Three Grants, One Goal
Singapore’s CPF housing grant system is designed to make resale HDB flats affordable for first-time buyers. There are three grants available for resale flat buyers. They can be stacked — and in some cases, a family qualifies for all three simultaneously.
First-timer family (maximum qualifying): Up to $190,000 in combined grants ($80k CPF HG + $80k EHG + $30k PHG).
First-timer single (maximum qualifying): Up to $95,000 in combined grants.
All grants go directly into your CPF Ordinary Account.
CPF Housing Grant
The CPF Housing Grant is the base grant available to first-time buyers of resale HDB flats. It is income-tested but covers a broad range of household incomes.
| Buyer Type | Maximum Grant | Income Ceiling | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-timer family | $80,000 | $14,000/month | Reduces for higher incomes; lower for 5-room flats |
| First-timer singles (35+) | $40,000 | $7,000/month | Buying 4-room or smaller only |
| Half-Housing Grant (mixed first/second-timer couple) | $40,000 | Income ceiling applies | One party is a first-timer, one is a second-timer |
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
The EHG is specifically designed for lower-income buyers. It layers on top of the CPF Housing Grant and provides the largest amounts to those who need it most.
| Buyer Type | Maximum Grant | Income Ceiling | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-timer family | $80,000 | $9,000/month | Flat must have at least 20 years remaining lease |
| First-timer singles (35+) | $40,000 | $4,500/month | Flat must have at least 20 years remaining lease |
The EHG is not a flat $80,000 for everyone who qualifies. The amount decreases as income rises. Buyers earning close to the $9,000 ceiling receive a smaller grant than buyers earning $3,000–$4,500/month.
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)
The PHG rewards buyers who choose to live near their parents or children. It does not require you to be a first-timer, and receiving only the PHG does not make your flat “subsidised” for resale levy purposes.
| Living Arrangement | Family Buyers | Singles |
|---|---|---|
| Living with parents/child (same town or within 4km) | $30,000 | $15,000 |
| Living near parents/child (within 4km) | $20,000 | $10,000 |
How Grants Work in Practice
Where the grant money goes
All CPF housing grants are credited directly to your CPF Ordinary Account. They do not appear as cash. You can immediately use the CPF OA balance to offset the purchase price of your flat.
The accrued interest catch
When you eventually sell the flat, you must refund the full grant amount plus 2.5% per annum accrued interest back to your CPF OA. However, this money doesn’t disappear — it stays in your CPF and can be used for your next property purchase.
Cash downpayment still required
Grants do not eliminate the need for a minimum 5% cash downpayment if you take a bank loan. You still need at least 5% of the purchase price in cash; the CPF OA (including grants) covers the remaining 20% of the downpayment, with the bank covering up to 75%.
Buying a 4-room resale flat at $550,000, within 4km of parents:
CPF Housing Grant: $50,000 (income-adjusted)
EHG: $60,000 (income-adjusted)
PHG: $20,000 (within 4km, not same town)
Total grants: $130,000
This $130,000 goes to CPF OA and can be used toward the purchase price immediately.
Find out exactly what grants you qualify for
Tell Charles your household income, citizenship status, and whether you’re near your parents. He’ll map out your full grant eligibility and what it means for your purchasing power. Free, no commitment.
WhatsApp Charles Charles Yi Ming · R070355J · PropNex Realty Pte Ltd