Buying an HDB flat is a milestone for many Singaporeans, but not everyone can simply walk into the market and secure one. Strict eligibility rules govern who can apply, ensuring that public housing remains accessible to those it’s meant for.
In 2025, the criteria go beyond just wanting a home. Your citizenship status, age, household income, family nucleus, and property ownership history all play a part in determining whether you qualify. These conditions vary depending on whether you’re buying a brand-new Build-to-Order (BTO) flat, a resale flat, or applying under a specific scheme.
This guide will walk you through the key eligibility requirements step by step—so you’ll know exactly where you stand before beginning your HDB homeownership journey.
1. Core Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the specific rules for new or resale flats, every potential buyer must first meet HDB’s core eligibility requirements. These form the foundation of whether you can even begin the application process.
Citizenship
At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen (SC). Depending on the scheme, the other applicant(s) can be Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs). This ensures that HDB flats primarily serve Singaporeans, while still accommodating mixed households.
Age
Families and couples: You must be at least 21 years old to apply under family-based schemes, such as the Public Scheme or Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme.
Singles: If you’re applying alone, you must be 35 years old or above. This applies whether you’re buying a new 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate or a resale flat.
Family Nucleus
Applicants must form a recognized family nucleus under one of HDB’s approved schemes. This could be:
Spouses applying together,
Parents and children, or
Orphaned siblings applying jointly.
Singles who don’t have a family nucleus can still buy, but they must apply under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme once they meet the minimum age requirement.
Together, these three criteria—citizenship, age, and family nucleus—make up the baseline conditions that every buyer must satisfy before moving on to income, property ownership, or flat-type specific requirements.
2. Additional Requirements for New Flats (BTO, SBF, OBF)
If you’re aiming for a brand-new flat—whether through the Build-to-Order (BTO) exercise, Sale of Balance Flats (SBF), or Open Booking of Flats (OBF)—you’ll need to meet a few more conditions on top of the core eligibility criteria.
Income Ceiling
Your household’s combined monthly income must not exceed $14,000 for most flat types. Certain flats have different limits: for example, larger or multi-generation flats may come with a higher ceiling, while some smaller flat types may have lower thresholds. This rule ensures that subsidised public housing remains targeted at middle-income households.
Property Ownership Restrictions
Applicants must not currently own any private residential property—whether in Singapore or overseas. In fact, you must also not have disposed of a private property within the last 30 months before your application. This includes landed homes, condominiums, or executive condominiums that are still within their minimum occupation period.
HFE Letter Requirement
Before you can ballot or book a flat, you must first obtain a HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. This document confirms whether you qualify to buy a new flat, the amount of housing grants you’re eligible for, and whether you can take up an HDB loan. The letter is valid for 9 months, so it’s important to plan your application timeline carefully.
In short, while new flats may come with subsidies and fresh leases, they also carry tighter rules—especially around income, property history, and documentation.
3. Additional Requirements for Resale Flats
Buying a resale flat offers greater flexibility in terms of location, size, and availability compared to new launches. However, there are still key eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet before completing the purchase.
Citizenship
At least one of the buyers must be a Singapore Citizen (SC). The other buyer(s) can be Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs), but the household must include an SC to proceed with the transaction.
Income Ceiling
Unlike new flats, there is no income ceiling to purchase a resale flat. This means higher-income households are not excluded from buying on the resale market. However, if you plan to apply for CPF housing grants or an HDB loan, income limits will apply. For example, the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) requires your household income to be $9,000 or less per month.
Property Ownership Rules
The same 30-month rule applies as with new flats: you must not own, or have disposed of, any private residential property in Singapore or overseas within the last 30 months before your application.
HFE Letter Requirement
An HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter is also mandatory when purchasing a resale flat. You’ll need it before exercising the Option to Purchase (OTP), as it confirms your eligibility, grant entitlements, and financing options.
In essence, while resale flats have fewer restrictions on income, they still require careful checks around citizenship, property ownership, and loan or grant eligibility.
4. Special Cases & Exceptions
Not every buyer fits neatly into the standard family or couple categories. HDB has carved out special provisions to accommodate unique situations, ensuring access to housing remains inclusive.
Orphaned Siblings
If both parents have passed away, orphaned siblings may apply for an HDB flat together. To qualify:
All siblings must be single at the time of application.
At least one of the deceased parents must have been a Singapore Citizen (SC) or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR).
This rule helps siblings without parental support secure a stable home together.
Singles, Divorced, Separated, or Single-Parents
Individuals who don’t fall under the traditional family nucleus—such as singles, divorced or separated individuals, and single parents—can also purchase HDB flats. The key requirement is age:
They must be at least 35 years old.
Eligible flat types are typically 2-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates for new launches, or any resale flat on the open market.
These exceptions provide alternative pathways to homeownership for those whose life circumstances differ from the conventional family model.
5. How to Check & Apply for Eligibility
Before committing to a flat, it’s essential to confirm your eligibility through the proper channels. HDB has streamlined this process to make it straightforward for buyers.
HDB Flat Portal
All applications begin at the HDB Flat Portal, where you can apply for your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. This letter is your official confirmation of whether you qualify to buy a flat, the types of housing grants you may receive, and whether you’re eligible for an HDB housing loan. Since the HFE letter is valid for only 9 months, it’s best to apply when you’re ready to proceed with a purchase or ballot.
Where to Learn More
For additional clarity and step-by-step guidance, buyers can refer to:
HDB’s official guides for the latest eligibility rules and application procedures,
The CPF Board’s resources on grants and financing, and
Trusted local property platforms that provide simplified explanations and market insights.
By starting with the HFE letter and making use of these resources, you’ll have a clear picture of your home-buying eligibility before taking the next step.
Eligibility to buy an HDB flat ultimately comes down to a few key factors: your citizenship status, age, household income, family nucleus, and property ownership history. While the specific requirements differ between new and resale flats, these core conditions form the foundation of Singapore’s public housing framework.
By checking the rules early, you’ll avoid last-minute surprises and be better prepared to plan your homeownership journey. Whether you’re applying as a couple, a family, or under a special scheme, knowing where you stand helps you move forward with confidence.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, head to the HDB Flat Portal to apply for your HFE letter and confirm your eligibility before making the leap.
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