{"id":40629,"date":"2023-05-29T13:50:02","date_gmt":"2023-05-29T05:50:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=40629"},"modified":"2024-09-06T12:14:32","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T04:14:32","slug":"essential-occupier-hdb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/essential-occupier-hdb\/","title":{"rendered":"4 ways an essential occupier can help with your HDB BTO or resale flat purchase, grants, etc."},"content":{"rendered":"
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Buying an HDB flat, be it BTO<\/a> or resale<\/a>, can be challenging, especially given the various criteria to meet. But all hope is not lost \u2014 having an essential occupier can help you with your HDB flat purchase.<\/p>\n

But first, let us explain more about the essential occupier.<\/p>\n

Who can be considered an essential occupier?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

According to HDB<\/span>, an essential occupier (or core occupier) is a family member listed in the Application Form to form a family nucleus, allowing you to qualify for an eligibility scheme to purchase a flat. It can be for a new flat, like a BTO, or a resale flat.<\/p>\n

An essential occupier can be:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • If you’re married: you, your spouse and children (if any)<\/li>\n
  • If you’re widowed, divorced or separated, you and your children under your custody<\/li>\n
  • You and your fiance\/fiancee<\/li>\n
  • You, your parents and siblings<\/li>\n
  • If you\u2019re buying a 3Gen flat: you, your spouse, fiance\/fiancee and your parents<\/li>\n
  • Orphaned siblings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    \"Screenshot<\/a>
    Source: HDB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Maximising financial advantages with essential occupiers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

    Incorporating an essential occupier in your HDB flat purchase isn’t just about meeting eligibility requirements; it’s a strategic move that can unlock many financial benefits. For instance, essential occupiers who are first-time buyers can significantly leverage grants like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, which can be a game-changer in managing the financial load of acquiring a new home.<\/p>\n

    This is particularly advantageous for young couples embarking on their homeownership journey, as it can ease the upfront costs and provide more breathing room in their budget. It’s crucial to navigate the grant eligibility criteria with precision, ensuring that the inclusion of an essential occupier aligns with the long-term financial planning for your home.<\/p>\n

    Being an essential occupier is different from being an owner as they won\u2019t have any share in the flat. But they can help with your HDB flat purchase in a few ways. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n

    Qualify an eligibility scheme to buy an HDB flat.<\/b><\/h2>\n

    If you can\u2019t buy an HDB flat on your own (e.g. if you\u2019re below 35), you can add a family member as an essential occupier to qualify for a certain scheme.<\/p>\n

    Public Scheme<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Applicable for: <\/b>New flats from HDB (i.e. BTO, SBF<\/a> or open booking) and resale flats<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re widowed or divorced and have children under your custody, you won\u2019t be able to buy a flat on your own under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme until you turn 35.<\/p>\n

    The good news is that with the Public Scheme, you can buy a flat by listing your children as essential occupiers. As they\u2019re underage, you won\u2019t be able to list them as co-owners.<\/p>\n

    Learn more about the eligibility criteria for buying HDB flats here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n