,000.
| Steps for HDB purchase | Fees | Amount to be paid |
| Application | Application fee | $10 |
| Flat booking | Option fee | $2,000 |
Signing Agreement for Lease | Downpayment | $18,000 |
| Stamp Duty | $6,600 | |
| Legal Fee | $273.24 | |
Key Collection | Downpayment | $60,000 |
| Registration Fee | $76.60 | |
| Survey Fee | $297 | |
| Stamp Duty | $500 | |
| Balance of purchase price | $320,000 (covered by home loan) |
The total cost of buying the 4-room SBF is $407,756.84. After the deduction of the grant, the flat will cost $352,756.84. The total cost is not inclusive of the Home Protection Scheme annual premium and fire insurance premium.
You can find out your suggested payment plan using this HDB calculator.
Are you ready to purchase your very own flat?
Housing grants in Singapore have played a crucial role in supporting couples and promoting homeownership. These grants provide significant financial assistance and make owning a home more accessible and affordable for young couples. Now that you’re familiar with the grants available, you’re ready to purchase your first flat and embark on your homeownership journey with confidence.
