Forget the big 30 or 40. 35 is the age that many Singaporean singles look forward to. Reach this age, and they become eligible to buy public housing, whether an HDB resale flat or an HDB BTO flat. Like couple and family applicants, singles can benefit from HDB housing grants.
As a potential single homeowner, understanding available housing grants and subsidies is essential. This ensures a smoother home-buying process and maximises the financial benefits you can receive.
Now, let’s find out what is the most suitable housing grant for you to take!
Table of contents
- Overview
- HDB grants for singles applying for BTO, SBF and open booking of flats
- HDB grants for singles buying HDB resale flats
- What if I get married after buying a flat as a single?
- How will the HDB grants for singles be disbursed?
- Maximising your investment: Tips for Single homebuyers in Singapore
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overview
The real estate landscape in Singapore offers diverse opportunities for singles looking to purchase a property. Whether a cosy 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate or a spacious resale flat in a central location, the choices are varied and cater to different lifestyles and budgets.
It is important to understand the nuances of each HDB scheme, from BTO to resale, and how they align with your personal and financial goals. Moreover, with the dynamic nature of Singapore’s property market, potential buyers should also consider factors like future development plans, community amenities, and transport connectivity. These elements not only enhance your living experience but can also impact the long-term value of your investment.
To ease your home-buying journey, this article outlines all the available HDB grants for singles and wraps them up in an easy-to-use infographic!
(You can find out how much of a grant you’re eligible for by applying for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter.)
Still unsure whether you’re eligible for the grants? Check the eligibility conditions for singles in the table below!
Eligibility Conditions for Singles
| BTO/SBF flats | HDB Resale Flats | |
| Flat Type | 2-room Flexi flat in any location | All flat types (excluding 3Gen flats) in any location |
| Citizenship | You must be a Singapore Citizen (SC) | |
| Age | At least 35 years old | 35 years old or above if unmarried or divorced21 years old or above if widowed or an orphan^ |
| Monthly household income ceiling | 2-room Flexi flat (99-year lease): $7,000 | No income ceiling |
HDB grants for singles applying for BTO, SBF and open booking of flats
Flats under the BTO, SBF and open booking schemes are sold at a subsidised price by HDB so that they may be the most cost-effective option for singles. With the implementation of the new flat classification from October 2024, singles can now apply for new 2-room Flexi flats across Standard, Plus, and Prime projects in all locations. This is a significant shift from before when singles could only apply for new flats in non-mature estates.
Another thing to note is that under the Family Care Scheme (FCS), set to start in mid-2025, singles applying for BTO flats will get priority access if they intend to live near or with their parents.
Important: HDB housing grants for singles are only eligible for first-time applicants.
Understanding HDB grants for Singles: Based on your schemes
According to the 2024 cooling measures, the EHG now offers up to SGD 60,000 to help offset the cost of your flat, making homeownership more affordable. This grant is tiered according to income, ensuring that lower-income people receive more substantial assistance. When considering your options, it’s essential to understand the nuances of these grants, as they can significantly impact your budget and choice of home.
If you’re applying under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
Under this scheme, you can apply as a single applicant and are eligible for the following grant:
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) (Singles): up to S$60,000. To qualify, your average gross monthly household income for at least 12 months^ (see below), up to two months before the HFE letter application, must be within S$4,500. The actual grant amount will be based on your income. So the higher your income, the lower your grant amount.
Another catch: singles applying for BTO flats under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme must also pay a S$15,000 premium. According to HDB, the subsidy is meant to benefit couples.
So, in other words, if you’re applying under this scheme, the premium you must pay will cancel out a portion of the grant amount you’ll receive.
If you’re applying under the Joint Singles Scheme or the Orphans Scheme
Through the Joint Singles Scheme, you can apply for a flat with up to three other Singaporean singles.
As for the Orphans Scheme, it allows those with at least one deceased SC or PR parent to apply for a flat with their single siblings. Unlike the other two schemes, this scheme doesn’t limit the flat type you can apply for via the BTO, SBF, or open booking scheme (i.e., you can buy up to a 5-room flat).
Whether you’re applying under the Joint Singles Scheme or the Orphans Scheme, you’re eligible for the following grant:
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): up to S$120,000. You and your co-applicants’ average gross monthly household income must be within S$9,000 for at least 12 months (see below), up to two months before the HFE letter application. Likewise, the grant amount will be based on your income.
| Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) | Enhanced CPF Housing Grant for Singles | ||
| Average monthly household income | Grant amount | Average monthly household income | Grant amount |
| Not more than S$1,500 | S$120,000 | Not more than S$750 | S$60,000 |
| S$1,501 – S$2,000 | S$110,000 | S$751 – S$1,000 | S$55,000 |
| S$2,001 – S$2,500 | S$105,000 | S$1,001 – S$1,250 | S$52,500 |
| S$2,501 – S$3,000 | S$95,000 | S$1,251 – S$1,500 | S$47,500 |
| S$3,001 – S$3,500 | S$90,000 | S$1,501 – S$1,750 | S$45,000 |
| S$3,501 – S$4,000 | S$80,000 | S$1,751 – S$2,000 | S$40,000 |
| S$4,001 – S$4,500 | S$70,000 | S$2,001 – S$2,250 | S$35,000 |
| S$4,501 – S$5,000 | S$65,000 | S$2,251 – S$2,500 | S$32,500 |
| S$5,001 – S$5,500 | S$55,000 | S$2,501 – S$2,750 | S$27,500 |
| S$5,501 – S$6,000 | S$50,000 | S$2,751 – S$3,000 | S$25,000 |
| S$6,001 – S$6,500 | S$40,000 | S$3,001 – S$3,250 | S$20,000 |
| S$6,501 – S$7,000 | S$30,000 | S$3,251 – S$3,500 | S$15,000 |
| S$7,001 – S$7,500 | S$25,000 | S$3,501 – S$3,750 | S$12,500 |
| S$7,501 – S$8,000 | S$20,000 | S$3,751 – S$4,000 | S$10,000 |
| S$8,001 – S$8,500 | S$10,000 | S$4,001 – S$4,250 | S$5,000 |
| S$8,501 – S$9,000 | S$5,000 | S$4,251 – S$4,500 | S$2,500 |
| More than S$9,000 | NA | More than S$4,500 | NA |
^Income criteria for Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) from 20 August 2024:
To qualify for the EHG, you must have worked continuously for at least 12 months. Your household income will be assessed for these 12 months, calculated up to two months before the HFE letter application.
On top of that, at least one of the applicants or core occupiers must be working at the time of the HFE application.
HDB grants for singles buying HDB resale flats
The availability of grants, the absence of a S$15,000 premium, a wide selection of flat types, and the freedom to choose any location are why most eligible single buyers prefer to resell HDB flats. Single Singaporeans can buy any flat (except 3Gen flats) in the open market.
Singles buying an executive flat won’t be eligible for the CPF housing grants.
HDB flats for sale
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
3
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
3
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
1
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
4
2
4
2
4
2
4
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
4
2
3
2
3
2
2
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
If you’re buying under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
- Singles Grant:
To qualify, your average gross monthly household income must be within S$7,000.2-room to 4-room flat
5-room flat
S$40,000
S$25,000
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) (Singles): up to S$60,000. The income ceiling for this grant is lower at S$4,500^ (see above), with the actual grant amount you can get based on your income.
On top of that, if you live with your parents or children, you’re eligible for:
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): S$15,000 for any flat type. Your parents or children must be listed as co-applicants or essential occupiers.
On the contrary, if you live near your parents or children (within a 4km radius of their home):
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): S$10,000 for a 2- to 5-room resale flat. Your parents or children can live in public housing or private property within 4km throughout the MOP to fulfil the distance requirement.
Unlike the other two grants, there’s no income ceiling for the PHG.
You can get up to S$155,000 in housing grants as a single buying a resale flat!
If you’re buying under the Joint Singles Scheme or the Orphans Scheme
- Singles Grant: You and your co-applicants can get a maximum of 2 Singles Grants. To qualify, your and your co-applicant(s) ‘ average gross monthly household income must be within S$14,000.
2-room to 4-room flat
5-room flat or bigger
S$80,000 (S$40,000 ⨉ 2)
S$50,000 (S$25,000 ⨉ 2)
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): up to S$120,000. Likewise, your and your co-applicant(s) ‘ average gross monthly household income must be within S$9,000 for the 12 months (see above). Take note that the actual grant amount will be tiered based on your income.
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): if you apply under the Joint Singles Scheme, you may also qualify for this grant.
Live with your parents/ children
Live within 4km of your parents/ children
S$15,000
S$10,000
HDB flats for sale (Joint Singles Grant or Orphans Scheme)
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
3
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
3
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
1
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
4
2
4
2
4
2
4
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
4
2
3
2
3
2
2
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
4
2
4
3
4
2
4
2
4
2
3
3
4
2
3
2
3
2
3
2
4
3
4
3
4
2
4
3
5
4
4
2
3
2
4
3
3
3
4
3
4
2
4
2
4
2
4
3
4
2
4
2
4
4
3
2
3
2
3
2
5
2
4
3
5
2
4
3
3
3
What if I get married after buying a flat as a single?
If you get married after:
- getting the Singles Grant to buy a resale HDB flat or
- buying a 2-room or 2-room Flexi flat from HDB (eg. through BTO, SBF or open booking)
you and your spouse may be entitled to the following grant:
- Top-Up Grant: The amount depends on whether the house you bought as a single is from the resale market or HDB. The monthly income is capped at S$14,000.
Resale flat
2-room or 2-room Flexi flat from HDB (eg. BTO, SBF or open booking)
The amount of the Family Grant amount you are eligible for currently, minus the Singles Grant amount you had previously received*
S$40,000
Find out more about the available HDB grants for couples.
How will the HDB grants for singles be disbursed?
From 9 May 2023 onwards, all grants will be credited into the CPF Ordinary Accounts of eligible Singapore Citizens, Permanent Resident applicants, and essential occupiers.
Here’s the breakdown of how the CPF grants will be disbursed if you’re applying with at least two singles, i.e. under the Joint Singles Scheme or the Orphans Scheme:
- Two applicants: The grant will be split equally into the two CPF accounts (eg. if the full grant is S$50,000, then each will get S$25,000)
- One applicant and one essential occupier (eg. under Orphans Scheme): The grant will be split equally between the two CPF accounts. However, only the applicant’s share can offset the flat purchase price. The essential occupier must be listed as a co-owner to use their share of the grant. Alternatively, they can use it for their next flat purchase.
No cash will be disbursed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll have to refund the grant amount, any CPF savings used to pay for your house and 2.5% accrued interest to your own CPF account if you sell your flat.
You can still use the refunded money to pay for your next property purchase if it’s any consolation.
Maximising your investment: Tips for Single homebuyers in Singapore
For single homebuyers looking at HDB flats, it’s about finding the right home and making a smart investment. Prices for 2-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates start at around SGD 200,000, but this is just the beginning of your homeownership journey. To maximize your investment, consider factors such as the lease balance, development plans for the estate, and the potential for future appreciation. Flats in areas slated for development or rejuvenation may offer more significant growth in value over time. Additionally, staying informed about changes in housing policies and grant eligibility can lead to more opportunities to save or upgrade. Remember, purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make, so take the time to research and plan your purchase thoroughly.
The importance of location for single homebuyers when selecting an HDB flat is that location is a crucial factor that can significantly impact one’s lifestyle and the long-term value of the investment. Consider areas with good connectivity to public transportation, proximity to amenities like shopping centres, parks, and recreational facilities, and future development plans that can enhance the neighbourhood’s appeal. Living in a well-connected area offers convenience and may ensure better resale value in the future.
Utilise tools like the HDB Map Services and property portals to explore various neighbourhoods and find a location that suits personal and professional needs. Making an informed choice about the flat’s location can provide a comfortable living environment and a sound investment for the future.
(Looking for BTO and resale HDB grants for couples instead? Check out this article!)
What do you think of the BTO and resale HDB grants for singles? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends Below 35, Single, Desperate, and Looking to Move Out. How Ah? and Buying an HDB flat as a single parent: How to do it.
[Additional reporting by Ananda Bayu and Virginia Tanggono]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, a single can buy a BTO flat. However, they can only apply for a 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate. On the other hand, they can buy a flat of any type (except a 3Gen flat) and location from the resale market.
A single can buy through the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) scheme. However, like the BTO scheme, they can only apply for a 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate. The flat allocation for singles is only 5% under this scheme.
If you’re a first-timer getting a BTO flat as a single, you can get up to a S$40,000 HDB grant. The maximum grant amount you can get is S$95,000 if you buy a resale flat.
About Ananda Bayu
Ananda has been wrangling Singapore's complex real estate trends into readable bites since 2020. She writes like she's explaining it to a friend over kopi — because who has time for jargon? When off the clock, she’s probably doom-scrolling through cat memes on X, convincing herself it's the highest tier of "creative inspiration".
Looking to sell your property?
Whether your HDB apartment is reaching the end of its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) or your condo has crossed its Seller Stamp Duty (SSD) window, it is always good to know how much you can potentially gain if you were to list and sell your property. Not only that, you’ll also need to know whether your gains would allow you to right-size to the dream home in the neighbourhood you and your family have been eyeing.
One easy way is to send us a request for a credible and trusted property consultant to reach out to you.
Alternatively, you can jump onto 99.co’s Property Value Tool to get an estimate for free.
If you’re looking for your dream home, be it as a first-time or seasoned homebuyer or seller – say, to upgrade or right-size – you will find it on Singapore’s fastest-growing property portal 99.co.
Meanwhile, if you have an interesting property-related story to share with us, drop us a message here — and we’ll review it and get back to you.
Join our social media communities!
Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Telegram | YouTube | Twitter
If the SC applying for flats under singles scheme but applying alone because both parents are deceased and no siblings then is it still possible？
Yes, you’ll have to apply under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, which is for one single applicant.
What type of grant can singles (parents both deceased and divorced) get if buying either BTO or Resale?
Hi Virginia, Can unemployed single still qualify for the $20,000 grant? Also, when do we apply for this grant and how do we go about applying it? Do we just go out to find a resale flat using a property agent and they will help us to apply with HDB? Or do we have to reach out to HDB to secure this grant before looking for a real estate agent to search for a resale flat of our choice?
Hi all, please help this is so confusing. eg. Single 35, monthly income $3,200, CPF OA $35,000 looking at 2 room flexi type 2 BTO at $150,000 leaving far from family. What is the estimate amount or data that i will be paying after grant and whatsoever extra payment… ?
Hi, I noticed some of the resale 3 and 4 rms have sub type listed as 3NG/4NG. Can those under single scheme select these flats? Thanks.
How about mentioning divorce(e)? I just got divorced and towing along two children, have to sell joint private flat and no source of income as have been housewife since married more than 20 years ago and children still studying. I can’t sell private (because I can’t afford anymore and it’s in joint named with ex anyway) and then apply BTO? Can only buy another private or reaale HDB which cost higher and higher. How are divorced people who take children taken care of by government?
How are divorced single parent with kids taken care of by govenrment? I have to sell privaye property because can no longer afford and it’s in joint with ex-spouse. I can only get another private or resale HDB which are costing more and more. Otherwise, have to rent a place and wait for 30months before can aplly for HDB and not even BTO. I have been a housewife for more than 20 years and now have no source of income and two school-going children and the government is not helping people like me lead a quality public housing life. Imposing so many restrictions instead.
I posted this on another article, but i think it belongs here too.
I say, meet half way and lower the eligibility age to at least 30 and restrict to HDB resale only.
If singles have to wait until they 35, they have 3 options, live with parents, rent or buy a private property. Living with parents is economical, but not good for personal growth or even dating for that mater. Renting dips into savings, leaving less or no savings to buy a house after 35. Buying private is only for high earners.
By 35, a lot of these singles earn more than Income Ceiling, so BTO is out of the question. Price of a resale HDB by then have gone up even further.
We live in a different world compared to a decade ago. Modern dating is hard when living with parents, especially in an asian household. Dating while renting is hard too because of financial constraints and its worse if singles are only renting a room. So this will only lead to a higher chance of these “older” people being single longer or perpetually.
We can all agree that Singapore is great country, but it is a stressful country to live in. The mental health of the younger generation is deteriorating. Loneliness adds to that. And not being able to own a home makes it worse.
From personal interaction, a lot of my friends have been getting married solely for BTO, that can’t be healthy for the society in the long term. There has been a constant increase in rate of divorces in Singapore, leading to more broken families. I’m not saying the current housing policies are the primary cause, but they surely don’t help it.
Millennial’s and the later generation’s way of thinking and way of life has changed and the government policies should evolve with that.