How To Buy A HDB Flat For Singles? - Your Complete Guide To Owning A HDB Flat As A Single

Most of us would know that we need to get engaged or married before we can get a HDB flat. For all the singles out there, the only way seems to be staying with your parents all your life. However, there are some of us who would want to be independent and live on our own even if we're not married. Getting a private property would not be a problem for Singles but it seems too expensive for most average income earners out there. Are there schemes available for Singles to buy subsidized HDB flats in Singapore?

According to the department of statistics, there were 147,300 singles from the age of 30-39 in Singapore, up from 122,700 in 2004.

Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/nlann/8352812895 

This post was created as I receive a comment asking how to buy a HDB flat as a single from one of the readers in my previous post on "How much money does a couple need to earn in order to afford a $300,000 HDB flat?".

Yes there are schemes for Singles to buy HDB flats with grants too if you're eligible. Let's take a look at some of the schemes out there for Singles.

Single Singapore Citizen Scheme

Age 35 years or 21 years and above?

Under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme, you must be 35 years old or older to buy a HDB flat from the open market. This applies to unmarried or divorcee persons. Special conditions are given to the widowed and orphans where they can buy a HDB flat once they reach 21 years old and above. For orphans, the condition given is at least one of your deceased parents must be Singapore citizen or Singapore permanent resident and you must not have another sibling below age 35 buying/owning another flat under the Orphans scheme, Single Singapore citizen scheme and Joint Single scheme.

In July 2013, the SSC scheme was enhanced to allow singles to buy a 2-room flat in a non-mature estate directly from HDB. This is called the BTO scheme as what we see our married or soon to be married friends balloting for.

Income Ceiling?

There is no income ceiling for Singles who purchase from the open/resale market unless they are applying for a a CPF Housing Grant or a HDB Loan. Those who take bank loans will not be affected by the restriction.

For the 2 room BTO, there is an income ceiling of $5000. If you earn more than that, you cannot be allowed to get a BTO flat at all as a Single.

Grants Available for Singles

To get any grants from HDB, your income must not exceed $3250. You can get up to $30,000 grant if you earn up to $750 per month and $2500 grant if you earn more than $3000 and less than $3250. For more information on the various grants available for Singles, you can refer to HDB website here.

Take note that your HDB flat must have remaining lease of more than 30 years to be eligible for any grants too.

Joint Singles Scheme

If you feel bored to live alone and have a best friend who's also Single like you, you can apply for an HDB flat under the Joint Singles Scheme with both of you as owners of the property. The eligibility criteria is the same as the Singles Singapore citizen scheme. You can get up to 2 sets of Singles grant under the JSS.

Your combined income must not be more than $5000 in order to get the various grants available.


Public Scheme  

Family Nucleus

As a Single, you can also buy a HDB resale flat from the open market under the Public Scheme. This is done through forming a family nucleus. You and a family member must be at least 21 years old.

You must form a family nucleus with:

• your spouse and children (if any) or
• your parents and siblings (if any) or
• your children under your legal custody, care and control (for widowed, divorced or separated persons)

This is available to Singapore citizens and Singapore permanent residents. However, do note that from 27 August 2013, SPR household (i.e. a household with no SC owner) will have to wait 3 years from the date of obtaining SPR status before they can buy a resale flat. For more information on the public scheme, refer to HDB site here.

Income ceiling?

Similar to the SSC, there is no income ceiling unless you are applying for a CPF Housing Grant or an HDB Loan. Those who take bank loans will not be affected by the restriction.

Grants available for Family

To get grants under the Public Scheme, your combined income must not exceed $10,000 a month and $15,000 if you are applying with your extended family. You can get up to $40,000 grant under the Public Scheme. For more information on the grants for Family, you can refer to HDB website here. 

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