Buying a flat solo in Singapore can feel financially daunting, but there’s good news: several HDB grants are designed specifically to help singles afford their first home. The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), Singles Grant, and Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) can add up to more than $100,000 in subsidies if you meet the conditions. The tricky part? Each grant comes with its own rules, income ceilings, and eligibility requirements.
In this guide, we break down what each grant covers, who qualifies, and how much you can expect to receive depending on your income level. Whether you’re planning to buy a new 2-room Flexi flat or a resale unit near your parents, here’s how the latest grant structure can make homeownership as a single a lot more achievable.
Grants for singles buying an HDB flat
Buying your first home on your own can feel daunting, but HDB offers several grants to make it more achievable. Here’s a side-by-side look at what’s available for single Singaporeans.
Criteria | |||
Who it’s for | First-timer singles aged 35 and above buying a new or resale flat | First-timer singles aged 35 and above buying a resale flat | Singles buying a resale flat near their parents or children |
Eligible flats | New 2-room Flexi or any resale flat | 2- to 5-room resale flats | Any resale flat within 4 km (or same block) as parents or children |
Income ceiling | $4,500/month (single); $9,000 (joint singles) | $7,000/month (single); $14,000/month (joint singles) | No income ceiling |
Grant amount | Up to $60,000 if you’re buying on your own, up to $120,000 if you’re buying with other single(s)—grant amount is based on income | $40,000 (2–4-room) per applicant with a maximum of 2; or $25,000 (5-room) per applicant with a maximum of 2 | $15,000 to live with family; $10,000 to live near (within 4km) of family |
Employment requirement | At least 12 months of continuous work before applying | None | None |
Other conditions | Remaining flat lease must exceed 20 years and must cover you or youngest buyer (if applying with other singles) to age 95 | Remaining flat lease must exceed 20 years | Remaining flat lease must exceed 20 years |
All the grants above share a few common rules:
- You must be a Singapore Citizen aged 35 or above.
- You must be a first-timer applicant.
- The remaining lease of the flat must be more than 20 years.
Applying for a flat as a single? Get all you need to know from our other guides! |
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) (Singles)
Who it’s for
The EHG (Singles) is aimed at first-timer Singapore Citizens aged 35 and above who are buying either a new 2-room Flexi flat or a resale flat.
To qualify, you must have worked continuously for at least 12 months before applying. Employment can be full-time or part-time, as long as CPF contributions are made.
How much you can get
Singles can receive up to $60,000, while joint singles can get up to $120,000 combined. The grant amount is tiered by income—the lower your income, the higher your grant:
Average monthly income | EHG (Singles) |
≤ $750 | $60,000 |
$751 to $1,000 | $55,000 |
$1,501 to $1,750 | $45,000 |
$2,001 to $2,250 | $35,000 |
$2,751 to $3,000 | $25,000 |
$3,751 to $4,000 | $10,000 |
$4,251 to $4,500 | $2,500 |
This sliding scale ensures those who need the most help get the largest boost .
Key conditions
- The flat’s remaining lease must cover you until age 95.
- You must be a first-timer applicant who has never taken a housing subsidy.
- Applies to both new and resale flats.
CPF Housing Grant for Resale Flats (Singles Grant)
Who it’s for
The CPF Housing Grant for Resale Flats (Singles) is for first-timer singles aged 35 and above buying a resale flat. It does not apply to new BTO flats, but it can be used on flats of most sizes and in any location.
You can apply individually under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme or jointly with up to 3 other singles under the Joint Singles Scheme.
How much you can get
- $40,000 for 2- to 4-room flats.
- $25,000 for 5-room flats.
If buying jointly, each eligible buyer can receive their share, but only up to 2 applicants. So, those applying under the JSS can potentially receive up to $80,000 combined for 2- to 4- room flats and up to $50,000 combined for 5-room flats.
Key conditions
- The flat must have at least 20 years of lease remaining.
- You must be a first-timer with no prior housing subsidy.
- The grant is credited into your CPF Ordinary Account and can be used toward the purchase price or housing loan.
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) (Singles)
Who it’s for
The PHG (Singles) encourages singles to stay close to family. You’re eligible if you’re buying a resale flat either with your parents or children, or within 4 kilometres of them.
How much you can get
- $15,000 if you’re living together with your parents or children in the same flat.
$10,000 if you’re buying a resale flat near them (within 4 km).
Key conditions
- Applies only to resale flats.
- No income ceiling—you qualify regardless of earnings.
- Distance is verified via HDB Map Services.
- Can be combined with EHG and Singles Grant if eligible.
Can you combine these grants?
Yes—singles can combine grants if they meet each set of eligibility rules.
Common pairings include:
- EHG + Singles Grant for resale buyers.
- EHG + Singles Grant + PHG if you’re buying a resale flat near your parents.
Depending on your income and flat type, your total grant amount can exceed $100,000 — significantly reducing your overall cost.
Example — how much you could receive
If you earn $3,000 a month and buy a 3-room resale flat near your parents, you could receive:
- $25,000 under EHG (Singles),
- $40,000 from the Singles Grant, and
- $10,000 from the PHG.
That’s about $75,000 in total, enough to cover your downpayment or a large portion of renovation costs.
Key takeaway
Grants play a huge role in making homeownership possible for singles. The EHG helps lower-income buyers, the Singles Grant supports those choosing resale flats, and the PHG encourages family proximity.
Before you apply, use your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter to check your estimated grant amounts and financing options—it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford.
Next up: learn how to apply for your flat as a single step-by-step, plus important tips and considerations before you submit your application.
This article was first drafted with the help of AI and later reviewed and refined by the author.
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