Can Permanent Residents (PRs) Buy HDB Flats in Singapore?

Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs) frequently ask, "Can PRs buy HDB flats in Singapore?" or "Are PRs eligible to purchase resale HDB flats?" The answer is yes, but with specific eligibility criteria and restrictions outlined by the Housing & Development Board (HDB).

If you are a PR considering purchasing an HDB flat — whether a new Build-To-Order (BTO) unit or a resale flat — this comprehensive guide will clarify your options, eligibility conditions, available grants, and the step-by-step process involved.

Can a Single PR Purchase an HDB Flat?

Single PRs are not eligible to purchase new or resale HDB flats on their own. HDB requires applicants to form a family nucleus, which generally means buying jointly with at least one other family member or under specific schemes such as the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme.

Buying New HDB Flats as a PR

Eligibility Under the HDB Public Scheme

PRs can only buy new flats (e.g., BTO flats, Sale of Balance Flats) if they are married to a Singapore Citizen. The flats available for purchase include 2-room Flexi, 3-room, 4-room, and 5-room flats, subject to income ceilings.

Key eligibility criteria include:

• Applicant must be at least 21 years old.

• Buyers cannot lease out or sell the entire flat during the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).

• Compliance with the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and PR quotas within the block or neighborhood.

• None of the buyers can own private residential property locally or overseas.

• First-timer households including a PR and Singapore Citizen must pay a $10,000 premium but may be eligible for the Citizen Top-Up Grant after citizenship is granted or upon having a Singapore Citizen child.

Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme

This scheme applies if you are engaged to marry a Singapore Citizen or PR but are not yet married. Conditions are similar to the Public Scheme, with the added requirement to solemnize your marriage within three months of completing the flat purchase. Special consents may be needed for younger applicants.

Can PRs Receive CPF Housing Grants for New Flats?

Yes, eligible PR families can apply for:

• Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (Families) — up to $80,000

• Step-Up CPF Housing Grant (Families) — for families moving from smaller flats to larger ones

Buying Resale HDB Flats as a PR

Eligibility Overview

PRs can purchase resale HDB flats under the HDB Public Scheme or Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, with the following distinctions:

• Resale flats can be of all types except 3Gen flats.

• There is no income ceiling for resale flats.

• All PR occupiers must have held PR status for at least three years.

• Buyers must not own any private residential properties locally or overseas.

• Restrictions on disposing private properties apply depending on grant applications and financing.

Public Scheme Resale Flat Requirements

• At least one occupant must be a Singapore Citizen or PR with at least three years of PR status.

• The buyer must form a family nucleus with spouse, children, parents, or siblings (including orphan siblings under specific conditions).

• Divorced PRs with children under legal custody can also apply.

• Two PRs alone (without any Singapore Citizen) can buy resale flats only if all owners and essential occupiers have been PRs for at least three years.

Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme for Resale Flats

• Both applicants must be either PRs or Singapore Citizens.

• The fiancé or fiancée must be co-applicant (if aged 21 or above) or an occupant.

• Marriage must be solemnized within three months of completing the flat purchase.

CPF Housing Grants for PRs Buying Resale Flats

To qualify for CPF housing grants when purchasing resale flats, your household must include at least one Singapore Citizen. Eligible first-time applicants can receive grants up to $190,000, including:

• Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (Families): up to $80,000

• CPF Housing Grants (Families): up to $80,000

• Proximity Housing Grant: up to $30,000

Understanding Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and PR Quotas

Beyond eligibility, buyers must also comply with the:

• Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP): Ensures a balanced racial mix within HDB blocks and neighborhoods to promote social cohesion. Buyers must match available ethnic quotas for their desired area.

• PR Quota: Limits the proportion of non-Malaysian PR households in a block to 5% and in the neighborhood to 8%. Malaysian PRs are excluded from this quota.

Compliance with these policies is mandatory to secure approval for an HDB resale flat purchase.

Step-by-Step Guide for PRs Buying Resale HDB Flats

1. Apply for the HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter
   Submit an application online via the HDB Flat Portal. Processing takes about one month, and the letter is valid for nine months.

2. Obtain In-Principle Approval (IPA) if Financing with a Bank Loan
   Apply through participating financial institutions for loan eligibility.

3. Search for Resale Flats and Confirm EIP and PR Quotas
   Filter available flats by budget and eligibility on property platforms.

4. Negotiate Price and Secure the Option to Purchase (OTP)
   Use HDB resale price data or similar listings to ensure fair pricing. Pay the option fee (typically $1 to $1,000).

5. Obtain Letter of Offer (LO) if Using a Bank Loan
   Secure your financing confirmation from the bank.

6. Exercise OTP and Submit Resale Flat Application to HDB
   Pay option exercise fees, admin fees, and Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD). PRs without a Singapore Citizen co-buyer must pay an Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD) of 5% on their first home purchase.

7. Attend Resale Completion Appointment and Collect Keys
   Both buyer and seller complete ownership transfer and key collection at HDB.

Algene Toh

Senior Real Estate Salesperson

Asset Investment Brokers Pte Ltd

Email: admin@bsr2.com

Phone: +65 9008 8002

Visit us: profile

Disclaimer: The information presented on BSR2.com is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, investment, or real estate advice and should not be relied upon as such. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and completeness of the content at the time of publication, all data is derived from publicly available sources and may be subject to change without notice. BSR2.com makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the suitability, timeliness, or accuracy of the information provided for any specific purpose. Users are strongly encouraged to seek independent advice from qualified professionals before making any decisions based on the content found on this website. BSR2.com shall not be held liable for any loss, damage, or consequence, whether direct or indirect, arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided. The content is intended as a general guide and does not take into account individual circumstances.