Buying your first HDB flat in Singapore can feel expensive, but eligible first-time buyers may receive CPF housing grants to help reduce the cost. These grants can make a meaningful difference, especially for buyers choosing between a BTO flat and a resale flat.
What Are HDB Grants?
HDB grants are housing subsidies given to eligible buyers to help with the purchase of a flat. They are credited into the buyer’s CPF Ordinary Account and used to offset the flat purchase price.
The amount you may receive depends on factors such as household income, citizenship, flat type, whether you are buying a new or resale flat, and whether you are buying near your parents or children.
Types of HDB Grants First-Time Buyers May Receive
For first-time buyers, the main grants include:
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
- CPF Housing Grant for Resale Flats
- CPF Housing Grant for Singles
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) for Families
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) for Singles
- Top-Up Grant
How Much Can First-Time Buyers Receive?
The total grant amount depends on your eligibility. Based on HDB’s current grant framework, eligible first-timer families buying a resale flat may receive up to $230,000 in grants, while eligible first-timer singles buying a resale flat may receive up to $115,000.
For new flats, eligible first-timer families may receive up to $120,000 through the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, while singles may receive up to $60,000.
Why Grants Matter for First-Time Buyers
HDB grants can lower the amount buyers need to finance, which may reduce the required loan amount and monthly repayments. However, buyers should remember that grants do not automatically mean a flat is affordable.
It is still important to consider the total purchase price, available CPF savings, loan eligibility, cash needed, renovation cost, and future monthly commitments.
Check Your Eligibility Before You Buy
Before starting your home search, buyers should apply for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. The HFE letter informs buyers of their eligibility to buy a new or resale flat, the CPF housing grants they may receive, and the HDB housing loan amount they may qualify for.
Compare Prices Before Deciding
Even with grants, first-time buyers should compare prices carefully before choosing a flat. Buyers can browse listings on listing portals to compare HDB asking prices across different towns, flat types, and locations.
They can also refer to project pages and transaction history to understand whether a listed price is reasonable before making a decision.
HDB grants can make home ownership more accessible for first-time buyers, especially when combined with careful budgeting and price comparison. Before committing to a flat, buyers should check their grant eligibility, understand their financing options, and compare similar properties to make a more informed purchase decision.
