If you’re one of the many looking to purchase an HDB flat, don’t fret—there are CPF Housing Grants that could assist you in doing so. The eligibility requirements offered are flexible, so people from all kinds of lifestyles and situations can apply. Out of all the CPF grants available, the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) is one that you’ll most likely be eligible for.
Let’s break down the eligibility criteria for the CPF and EHG, including the income ceiling, and the differences between the EHG, Additional Housing Grant (AHG), and Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG).
All You Need to Know About the Enhanced Housing Grant
What Is the Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG)?
The EHG was introduced in September 2019 by the Ministry of National Development (MND) and HDB to replace the Additional CPF Housing Grant and Special Housing Grant. You can apply for the HDB EHG if you are buying a:
- 2-room Flexi flat on 99-year leases in a non-mature estate
- 2-room Flexi flat on a short lease
- HDB resale flat (up to 5-room flats under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme and all resale flats under the Joint Single Scheme)
EHG Eligibility Conditions
| Eligibility Conditions | EHG |
|---|---|
| Income Ceiling | First-timer family/household: $9,000/month First-timer single: $4,500/month |
| Remaining Lease | 20 years or more |
| Grant Amount | First-timer family/household: Up to $120,000 First-timer single: Up to $60,000 |
| Eligible Flats | New or resale |
The monthly household income for first-time family buyers applying for the EHG HDB should not exceed $9,000. Both spouses must also have been in continuous employment for 12 months before the flat application and still be working at the point of the flat application.
The same applies to eligible first-timer single buyers aged 35 and above, but the monthly income must be $4,500. This may include FT/ST couple (First-timer and Second-timer couple) applicants, NCS (Non-Citizen Spouse) Scheme applicants, and Single SC (Singapore Citizen) Scheme applicants.
How Much EHG Do You Qualify for?
Eligible single first-timers can enjoy an EHG of up to $60,000, while families and joint singles scheme buyers (two unmarried individuals buying together) are eligible for up to $120,000 when purchasing either a BTO or resale flat. You may refer to the EHG table below for the estimated eligibility amount based on your average monthly income.
Take note that the BTO or resale HDB flat you’re buying must have a remaining lease that can cover you and/or your spouse to the age of 95. Otherwise, the EHG amount you’ll receive will be prorated.
EHG Amount for First-timer Families and Joint Singles Scheme
| Average Monthly Household Income | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Not more than $1,500 | $120,000 |
| $1,501 – $2,000 | $110,000 |
| $2,001 – $2,500 | $105,000 |
| $2,501 – $3,000 | $95,000 |
| $3,001 – $3,500 | $90,000 |
| $3,501 – $4,000 | $80,000 |
| $4,001 – $4,500 | $70,000 |
| $4,501 – $5,000 | $65,000 |
| $5,001 – $5,500 | $55,000 |
| $5,501 – $6,000 | $50,000 |
| $6,001 – $6,500 | $40,000 |
| $6,501 – $7,000 | $30,000 |
| $7,001 – $7,500 | $25,000 |
| $7,501 – $8,000 | $20,000 |
| $8,001 – $8,500 | $10,000 |
| $8,501 – $9,000 | $5,000 |
| More than $9,000 | N/A |
EHG Amount for First-timer Singles
| Average Monthly Income | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Not more than $750 | $60,000 |
| $751 – $1,000 | $55,000 |
| $1,001 – $1,250 | $52,500 |
| $1,251 – $1,500 | $47,500 |
| $1,501 – $1,750 | $45,000 |
| $1,751 – $2,000 | $40,000 |
| $2,001 – $2,250 | $35,000 |
| $2,251 – $2,500 | $32,500 |
| $2,501 – $2,750 | $27,500 |
| $2,751 – $3,000 | $25,000 |
| $3,001 – $3,250 | $20,000 |
| $3,251 – $3,500 | $15,000 |
| $3,501 – $3,750 | $12,500 |
| $3,751 – $4,000 | $10,000 |
| $4,001 – $4,250 | $5,000 |
| $4,251 – $4,500 | $2,500 |
| More than $4,500 | N/A |
In addition to the EHG, you may also qualify for the CPF Housing Grant (up to $80,000) and/or Proximity Housing Grant (up to $30,000), which means you may enjoy around $110,000 more in grants.
What Are the Differences Between EHG, AHG, and SHG?
EHG for BTO Buyers
In contrast to the former SHG, the EHG is applicable to all flat types and locations. Take, for instance, Couple A, whose average monthly household income is $4,800. They are in the market for a 4-room BTO flat in Tampines, an established residential area. Thanks to the EHG, Couple A stands to benefit from an extra $65,000 in housing grants.
| AHG | SHG | EHG | Total Grant Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before 11 Sep 2019 | $5,000 | N/A | – | $5,000 |
| From 11 Sep 2019 | – | – | $65,000 | $65,000 |
EHG for HDB Resale Flat Buyers
In the past, buyers of resale flats were limited to an AHG of $40,000, but not the SHG. However, with the introduction of the EHG, they can now benefit from an EHG of up to $120,000. Eligible first-time buyers of resale flats can access more than $200,000 in housing grants, inclusive of the EHG ($120,000), CPF Housing Grant (up to $80,000), and PHG (up to $30,000).
Couple B, for example, whose average monthly household income stands at $4,800 and is in the process of purchasing a 4-room flat in a mature estate to reside close to their parents, is poised to receive an extra $65,000 in housing grants under the EHG.
| CPF Housing Grant | AHG | SHG | EHG | Total Grant Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before 11 Sep 2019 | $50,000 | $20,000 | $5,000 | – | $75,000 |
| From 11 Sep 2019 | $80,000 | $20,000 | – | $65,000 | $165,000 |
4 Key Enhancements in the Housing Grant for First-timers
- Earning within the median monthly household income in Singapore is no longer a disadvantage since EHG’s income ceiling has been raised to $9,000. According to statistics, the median monthly household income in 2018 was $9,293.
- You can now purchase a flat with a remaining lease of 20 years or more. This will help to make older flats in mature estates more affordable, giving them a new lease of life.
- The additional grants will allow families to afford a bigger home (4-room or bigger), making it spacious enough to live together and elevating living standards.
- Access to EHG for flats with a remaining lease of 20 years or more allows families to afford homes in mature estates, which usually come with more developed dining, transportation, entertainment, and other amenities.
What It Means for You as a Buyer
What remains unchanged is that the higher your income, the lower your grant amount. For example, if the household earns between $8,501 and $9,000, the grant amount is $5,000.
However, the additional $80,000 in grants will help eligible families, especially those with lower household incomes, afford a roof over their heads.
Also, eligible first-time buyers of resale flats can enjoy up to $230,000 in housing grants, which include the EHG ($120,000), CPF Housing Grant (up to $80,000), and PHG (up to $30,000).
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Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can be considered a first-timer applicant?
You will be considered a first-timer applicant if you have not received any housing subsidy from HDB.
2. How do I apply for the EHG?
If eligible, please complete and sign the EHG application form given in your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter and submit it to HDB during your flat booking appointment.
3. How is the grant released to me?
The CPF housing grant will be fully credited into the CPF Ordinary Accounts of eligible Singapore Citizens applicants, and no cash disbursement is involved.
4. What are CPF housing grants for?
CPF housing grants can be used to offset the purchase price of the flat.
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