{"id":65615,"date":"2023-05-23T18:17:03","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T10:17:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/?p=65615"},"modified":"2023-05-23T18:17:03","modified_gmt":"2023-05-23T10:17:03","slug":"commonly-asked-questions-faq-buying-hdb-flat-eligibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.99.co\/singapore\/insider\/commonly-asked-questions-faq-buying-hdb-flat-eligibility\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs: \u201cCan I BTO during MOP?\u201d – Commonly asked questions about buying HDB flat eligibility"},"content":{"rendered":"
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For most of us, adulting is hard. And it gets even more daunting when it\u2019s time to buy a house.<\/p>\n

Given the high cost of housing in Singapore, most of us would go for an HDB flat<\/a> as our first home.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, since HDB flats are a form of public housing, there are many criteria and conditions to meet before you\u2019re eligible to buy one. And understanding these conditions and navigating the buying process<\/a> can be a little tough, especially if you\u2019re buying a home for the first time.<\/p>\n

With that, 99.co<\/a> answers some commonly asked questions about one’s eligibility to buy an HDB flat.<\/p>\n

Eligibility to buy an HDB flat<\/h2>\n

1. Can I buy an HDB flat by myself even though I\u2019m married?<\/h3>\n

Technically, you cannot buy an HDB flat by yourself as a married person. You\u2019ll need to form a family nucleus with your spouse in order to be eligible to buy public housing.<\/p>\n

Your spouse can either be listed as a co-owner or an essential occupier (i.e. core occupier). The main difference between these two is that as an essential occupier, your spouse won\u2019t have any interest in the flat.<\/p>\n

Another thing to note is that HDB recently introduced some changes that affect the essential occupier<\/a>. From 9 May 2023 onwards, those listed as essential occupiers will also receive a share of the housing grant. But they won\u2019t be able to use it for the flat purchase unless they\u2019re listed as a co-owner.<\/p>\n

\"HDB<\/a>
Source: HDB<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"HDB<\/a>
Source: HDB<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On top of that, just like the co-owner, the essential occupier will be considered a second-timer for their next HDB flat purchase. But this rule excludes cases where the essential occupier is a child. We\u2019ll explain more on that later.<\/p>\n

2. I have a property overseas. Can I buy an HDB flat?<\/h3>\n

No, as long as you have a property in Singapore or overseas, you\u2019re not allowed to buy an HDB flat. You\u2019ll have to sell it<\/a> and wait for a certain number of months, depending on whether you\u2019re buying from HDB or the resale market.<\/p>\n

If you plan to buy a non-subsidised HDB resale flat (i.e. no grants, except the Proximity Housing Grant<\/a>), you need to wait for 15 months before you can apply for the HDB Flat Eligibility Letter (HFE)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The wait is double at 30 months (before you can apply for the HFE letter) if you plan to buy from HDB (through BTO<\/a>, SBF<\/a> or open booking) or the resale market with CPF housing grants<\/a>. This waiting period is also applicable if you wish to qualify for the HDB housing loan<\/a>.<\/p>\n