If you’re planning to buy an HDB flat in Singapore, there are new rules that you need to know. The government has recently introduced measures to moderate demand and ensure that public housing remains affordable for Singaporeans. These measures include a wait-out period for private residential property owners (PPOs) and ex-PPOs who want to buy a non-subsidised HDB resale flat, tighter home loan limits, and resale rules for HDB Plus flats.

To be eligible to buy an HDB flat, you must be a Singapore Citizen (SC) or a Permanent Resident (PR) and meet the income ceiling and other eligibility conditions. You can apply for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter to check your eligibility and the maximum loan amount you can borrow. Once you’ve found a flat that you want to buy, you need to enter into an Option To Purchase (OTP) with the seller and pay a deposit. You also need to secure financing for your flat, either through a bank loan or an HDB loan.
If you’re a private residential property owner, you need to wait for 15 months before you can buy an HDB resale flat. This wait-out period does not apply to seniors aged 55 and above who are moving from their private property to a 4-room or smaller resale flat. HDB Plus flats, which have a 10-year minimum occupation period, are also subject to resale rules that include a $14,000 income ceiling and a 30-month wait for private home owners. With these new rules, buying an HDB flat in Singapore requires careful planning and consideration.
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility and application process: To buy an HDB flat, you must be a Singapore Citizen or a Permanent Resident and meet the income ceiling and other eligibility conditions. You can apply for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter to check your eligibility and the maximum loan amount you can borrow.
- Securing and financing your flat: Once you’ve found a flat that you want to buy, you need to enter into an Option To Purchase (OTP) with the seller and pay a deposit. You also need to secure financing for your flat, either through a bank loan or an HDB loan.
- Frequently asked questions: Private residential property owners need to wait for 15 months before they can buy an HDB resale flat. HDB Plus flats are subject to resale rules that include a $14,000 income ceiling and a 30-month wait for private home owners.
Eligibility and Application Process

Understanding HDB Flat Eligibility
Before you can apply for an HDB flat, you need to make sure that you are eligible. Eligibility requirements include age, citizenship, family nucleus, and income ceiling. As a first-timer applicant, you may be eligible for various housing grants and schemes that can help you with your purchase.
To determine your eligibility, you need to obtain a valid HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter. This letter will provide you with a holistic understanding of your housing and financing options before you embark on your home buying journey. You can apply for an HFE letter through the HDB Flat Portal.
The HDB Flat Application Journey
Once you have obtained your HFE letter, you can start the HDB flat application journey. The application process includes a preliminary HFE check and a submission of the HFE letter and required documents.
During the preliminary HFE check, you will need to provide information about your income, citizenship, and family nucleus. This will help you determine your eligibility for an HDB flat and the financing options available to you.
After completing the preliminary HFE check, you can submit your HFE letter and required documents to HDB. The HDB will then process your application and inform you of the outcome.
Financial Planning for Your HDB Purchase
Buying an HDB flat is a significant financial commitment, and it is essential to plan your finances carefully. You need to consider your flat budget, down payment, and monthly mortgage payments.
To finance your HDB flat purchase, you can use your CPF savings, apply for an HDB housing loan, or seek financing from other financial institutions. To be eligible for an HDB housing loan, you need to meet certain criteria, including income ceiling and HDB loan eligibility.
It is crucial to plan your finances carefully and ensure that you can afford your HDB flat purchase before committing to it. By doing so, you can enjoy your new home without financial stress.
Remember, the HDB flat eligibility and application process can be complex, but with the right information and guidance, you can navigate it successfully.