More Grants, Higher Income Ceiling For First-Time HDB Buyers

By
Dan Tan
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Starting a new life in a new apartment is a huge step. Whether you are married or single, getting a house for the first time is no small feat.

Image: Giphy

It’s a long-drawn process, from the choice of Build-To-Order (BTO) or buying a resale flat, to making down-payment and then securing the flat.

Fortunately, the government has just released a piece of good news for anyone intending to purchase their first HDB flats.

From today, more first-time buyers will get higher grants and flexibility to choose the size of their apartment and its location.

Let’s take a look at the changes.

First-Time Buyers To Get Higher Housing Grants

Previously, there were three types of grants:

  1. CPF Housing Grant of $50,000
  2. Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG) of up to $40,000
  3. Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) of up to $40,000

From today, the AHG and SHG will be combined to form the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) of up to $80,000 regardless of whether they get a new or a resale flat.

No Restrictions On Flat Size, Type Or Location

Previously, the SHG was limited to those purchasing four-room or smaller flats in non-mature estates.

This rule will now be scrapped, which means that you can choose where to live and the size of your flat while enjoying the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG).

The amount you will receive depends on your income.

The catch? The flat’s lease must cover buyers until they’re 95-years-old. HDB wants to encourage people to buy homes that will last them for life. Those who don’t meet this condition will get a pro-rated amount.

Raised HDB Income Ceiling 

Earning too much moolah to be eligible for some grants? This change might benefit you:

Previously, the income ceiling to be eligible for AHG was $5,000 and SHG was $8,500.

Now, the income ceiling for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) is $9,000.

HDB also announced an increase in the income ceiling from $12,000 to $14000 for families and $6000 to $7000 for singles, and $14,000 to $16000 for Executive Condominiums (EC).

Other Changes to Take Note

  • HDB to increase BTO supply in 2020 to meet the new housing demand
  • Since 2017, an increase from $30,000 to $50,000 in housing grants for resale flats.
  • Young couples aged 21 and above can apply for grants to buy flats instead of waiting.
  • Shorter waiting times of 2.5 years instead of 3-4 years for some flats.

  • Image: Giphy

Case in Point

An eligible first-timer family earning $4,800 a month and purchasing a new four-room flat in a mature estate could get up to $45,000 in grants from HDB, compared to $5,000 under the old system.

These new changes will certainly help first-time buyers of homes, where flexibility is needed. For example, some might want to buy a house in a mature estate to live closer to their ageing parents.

If they purchase a resale flat, they may get up to $160,000 in grants, which is a third more than before.

Good news, right?

Or get on HDB’s website to check your eligibility and options.

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Dan Tan
Email: [email protected]