Singles, read this before starting your house-hunting journey!
For single Singaporeans, turning 35 is a pretty big deal. It’s not just because you’re just 5 years away from reaching the big 4-0, but it’s also because you’re finally, finally able to purchase your very own HDB flat – no more living with the parents, or renting out a space.
View this project by Insight.Out Studio
Before scouting for your bachelor(ette) pad, though, here’s everything you need to know:
HDB schemes that apply to singles:
View this project by Charlotte's Carpentry
As a single person, you’re eligible to apply under two specific schemes:
- Singles Singaporean Citizen Scheme (where you’re buying a HDB flat by yourself)
- Joint Singles Scheme (where you’re buying a HDB flat with up to 3 other singles).
General requirements for both schemes include:
- Citizenship: Singapore citizens only
- Age: At least 35 years old (or 21 years old if you’re widowed or orphaned).
If you’re looking for a flat with other singles, note that all of you will have to fulfil the requirements listed above.
For singles buying a BTO flat:
Example of a 2-room Flexi flat | View this project by The Local INN.terior 新家室
Given that BTO flats tend to be priced lower than resale flats within the same area, they’re definitely the more affordable option for single homeowners. However, the requirements for a single purchasing a BTO flat are pretty strict, compared to those for resale flats:
- House type: Singles can only apply for a 2-room Flexi flat
- Location: Only in non-mature estates such as Woodlands, Punggol, and Yishun
- Income ceiling: Monthly income should be no higher than $7,000
Note that if you’re a single person looking to buy a bigger BTO flat (3-room or above) with your parents, you can actually do so if you fit the eligibility criteria for couples and families.
For singles buying an HDB resale flat:
A 5-room resale flat in Whampoa | View this project by Ultra Space Design
Singles can also opt to buy an HDB resale flat. While they may be pricier than a BTO flat, eligible buyers can enjoy housing grants such as the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (Singles) and Proximity Housing Grants (Singles). Plus, you’ll also have way more flexibility and variety when it comes to your choice of flat.
- House type: Any flat type except 3-Gen HDB flats
- Location: Any location
- Income ceiling: No income ceiling
Explore: 5 Steps to Buying a Resale Flat in Singapore
CPF housing grants for singles
Depending on the type of flat you’re buying and your income ceiling, you’ll also be eligible to snag a sizeable sum of monetary assistance in the form of housing grants:
| CPF housing grant | BTO or resale | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (Singles) | BTO and resale | Singles Singapore Citizen Scheme: up to $40,000 Joint Singles Scheme: up to $80,000 | Income ceiling no higher than $4,500 per month (or $9,000 if you’re buying with other singles). All occupants must have worked continuously for at least 12 months prior to flat purchase. |
| CPF Housing Grant (Singles) | Resale only | 1 single: $25,000 (4-room and below) or $20,000 (5-room flat) 2-4 singles: $50,000 (4-room and below) or $40,000 (5-room flat) | 1 single: $7,000 income ceiling 2-4 singles: $14,000 income ceiling |
| Proximity Housing Grant (Singles) | Resale only | $15,000 $10,000 | If you’re living with your parents/child(ren) Choice of flat must be within 4km of your parents’ or child(ren)’s house |
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