All hail HDB’s Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) — the government’s encouraging Singaporeans to stay close to their families and maintain a robust intergenerational support system!
Here are the basics about the PHG. The PHG is a CPF housing grant of up to S$30,000, and it’s for buying HDB resale flats only.
Two buyers can benefit: those who want to live WITH their parents/children in an HDB resale flat and those who want to buy an HDB resale flat NEAR their parents/children.
The PHG doesn’t just mean your resale flat will get subsidised. Some perks to multi-generational living or living close to your family include frequent get-togethers (very Modern Family vibes), the ease of bringing elderly parents to doctor appointments and the peace of mind that an emergency babysitter is nearby.
Okay, let’s jump into the details of the PHG.
A brief backgrounder on the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
The PHG was launched in 2015 and has since helped over 30,000 households. In 2018, the criteria for PHG was revised to allow more Singaporeans to benefit from this grant. It is now more inclusive and generous.
- More $: The maximum grant amount for those living with their parents/children in the same HDB flat is now S$30,000, up from S$20,000. Those living near their parents/children will receive S$20,000 in grants — this remains unchanged.
- Singles welcome: The PHG is also available for singles buying an HDB resale flat. Single applicants will receive half the grant amount that a couple would: S$10,000 if they live near their parents/children and S$15,000 if they live with their parents/children (up from S$10,000).
- Wider radius: The PHG is now available when buying a resale flat within a 4 km radius of the family’s HDB flat or private property address. Previously, the maximum distance was a 2 km radius or within the same HDB town – a condition buyers found limiting.*
*Note that an HDB flat in the same town but further than 4 km from the other house won’t qualify for the PHG. (Read on to find out how to check the distance between the two houses!)
Our handy infographic sums up HDB’s Proximity Housing Grant (PHG):
What are the eligibility conditions for the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)?
- You are a Singapore Citizen aged at least 21 years old.
- For a family/couple nucleus, the other applicant must be a Singapore Permanent Resident or a Singapore Citizen.
- If you’re single, you must be at least 35, and you must apply under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, Joint Singles Scheme, and Public Scheme (if your parents are included in the application as co-applicants or occupants).
- For those with a non-Singaporean spouse, as long as you are at least 21 years old and applying under the Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme, you are eligible too. However, the grant amount you get will be similar to singles.
- You must be buying an HDB resale flat. The flat must be a 2-room flat or larger and have a remaining lease of at least 20 years. PHG isn’t for BTO flats!
- The house your parents/children live in can be an HDB flat or private residential property (e.g. condo, landed home). For private properties, your parents/children must be living in it (i.e. owner-occupiers). The property must also be owned by your parents/children (including your children or adopted children, parent(s) )-in-law or immediate family members such as your siblings).
- There is no income ceiling on the PHG. Hurrah!
- Both first-time homebuyers and second-time homebuyers are eligible.
- You will only be able to receive the PHG once in your lifetime. If you have received the PHG previously, you won’t be eligible again.
How do I check if a flat qualifies for a Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)?
Okay, so what is a 4 km radius exactly? HDB has set up a Distance Enquiry e-service that lets you check if the HDB resale flat you have in mind is within 4 km of your children’s or parent’s home. Simply key in the postal codes of both properties.
Here’s us keying in the postal code of two HDB flats in the east.
There’s also a search function in HDB’s Map Services. While looking at the housing information for a particular HDB address, you can select ‘Distance Enquiry for Proximity Housing Grant’ in the right navigation menu to check which blocks of flats are included within a 4km radius.
BUT the HDB Map Search doesn’t show you which units are currently for sale.
So, if you’re looking to buy an HDB resale flat within 4km of your parent/children, the most straightforward way is to head to property portal 99.co, type in that home’s address or postal code and hit ‘Search’.
Once you do that, you’ll be taken to a results screen with a map view. If you’re accessing 99.co using a desktop, point your cursor to the red nub on the right edge of the radius and drag it outwards to its maximum 4,000m (i.e. 4km).
This is our very own Radius Search Filter for the Proximity Housing Grant!
If you’re using the app version of 99.co, you can hit the ‘Filter’ button to set the search radius to 4,000m (i.e. 4 km) and access other filters to narrow your search for your dream home.
Do I have to return or pay back the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)?
A misconception about CPF housing grants, including the PHG, is that they are free. Unless you plan to stay in the same house forever – which is unlikely as families grow/shrink over time – you’ll need to refund the grants you’ve taken when you sell your flat.
This refund comprises the received principal grant amount and any CPF monies used for the house (such as downpayment and monthly instalments). Plus the accrued interest of 2.5% on these. Accrued interest is the amount your grant could have earned if it had stayed untouched in your CPF Ordinary Account.
The money will have to be refunded back into your CPF OA*. And it comes from the proceeds from selling your current flat.
However, the good news is that the amount returned to your CPF OA may be used to buy your next home.
*Note that if you’ve also taken the AHG, SHG or EHG in addition to the PHG, only a maximum of S$60,000 from these grants will return to your CPF OA when you sell your flat. The excess will be put into your CPF Special Account /Retirement Account and Medisave Account.
Am I living near my parents?
In Pasir Ris and Tampines, the two flats are a short bus ride and a walk apart.
However, not all flats within 4 km of each other are well-connected. If travelling time between the two homes is an important consideration, narrow down your search for an HDB resale flat using the Search by Travel Time feature on 99.co.
Choose a travel time (via public transport) that you are comfortable with, say, 20 minutes.
In the search results, you’ll see homes that are within a 20-minute bus or MRT ride away from your indicated address. The Search by Travel Time function can help you find the ideal resale flats within the 4 km PHG radius.
What other grants can I be eligible for?
Other grants available for buyers of HDB resale flats include:
For singles
- Singles Grant: For 2- to 4-room flats has risen from S$25,000 to S$40,000, and for 5-room or larger flats, from S$20,000 to S$25,000.
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) for Singles: From 20 August 2024, first-timer singles may qualify for an EHG (Singles) of up to $60,000. If you are buying with other first-timer single(s), up to 2 singles may each be eligible for an EHG (Singles), i.e., a total of up to $120,000.
Check out our guide for more details on the grants available for singles.
For first-time applicants (couples/families)
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) for couples/families: From 20 August 2024, first-timer families may qualify for an EHG of up to $120,000, while a couple comprising a first-timer and second-timer may qualify for an EHG (Singles) of up to $60,000.
- Family Grant: For first-timer applicants buying a 2- to 4-room HDB resale flat has increased from S$50,000 to S$80,000, and for a 5-room or larger flat, from S$40,000 to S$50,000.
For second-time applicants
- Step-Up CPF Housing Grant: Second-timer applicants may receive an S$15,000 grant based on the current and future flat types.
For first-time and second-time couple applicants
- Half-Housing Grant: Reserved for first-time applicants whose spouse/fiance has previously received a housing subsidy. Applicants may receive S$25,000 for 2- to 4-room flats and S$20,000 for 5-room or bigger flats.
For newly-married singles
- Top-Up Grant: Reserved for those who had previously received a Singles Grant but are now married and those who had previously received a Singles Grant under the Non-Citizen Spouse Scheme but whose spouse (or child) is now a Singapore Citizen. The amount is dependent on how much you have previously received.
Read our guide our guide (with infographic) on HDB grants for couples for more info.
Maximising the benefits of the Proximity Housing Grant in 2024
In 2024, the HDB’s Proximity Housing Grant continues to play a pivotal role in fostering family bonds and community cohesion in Singapore. Understanding the latest guidelines and market trends is crucial for potential homebuyers looking to benefit from this grant. This article offers an updated insight into how the PHG can be maximised in the current real estate climate.
With an emphasis on maintaining close family ties, the PHG supports familial connections and contributes to building a supportive and interconnected community. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to relocate closer to your family, the PHG offers substantial financial benefits, making the dream of homeownership more accessible and aligned with family-centric living.
The Singapore real estate market with the PHG
The real estate market in Singapore is ever-evolving, and the PHG is a key tool in navigating this dynamic landscape. In 2024, understanding the interplay between the PHG and other available housing grants can provide a significant advantage for homebuyers. This guide delves into how the PHG can be combined with other grants, such as the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, to optimize your investment and find a home that meets your financial criteria and brings you closer to your loved ones.
With our comprehensive analysis and tips, embarking on your home-buying journey in Singapore becomes a more informed and strategic process, ensuring that you make the best decisions for your family and your finances.
Wrapping up
The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) is for two groups of people:
- Those who want to live with their parents/children in an HDB resale flat.
- Those who want an HDB resale flat near their parents/children.
Sorry, but the answer is no. The PHG is only available to those buying a resale HDB flat.
However, you may be eligible for a whole range of other grants.
Yes, you are. As long as you’re buying a resale HDB, it doesn’t matter what type of property your parent or child is residing in as long as you’re 4 km away from their residence.
To check if your shortlisted unit is eligible for the PHG, simply key in the postal code of both properties using HDB’s Distance Enquiry e-service.
Good luck with your home search!
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Will the PHG incentivise you to buy an HDB resale flat near your parent’s home? Let us know in the comments section below.
If you found this article helpful, 99.co recommends HDB Resale Grants: How much can you get? and How the CPF accrued interest can affect your property sale proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG), and how much can I receive?
The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) is a CPF housing grant designed to encourage Singaporeans to live near or with their parents/children in HDB resale flats. You can receive up to S$30,000 if you live with your parents/children or S$20,000 if you live near them within a 4 km radius.
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Who is eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)?
To be eligible for the PHG, you must be a Singapore citizen at least 21. For family/couple applicants, the other applicant must be a Singapore Permanent Resident or a Singapore Citizen. Singles aged 35 and above applying under specific schemes are also eligible. The grant applies to buyers of HDB resale flats only.
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Can I receive the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) more than once?
No, the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) can only be received once in your lifetime. If you have already benefited from the PHG, you will not be eligible to receive it again for any future property purchases.
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How do I check if my desired HDB resale flat qualifies for the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)?
You can use HDB’s Distance Enquiry e-service to check if the HDB resale flat you are interested in is within a 4 km radius of your parents’ or children’s home. Simply enter the postal codes of both properties to verify eligibility.
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Should I repay the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) if I sell my flat?
If you sell your flat, you must refund the principal grant amount received and any CPF monies used for the house (such as downpayment and monthly instalments) back into your CPF Ordinary Account, including accrued interest. The refunded amount can then be used for your next property purchase.
About Eliza Hamizah
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.
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very informative. thank you for sharing
What happen if my parent decided not to stay with me before 5 years