CPF Housing Grant
CPF Housing Grant schemes play a crucial role in helping Singaporeans afford their first homes. Managed by the Central Provident Fund (CPF)Housing & Development Board (HDB), these grants provide financial assistance that can be used to offset the cost of buying a flat. Whether purchasing a new or resale HDB flat, eligible buyers can receive significant subsidies that make home ownership more accessible and affordable.
What Is a CPF Housing Grant?
A CPF Housing Grant is a government housing subsidy credited directly into the home buyer’s CPF Ordinary Account (OA). The grant amount can then be used to pay for the purchase price of the flat or to reduce the mortgage loan. Grants are generally given to Singapore citizens buying their first homes, either from HDB or the open market.
Grants are not given in cash. Instead, they are disbursed into the buyer’s CPF account and become part of the CPF savings used to finance the property. This also means that, when the flat is sold, the grant amount (together with accrued interest) must be returned to the CPF account.
Types of CPF Housing Grants
As of recent years, HDB has streamlined its grant schemes into a few main categories to make them simpler and fairer. The primary grant for first-time buyers today is the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG).
1. Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) was introduced to replace several older grant types, including the Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG) and Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG). It is designed to help more Singaporeans, especially middle-income families, afford their first home—whether new or resale.
Key Features of EHG
- Grant amount: Up to S$80,000 depending on the household’s average monthly income.
- Applicable to: Both new and resale HDB flat purchases.
- Citizenship: At least one buyer must be a Singapore citizen.
- Income ceiling: The household income must not exceed S$9,000 per month.
- Employment requirement: Applicants must have worked continuously for at least 12 months before the flat application.
Grant Amount Structure
The grant amount decreases as the household income increases. The following table provides a simplified summary:
| Average Monthly Household Income | Grant Amount (S$) |
|---|---|
| Up to $1,500 | $80,000 |
| $1,501 – $2,000 | $75,000 |
| $2,001 – $2,500 | $70,000 |
| $2,501 – $3,000 | $65,000 |
| $3,001 – $3,500 | $60,000 |
| $3,501 – $4,000 | $55,000 |
| $4,001 – $4,500 | $50,000 |
| $4,501 – $5,000 | $45,000 |
| $5,001 – $5,500 | $40,000 |
| $5,501 – $6,000 | $35,000 |
| $6,001 – $6,500 | $30,000 |
| $6,501 – $7,000 | $25,000 |
| $7,001 – $7,500 | $20,000 |
| $7,501 – $8,000 | $15,000 |
| $8,001 – $8,500 | $10,000 |
| $8,501 – $9,000 | $5,000 |
2. Family Grant (for Resale Flats)
The Family Grant is another CPF housing grant that applies when buying a resale HDB flat from the open market. It is meant for families and married couples purchasing their first home.
- Grant amount: Up to S$50,000 for families purchasing a 2-room or larger resale flat.
- Eligibility: Both applicants must be Singapore citizens, or one a Singapore citizen and the other a permanent resident (in which case, the grant is lower at S$40,000).
- Income ceiling: The combined income must not exceed S$14,000 per month.
3. Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) encourages families to live near their parents or children. It applies only to resale flats and can be used together with the EHG and Family Grant.
- Grant amount: Up to S$30,000 for families living with parents or children, or up to S$20,000 for those living within 4 km.
- Eligibility: At least one Singapore citizen buyer, and the resale flat must be within the defined proximity of parents or children.
Eligibility Criteria for CPF Housing Grants
While each grant type has specific conditions, these are the general eligibility criteria across all CPF housing grants:
- At least one applicant must be a Singapore citizen.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old (or 35 if applying under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme).
- Applicants must not have previously received any housing subsidy from HDB.
- Applicants must meet the relevant income ceiling for the type of grant applied.
- The flat being purchased must have a remaining lease of at least 20 years.
How to Apply for a CPF Housing Grant
The application process depends on whether you are buying a new or resale flat:
For New HDB Flats (BTO or Sale of Balance Flats)
- Indicate your intent to apply for the CPF housing grant during the flat application process.
- Submit supporting documents such as income statements and employment details.
- HDB will assess your eligibility and inform you of the grant amount during the booking process.
For Resale HDB Flats
- Submit your resale application through the HDB Resale Portal.
- Indicate that you are applying for the CPF housing grant in the same submission.
- Once approved, the grant amount will be credited into your CPF OA before completion of the flat purchase.
Using the CPF Housing Grant
The CPF housing grant amount is credited into the buyer’s CPF Ordinary Account and can be used for:
- Offsetting the purchase price of the flat.
- Paying part of the down payment.
- Reducing the mortgage loan amount.
However, since the grant is considered part of CPF savings, it must be refunded to the CPF account (with accrued interest) when the flat is sold or transferred.
Special Notes for Singles
Single Singapore citizens (aged 35 and above) buying their first flat alone are also eligible for housing grants, though at half the family grant amount. For instance, singles can receive up to S$40,000 under the EHG when purchasing a resale flat or up to S$40,000 for a new 2-room BTO flat in a non-mature estate.
Combining Multiple Grants
Eligible buyers can combine more than one grant type to increase affordability, especially for resale flats. For example, a first-time Singaporean couple purchasing a resale flat near their parents can potentially receive:
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) – up to S$80,000
- Family Grant – up to S$50,000
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) – up to S$30,000
In total, this could amount to as much as S$160,000 in grants, significantly lowering the overall cost of buying a resale HDB flat.
Conclusion
The CPF Housing Grant is one of the key pillars of Singapore’s housing policy, ensuring that home ownership remains within reach for most citizens. The introduction of the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) has further simplified the system and made grants more inclusive for a broader range of income levels. Whether you’re buying a new or resale HDB flat, understanding the grant options available helps you make informed and financially sound decisions on your path to home ownership.
References
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