HDB Eligibility and Flat Schemes, Explained Simply

Before you fall for a flat, it’s worth knowing whether you can buy it and under which scheme — the rules shape your grants, your options and even how long you must stay. Here is the plain-English overview of HDB eligibility and the flat classifications.

Who can buy

• Citizenship. At least one Singapore citizen is generally required to buy a new flat; resale rules differ and allow more household types.
• Family nucleus. Most schemes require a qualifying nucleus — for example a couple, or a parent and child. Singles can buy under specific schemes, often with conditions.
• Income ceiling. Household income must fall under the applicable ceiling for new flats and for grants; ceilings differ by flat type and scheme.

Standard, Plus and Prime

New flats are classified by location and subsidy rather than the old mature / non-mature split. Standard flats are the mainstream option. Plus and Prime flats sit in more central or choice locations and come with additional subsidies — balanced by longer minimum occupation, resale income ceilings for future buyers, and a subsidy clawback on resale. In short: more central, more help up front, more conditions later.

What this means for your search

Your scheme affects your grants, your MOP, and your future resale pool, so factor it in early rather than after you’ve fallen for a unit. Because ceilings and classifications are periodically revised, always confirm the current position on hdb.gov.sg before you commit.

Figures on this page are computed from the current snapshot and update each rebuild. Contains information from data.gov.sg (Singapore Open Data Licence) and OneMap, Singapore Land Authority. This is general information for research, not financial or professional advice.