HDB Grants in Singapore: CPF Housing Grant, Enhanced Grant, and Proximity Grant Explained

HDB grants are one of the most significant financial levers available to first-time buyers and eligible second-time buyers in Singapore. Used correctly, they can reduce your purchase price by up to $120,000. Used without understanding, buyers leave significant money unclaimed.

Here is every major grant, clearly explained.

1. CPF Housing Grant for Resale Flats

The CPF Housing Grant is available to first-time buyers purchasing a resale HDB flat. Unlike BTO flats (which receive their subsidy in the form of below-market pricing), resale flat buyers receive grants in cash credited to their CPF Ordinary Account, which can be used toward the purchase.

Grant quantum:

• 4-room and larger resale flat: up to $50,000 for families; up to $25,000 for singles
• 3-room and smaller: up to $80,000 for families; up to $40,000 for singles

Income ceiling for families: $14,000 per month

Income ceiling for singles: $7,000 per month

Both applicants must be first-timer applicants to receive the full grant quantum.

2. Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)

The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant replaced the Additional CPF Housing Grant in 2019. It provides additional grant support tiered by income level, available for both BTO and resale flat purchases.

Grant quantum: up to $80,000 for families; up to $40,000 for singles

To qualify for the maximum EHG, your average monthly household income must be $1,500 or below. The grant amount reduces progressively as income rises, with no grant awarded above $9,000 per month for families.

The EHG also requires that at least one applicant has worked continuously for 12 months prior to applying, and the applicant must not have owned a private residential property in the 30 months before the resale flat application.

3. Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)

The Proximity Housing Grant incentivises buyers to live near their parents or children.

Grant quantum:

• Living with parents or children (same flat): $30,000
• Living within 4km of parents or children: $20,000

The PHG can be used for resale flats only, not BTO. Only one set of PHG can be claimed per family nucleus, and the parents or children you are applying to live near must be Singapore Citizens or PRs.

4. Step-Up CPF Housing Grant

The Step-Up CPF Housing Grant is for second-timer families who previously purchased a 2-room flat (BTO) and are now purchasing a larger resale flat in a non-mature estate.

Grant quantum: $15,000

This grant is narrowly targeted and is specifically designed to support households moving up from the smallest BTO flat type.

Combining Grants

Eligible buyers can stack multiple grants. A first-timer family buying a resale 4-room flat near parents could potentially receive:

• CPF Housing Grant: $50,000
• Enhanced CPF Housing Grant: up to $80,000 (depending on income)
• Proximity Housing Grant: $20,000 to $30,000

Maximum combined grant for an eligible family: up to $160,000.

All grants are credited to CPF and must be used for the property purchase. Any amount not used is retained in CPF for retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use HDB grants for a BTO flat?

The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) is available for BTO flat purchases. The CPF Housing Grant and Proximity Housing Grant apply to resale flats only. BTO flats receive their primary subsidy through below-market pricing rather than cash grants.

Do HDB grants need to be repaid when I sell my flat?

HDB grants received as CPF credits are considered CPF funds. When you sell, you must refund all CPF used (including grants) plus accrued interest at 2.5% per annum to your CPF account. The grants do not need to be repaid to HDB, but they form part of your CPF refund obligation on sale.

Can second-timer buyers receive HDB grants?

Second-timers have very limited grant eligibility. The Step-Up CPF Housing Grant ($15,000) is available to second-timers from 2-room BTO flats buying larger resale flats. The CPF Housing Grant, EHG, and PHG are generally for first-timers only.

Does income ceiling apply to all HDB grants?

Yes. Each grant has an income ceiling. The CPF Housing Grant ceiling is $14,000 per month for families. The EHG has a sliding scale from 0 to $9,000. The PHG has a ceiling of $14,000. If your household income exceeds the applicable ceiling, you are not eligible for that specific grant.

How do I apply for HDB grants?

For resale flat purchases, you apply for grants as part of the HDB resale application process. Both buyer and seller must be registered in the HDB Resale Portal, and the grant application is submitted after the OTP is signed. HDB processes and approves grant applications as part of the resale completion process.

Buying Your First HDB and Want to Maximise Your Grants?

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