HDB policy decoded: eligibility, MOP, grants & EIP

Before anyone touches an HDB flat, they must qualify under an eligibility scheme. The exam loves asking which scheme fits a given family, so learn the gateway cold — especially the citizenship line between a BTO and a resale flat.

• •Public (Family) Scheme — the standard route; needs at least ONE Singapore Citizen in the application.
• •Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme — an engaged couple buying together, marrying within 3 months of key collection.
• •Single Singapore Citizen Scheme — a Singapore Citizen buying alone, from age 35.
• •Joint Singles Scheme — up to four singles buying together, EACH aged 35 and above.
• •Non-Citizen Spouse / Non-Citizen Family Scheme — a Singapore Citizen buying with a non-citizen spouse or family member.

The load-bearing distinction: a BTO flat generally requires a Singapore Citizen in the application. A RESALE flat can be bought by TWO Singapore Permanent Residents (each a PR for at least 3 years) with no citizen at all — but this SPR route does NOT extend to a BTO.

Each flat type carries a household monthly income ceiling. Exceed it and the application fails regardless of scheme, so these figures are prime exam fodder.

• •Family flats (BTO or resale): $14,000 per month.
• •Extended/multi-generation family applications: $21,000.
• •Executive Condominium (EC): $16,000.
• •Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): a LOWER ceiling of $9,000 for families, $4,500 for singles.

Watch the mismatch: a household earning $12,000 clears the flat-purchase ceiling of $14,000 but is ABOVE the $9,000 EHG ceiling — so they can buy, but earn NO EHG. Examiners plant exactly this gap.