Your Complete Guide to Maximizing Housing Grants for First-Time Buyers
For many Singaporeans, buying an HDB flat is not just a rite of passage but a significant financial milestone. Recognizing this, the Singapore government provides a robust set of housing grants to make homeownership more affordable—especially for first-time buyers. But just how much assistance can one receive?
What is the highest HDB grant available?
This article will explore the various types of HDB housing grants, explain how much you can get, and reveal how you can combine grants to receive up to $190,000 or more for your first home. If you’re buying a resale flat or even considering a Build-To-Order (BTO) unit, this guide is essential reading.
1. Overview: What Are HDB Grants?
HDB grants are government-funded financial subsidies designed to help eligible Singaporeans purchase their first HDB flat—either directly from HDB (BTO) or from the open market (resale).
Grants are:
- Credited into your CPF Ordinary Account (OA)
- Used to offset purchase prices, reduce loan amounts, and lower repayments
- Non-repayable, though subject to resale levy conditions for second-time subsidized housing applicants
2. The Highest HDB Grant: Up to $190,000
As of recent policies, the maximum HDB housing grant available is:
- $190,000 for first-timer families buying a resale flat near parents and meeting income eligibility conditions
- This comprises a combination of three different grants:
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) – Up to $80,000
- Family Grant – Up to $80,000
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) – Up to $30,000
We’ll now examine each grant in detail.
3. Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) – Up to $80,000
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) was introduced in September 2019 to merge and simplify two earlier schemes (AHG and SHG). It is available for both BTO and resale flat buyers.
How Much Can You Get?
- Up to $80,000
- Based on household income
- The lower your income, the higher your grant
| Average Household Income | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| $1,500 or less | $80,000 |
| $2,000 | $75,000 |
| $3,000 | $65,000 |
| $4,000 | $55,000 |
| $5,000 | $45,000 |
| $6,000 | $35,000 |
| $7,000 | $25,000 |
| $8,000 | $15,000 |
| $9,000 | $5,000 |
Eligibility:
- At least one applicant working continuously for 12 months
- Income ceiling: $9,000/month
- Must buy a flat with at least 20 years remaining lease
- Must live in the flat for at least 5 years (MOP)
4. Family Grant – Up to $80,000
The Family Grant is available to first-timer families purchasing a resale flat. It is one of the most generous grants, especially for families earning under the $14,000 household income ceiling.
How Much Can You Get?
| Flat Type | SC + SC | SC + PR |
|---|---|---|
| 2- to 4-room flat | $80,000 | $40,000 |
| 5-room and larger | $50,000 | $30,000 |
- SC = Singapore Citizen
- PR = Singapore Permanent Resident
If one applicant is a PR, the grant is lower, but you may top up the difference by converting the PR to a Singapore Citizen later (citizen top-up scheme).
Eligibility:
- First-time applicant(s)
- Must form a family nucleus
- Must meet the income ceiling of $14,000/month
- For resale flats only
5. Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) – Up to $30,000
To encourage extended families to live together or nearby, the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) gives a bonus to buyers purchasing a resale flat near or with their parents or children.
How Much Can You Get?
| Living Situation | Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| Living with parents/children | $30,000 |
| Living within 4 km | $20,000 |
Eligibility:
- No income ceiling
- Available even to second-timers
- Flat must be in the proximity zone (defined using GIS by HDB)
- For resale flat buyers only
6. Total Maximum Grant Combination
Let’s combine the maximum amounts available:
| Grant Type | Max Amount |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Housing Grant | $80,000 |
| Family Grant | $80,000 |
| Proximity Housing Grant | $30,000 |
| Total | $190,000 |
This is the highest grant possible for eligible first-time Singapore Citizen families buying a resale flat with or near parents.
7. Case Study: How One Couple Got $190,000 in Grants
John and Sarah, both Singapore Citizens, earn a combined $3,000/month. They’re buying a 4-room resale flat in Bukit Batok, just 3 km from John’s parents.
What They Qualify For:
- EHG: $65,000 (based on income)
- Family Grant: $80,000 (4-room resale flat, SC + SC)
- PHG: $20,000 (within 4 km of parents)
Total Grant: $165,000
This amount is credited into their CPF Ordinary Accounts, allowing them to:
- Reduce their loan amount
- Lower monthly instalments
- Possibly pay off their flat faster
8. Are There HDB Grants for Singles?
Yes. Singles aged 35 and above who are first-time buyers can receive:
| Grant | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Housing Grant | $40,000 |
| Singles Grant | $40,000 |
| Proximity Grant | $15,000 |
| Total | $95,000 |
This makes $95,000 the highest grant a single Singaporean can get when buying a resale flat.
9. Do BTO Buyers Get All These Grants?
BTO flat buyers can receive:
- EHG (up to $80,000)
But:
- They are not eligible for the Family Grant or PHG, since these are only for resale flat buyers
So the maximum grant for BTO buyers is $80,000.
However, BTO flats are already subsidized and priced below market rate—so even without the extra grants, they’re still a cost-effective choice.
10. Grant Disbursement and Use
All HDB grants are:
- Credited to your CPF Ordinary Account
- Used to pay the flat purchase price
- Reduce housing loan needed
- Lower monthly repayments
- If unused, remain in CPF OA for future housing needs
You can also combine grants with CPF savings and housing loans for a customized financing strategy.
11. Are There Conditions Attached?
Yes. To prevent misuse, grants come with conditions:
- You must occupy the flat for 5 years (MOP)
- Cannot rent out the entire flat during the MOP
- Must refund grants (with interest) to CPF when selling flat
- Second-timers may face resale levy
12. How to Apply for HDB Grants?
For BTO buyers:
- Indicate during online booking of flat
- Grant is assessed based on average gross income in past 12 months
For Resale flat buyers:
- Apply via HDB Resale Portal
- Submit required income documents and family relationship proof
13. Can Grants Be Revoked?
Yes. Grants can be revoked or clawed back if:
- False information is provided
- Buyer is later found ineligible
- Ownership is transferred before MOP ends
- Applicant owns private property overseas (which violates eligibility rules)
14. Conclusion: Housing Grants Are Powerful—but Use Them Wisely
HDB grants are one of Singapore’s strongest housing policies, enabling even lower-income households to afford a home. At a maximum of $190,000, housing grants can drastically reduce the financial burden of homeownership—particularly for families purchasing resale flats.
Summary:
- $190,000 is the highest possible grant combination (EHG + Family + PHG)
- Applies to first-timer families buying resale flats near parents
- BTO buyers can receive up to $80,000 via EHG
- Singles can receive up to $95,000
- Grants come with rules, refunds, and conditions
Whether you’re just starting your homeownership journey or weighing your options between BTO and resale, understanding the maximum HDB grant amounts can help you make smart, cost-effective decisions.