The Housing Development Board (HDB) has different eligibility criteria to determine who can and cannot buy Built-to-Order (BTO) or resale flats, depending on the type of scheme. As they must abide by government guidelines, some HDB eligibility schemes are stricter than others.
Before you check out HDB flat prices and floor plans, you should get up to speed on the various HDB eligibility schemes. Depending on your circumstances, you might be eligible for many schemes at once or just one.
A Summary of BTO and Resale HDB Eligibility Schemes
| BTO | Resale |
|---|---|
| Public scheme | Public scheme |
| Fiance/Fiancee scheme | Fiance/Fiancee scheme |
| Single Singapore Citizen scheme | Single Singapore Citizen scheme |
| Joint Singles scheme | Joint Singles scheme |
| Non-citizen Spouse scheme | Non-citizen Spouse scheme |
| Orphans scheme | Non-citizen Family scheme |
| Orphans scheme | |
| Conversion scheme |
Jump to each section:
BTO Eligibility Check
As BTO flats are price-subsidised, they have stricter basic eligibility criteria.
1. There is a monthly household income cap of $14,000 for couples ($7,000 for singles).
BTO vs Resale Income Ceiling
| Flat Type | Applicant Type | Income Ceiling | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTO | Family/Couple | $14,000 | For most BTO flats |
| BTO | Family/Couple | $7,000 | For 2-room Flexi (99-year lease) and some 3-room flats |
| Resale (without grants or HDB loan) | Any | No income ceiling | |
| Resale (with grants or HDB loan) | Family/Couple | $14,000 | |
| Resale (with grants or HDB loan) | Single | $7,000 | |
| Resale Plus | Family/Couple or Single | $14,000 | Only for Singaporeans |
2. Applicants must have sold off any other property at least two and a half years from the legal completion date before applying for an HFE letter, which is a strict requirement.
3. The Minimum Occupation Period, typically five years (or 10 for Prime Location Public Housing), must be fulfilled before owners can buy another property.
HDB Eligibility Schemes and Conditions for Buying BTO Flats
Public Scheme
- Suitable for: a family nucleus that includes one Singapore citizen (SC) and one other citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR)
- Special condition: applicant’s parents/children can be considered as part of the family nucleus
Fiance/Fiancee Scheme
- Suitable for: couples who haven’t officially tied the knot
- Special condition: submit the certificate of marriage within three months after the resale completion date
Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
- Suitable for: SC who are unmarried or divorced, aged 35 and above
- Special conditions:
- For BTO exercises, only 2-room Flexi units are open for singles
- Monthly income ceiling of $7,000
Joint Singles Scheme
- Suitable for: a group of 2-4 singles who wish to live together
- Special conditions:
- All co-applicants must be SC
- Average monthly income ceiling of $7,000
Non-citizen Spouse Scheme
- Suitable for: couples with one SC and one non-SC or non-permanent resident
- Special conditions:
- The non-resident spouse needs a valid Long Term Visit Pass or Work Pass
- Eligible to apply for 2-room Flexi units
- Must be a first-time applicant
Orphans Scheme
- Suitable for: orphan siblings who want to buy a BTO flat together
- Special conditions:
- At least one deceased parent must have been an SC or SPR
- All siblings have to be single
HDB Eligibility Schemes and Conditions for Buying Resale Flats
Owners will be allowed to sell their HDB flats once their MOP has passed. The eligibility schemes for resale flats are similar to those for BTO, with some additional options for special scenarios. There is no income ceiling when purchasing a resale flat, except for Prime units, and if you’re applying for CPF housing grants.
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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.
Ready to sell your home? We’re ready to help.
Schedule a consultation with one of Singapore’s top agents.
Public Scheme
- Suitable for: family nucleus who are either SC, SPR, or a mix
- Special condition: applicant’s parents/children can be considered as part of the family nucleus
Fiance/Fiancee Scheme
- Suitable for: couples who haven’t officially tied the knot
- Special condition: submit a certificate of marriage within three months after the resale completion date
Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
- Suitable for: unmarried or divorced SC singles aged 35 and above
- Special condition: orphans can apply once they reach 21 years old
Joint Singles Scheme
- Suitable for: a group of 2-4 singles who wish to live together
- Special condition: all co-applicants must be SC
Non-citizen Spouse Scheme
- Suitable for: couples with one SC and one non-SC or non-permanent resident
- Special conditions:
- If the SC is 21-34 years, the non-citizen spouse must have a valid Long Term Visit Pass or Work Pass.
- If the SC is 35 years or older, the non-citizen spouse must have a valid Visit Pass or Work Pass
- If the couple has an SC child, they are eligible for the Public scheme.
Non-citizen Family Scheme
- Suitable for: families with at least one SC and a non-citizen parent or child
- Special condition: at least one parent/child must have a valid Long Term Visit Pass or Work Pass
Orphans Scheme
- Suitable for: orphans who want to buy with another single person
- Special condition: at least one deceased parent must have been an SC or SPR
Conversion Scheme
- Suitable for: families who want to combine the purchased flat with an adjoining flat
- Special conditions:
- Each unit must be 3-room or smaller
- Must form a family nucleus that consists of either applicants’ parents or children
Looking for an HDB or Private Property? Speak to a Top 1% Agent in Singapore!
Keep in mind that HDB policies, including eligibility schemes, are subject to change. It’s best to monitor for updates, especially if you’re planning to purchase a flat.
For your homebuying or selling needs, Ohmyhome’s Super Agents are here to help. From property valuation to handover, we will guide you in your whole journey to homeownership.
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