A Summary of HDB Eligibility Schemes for Buying BTO or Resale Flats in 2026

The Housing Development Board (HDB) eligibility schemes cover a wide range of household types in Singapore, from married couples and singles to non-citizen spouses and orphan siblings. Knowing which scheme you fall under determines the flat types you can apply for and the conditions you’ll need to meet.

Read on to see which one applies to you.

A Summary of BTO and Resale HDB Eligibility Schemes

BTO

Resale HDB Flats

Public scheme

Public scheme

Fiance/Fiancee scheme

Fiance/Fiancee scheme

Single Singapore Citizen scheme

Single Singapore Citizen scheme

Joint Singles scheme

Joint Singles scheme

Non-citizen Spouse scheme

Non-citizen Spouse scheme

Orphans scheme

Non-citizen Family scheme

Orphans scheme

Conversion scheme

Jump to each section:

• BTO Eligibility Check
  • BTO vs Resale Income Ceiling
• HDB Eligibility Schemes and Conditions for Buying BTO Flats
  • Public Scheme
  • Fiance/Fiancee Scheme
  • Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
  • Joint Singles Scheme
  • Non-citizen Spouse Scheme
  • Orphans Scheme
• HDB Eligibility Schemes and Conditions for Buying Resale Flats
  • Public Scheme
  • Fiance/Fiancee Scheme
  • Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
  • Joint Singles Scheme
  • Non-citizen Spouse Scheme
  • Non-citizen Family Scheme
  • Orphans Scheme
  • Conversion Scheme
• Frequently Asked Questions About HDB Eligibility Schemes
  • 1. Can I apply under more than one HDB eligibility scheme at the same time?
  • 2. What happens if my eligibility changes after I've submitted my HDB application?
  • 3. Can a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) buy an HDB flat without a Singapore Citizen co-applicant?

BTO Eligibility Check

As BTO flats are price-subsidised, they have stricter basic eligibility criteria.

1. There is a monthly household income cap of $14,000 for couples ($7,000 for singles).

BTO vs Resale Income Ceiling

Flat Type

Applicant Type

Income Ceiling

Notes

BTO

Family/Couple

$14,000

For most BTO flats

BTO

Family/Couple

$7,000

For 2-room Flexi (99-year lease) and some 3-room flats

Resale (without grants or HDB loan)

Any

No income ceiling

Resale (with grants or HDB loan)

Family/Couple

$14,000

Resale (with grants or HDB loan)

Single

$7,000

Resale Plus

Family/Couple or Single

$14,000

Only for Singaporeans

2. Applicants must have sold off any other property at least two and a half years from the legal completion date before applying for an HFE letter, which is a strict requirement.

3. The Minimum Occupation Period, typically five years (or 10 for Prime Location Public Housing), must be fulfilled before owners can buy another property.

HDB Eligibility Schemes and Conditions for Buying BTO Flats

Public Scheme

• Suitable for: a family nucleus that includes one Singapore citizen (SC) and one other citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR)
• Special condition: applicant’s parents/children can be considered as part of the family nucleus

Fiance/Fiancee Scheme

• Suitable for: couples who haven’t officially tied the knot
• Special condition: submit the certificate of marriage within three months after the resale completion date

Single Singapore Citizen Scheme

• Suitable for: SC who are unmarried or divorced, aged 35 and above
• Special conditions:
  • For BTO exercises, only 2-room Flexi units are open for singles
  • Monthly income ceiling of $7,000

Joint Singles Scheme

• Suitable for: a group of 2-4 singles who wish to live together
• Special conditions:
  • All co-applicants must be SC
  • Average monthly income ceiling of $7,000

Non-citizen Spouse Scheme

• Suitable for: couples with one SC and one non-SC or non-permanent resident
• Special conditions:
  • The non-resident spouse needs a valid Long Term Visit Pass or Work Pass
  • Eligible to apply for 2-room Flexi units
  • Must be a first-time applicant

Orphans Scheme

• Suitable for: orphan siblings who want to buy a BTO flat together
• Special conditions:
  • At least one deceased parent must have been an SC or SPR
  • All siblings have to be single

HDB Eligibility Schemes and Conditions for Buying Resale Flats

Owners will be allowed to sell their HDB flats once their MOP has passed. The eligibility schemes for resale flats are similar to those for BTO, with some additional options for special scenarios. There is no income ceiling when purchasing a resale flat, except for Prime units, and if you’re applying for CPF housing grants.

Public Scheme

• Suitable for: family nucleus who are either SC, SPR, or a mix
• Special condition: applicant’s parents/children can be considered as part of the family nucleus

Fiance/Fiancee Scheme

• Suitable for: couples who haven’t officially tied the knot
• Special condition: submit a certificate of marriage within three months after the resale completion date

Single Singapore Citizen Scheme

• Suitable for: unmarried or divorced SC singles aged 35 and above
• Special condition: orphans can apply once they reach 21 years old

Joint Singles Scheme

• Suitable for: a group of 2-4 singles who wish to live together
• Special condition: all co-applicants must be SC

Non-citizen Spouse Scheme

• Suitable for: couples with one SC and one non-SC or non-permanent resident
• Special conditions:
  • If the SC is 21-34 years, the non-citizen spouse must have a valid Long Term Visit Pass or Work Pass.
  • If the SC is 35 years or older, the non-citizen spouse must have a valid Visit Pass or Work Pass
  • If the couple has an SC child, they are eligible for the Public scheme.

Non-citizen Family Scheme

• Suitable for: families with at least one SC and a non-citizen parent or child
• Special condition: at least one parent/child must have a valid Long Term Visit Pass or Work Pass

Orphans Scheme

• Suitable for: orphans who want to buy with another single person
• Special condition: at least one deceased parent must have been an SC or SPR

Conversion Scheme

• Suitable for: families who want to combine the purchased flat with an adjoining flat
• Special conditions:
  • Each unit must be 3-room or smaller
  • Must form a family nucleus that consists of either applicants’ parents or children

Looking for an HDB or Private Property? Speak to a Top 1% Agent in Singapore!

Keep in mind that HDB policies, including eligibility schemes, are subject to change. It’s best to monitor for updates, especially if you’re planning to purchase a flat.

For your homebuying or selling needs, Ohmyhome’s Super Agents are here to help. From property valuation to handover, we will guide you in your whole journey to homeownership.

Contact us today. Drop us a message on WhatsApp or chat with us via our live chat at the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.

Frequently Asked Questions About HDB Eligibility Schemes

1. Can I apply under more than one HDB eligibility scheme at the same time?

No, you cannot apply under multiple primary HDB schemes simultaneously. An individual can only be listed in one active application. If you or any household member submits multiple applications for BTO, resale, or EC units, HDB will disqualify all submissions. However, you can stack multiple CPF housing grants or priority schemes if eligible.

2. What happens if my eligibility changes after I’ve submitted my HDB application?

You must inform HDB immediately if your circumstances change after submitting your application. Changes like a divorce, a family member withdrawing from the application, or a change in citizenship status can affect your eligibility. Failing to update HDB could result in your application being cancelled or your flat purchase being voided.

3. Can a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) buy an HDB flat without a Singapore Citizen co-applicant?

SPRs cannot buy a new BTO flat without a Singapore Citizen co-applicant. For resale flats, two SPRs can buy together under the Public Scheme, but only after both have held PR status for at least three years. This rule exists because HDB flats are primarily intended for Singapore Citizens.