Are you a Singaporean looking to buy your first home? The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) could be the answer you’ve been searching for.
Introduced in 2019, the EHG aims to help lower-income families afford their first home by providing a substantial CPF housing grant.
Unlike previous offerings, the EHG covers new and resale flats, offers higher grant amounts, and even extends its benefits to eligible first-time singles.
If you’re curious about how this grant works and who is qualified, keep reading to discover how the EHG can make your dream of owning a home a reality.
Key Takeaways
| Key Takeaway | Information |
|---|---|
| Enhanced CPF Housing Grant | – A CPF housing grant introduced in September 2019 to help Singaporean families, particularly those with lower income, afford their first home. Replaced the Family Grant, Enhanced Housing Grant, and Additional CPF Housing Grant. Available to first-time flat buyers with an average monthly household income of up to $9,000. Covers both new and resale flats. Grant amount is higher compared to previous CPF housing grants. Eligible first-timer singles can also enjoy the grant. |
| Eligibility for EHG | – Must be a first-time flat buyer. Average monthly household income must not exceed $9,000. Must have a remaining lease of the flat that can cover the youngest buyer until they reach the age of 95. Must remain employed continuously from the point of flat application till key collection. |
| Other HDB Housing Grants | – Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG): Helps low- to middle-income families with a household income of $8,500 or less purchase an HDB flat. Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): Helps buyers who wish to live near their parents or married child/children purchase a resale flat closer to them. Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG): Helps lower- to middle-income families purchase an HDB flat for the first time. |
| Benefits of EHG | – No income ceiling for the grant. Up to $80,000 for resale flats and up to $160,000 for new flats. Longer lease and wider choice of locations for resale flats. Can be used with other CPF housing grants to lower the loan and monthly repayment amount. Enhances access to affordable housing options for eligible Singaporeans. |
| EHG Eligibility Criteria | – Singapore citizen. First-time flat buyer. Combined monthly household income of $9,000 or less (lower grant amount for higher income). No previous housing subsidy received from the government. Purchase a resale flat or new HDB flat to live in as an occupier. |
| Basic Requirements for HDB | – Be at least 21 years old. Not own any other residential property at the time of application or between application and the date of taking over the flat. Have the financial ability to commit to an HDB Housing Loan and meet its requirements. Be eligible for an HDB loan. |
| Applying for EHG | – Apply for an HDB flat first. Fill out and submit an EHG Application Form. Submit required documents such as income statement, latest Notices of Assessment, and Singpass for online submission. |
| Documents for EHG Application | – Latest income statement. Latest Notices of Assessment. Singpass for online submissions. |
| Calculation of EHG Amount | – Full amount: $80,000 for families, $40,000 for singles. Partial amount: Depends on income, remaining lease of the flat, and whether it’s a new or resale flat. CPF Housing Grant Calculator on the HDB website can estimate eligibility. |
| EHG Benefits for Singles | – Eligible first-time singles can receive up to $40,000 in EHG. They can also apply for the Singles Grant of up to $25,000, totaling up to $65, |
Understanding the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
What is the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant?
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant is a CPF (Central Provident Fund) housing grant that aims to help Singaporean families, particularly those with lower income, to afford their first home.
The EHG was introduced in September 2019 and replaced the previous CPF Housing Grants: Family Grant, Enhanced Housing Grant, and the Additional CPF Housing Grant.
How is the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant different from the previous CPF Housing Grants?
The EHG is different from the previous CPF Housing Grants in several ways:
- The EHG grant is available to first-time flat buyers with an average monthly household income of up to $9,000$.
- The EHG covers both new and resale flats.
- The grant amount for EHG is higher than the previous CPF housing grants.
In addition, eligible first-timer singles can also enjoy the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant.
Who is eligible for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant?
To be eligible for the EHG grant, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a first-time flat buyer.
- Your average monthly household income must be at most $9,000.
- You must have a remaining lease of the flat that can cover the youngest buyer until they reach the age of 95.
- You must remain employed continuously from flat application till crucial collection.
Exploring the Different Types of Housing Grants for HDB Buyers
Introduction to Different Types of HDB Housing Grants
Apart from the EHG, several other housing grants are available to HDB flat buyers.
These grants support buyers in different ways and help ensure affordable home ownership for all eligible Singaporeans.
The offerings include the following:
- Unique CPF Housing Grant (SHG): Helps low- to middle-income families with a household income of $8,500 or less purchase an HDB flat
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): Helps buyers who wish to live near their parents or married child/children purchase a resale flat closer to them
- Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG): Helps lower- to middle-income families buy an HDB flat for the first time
Special CPF Housing Grant
The Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) is a grant that provides additional support to low- to middle-income families with a monthly household income of $8,500 or less.
The donation can offset the cost of an HDB flat purchase.
The amount of support available is based on the applicant’s income.
Families earning up to $2,500 per month are eligible for the maximum SHG of $80,000, while those earning closer to the income ceiling of $8,500 can receive up to $8,000.
Proximity Housing Grant
The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) is designed to help Singaporeans who wish to live closer to their parents or married child/children.
The grant supports qualifying buyers with $20,000 for purchasing a resale flat no more than 4 km from their parents or married child/children.
For those residing closer, the grant will be lower.
Singles who purchase a resale flat with their parent(s) or child/children can apply for the Proximity Housing Grant.
Singles aged 35 and above are eligible for a grant of $10,000, while those below 35 would receive $5,000.
The Benefits and Eligibility Criteria of the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
Benefits of Enhanced CPF Housing Grant
The EHG is a housing grant that benefits eligible first-time flat buyers.
One significant benefit is that there is no income ceiling for the gift.
Additionally, buyers can receive up to $80,000 when purchasing a resale flat and up to $160,000 for new flats.
Buyers of resale flats will also enjoy a longer lease and a more comprehensive choice of locations.
EHG can be used on top of other CPF housing grants to lower the amount of the loan and monthly repayment amount.
This allows eligible Singaporeans like you to have better access to affordable housing options.
Eligibility Criteria for EHG
The EHG is available to all Singaporeans, regardless of their income level or family status.
To be eligible for the grant, you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Be a Singapore citizen
- Be a first-time flat buyer
- Have a combined monthly household income of $9,000 or less.
- Those who earn more may still enjoy the new Enhanced CPF Housing Grant but at a lower grant amount.
- Not received any housing subsidy from the government previously
- Buy a resale flat or new HDB flat to live in as an occupier
Basic Requirements for HDB Flat Buyers
When considering purchasing an HDB flat, there are some basic requirements that you should meet, such as:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Not own any other residential property at the time of application or between application and the date of taking over the flat
- Have the financial ability to commit to an HDB Housing Loan and meet its requirements
- Be eligible for an HDB loan
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
How to Apply for EHG
To apply for the EHG, you must first apply for an HDB flat.
Once your flat application has been accepted, you must fill out and submit an EHG Application Form.
The form can be submitted online, along with the required documents, such as your income statement, latest Notices of Assessment, and sing pass for your online submission.
Required Documents for EHG Application
In addition to the application form, the following documents are needed when applying for the EHG:
- Your latest income statement
- Your latest Notices of Assessment
- Singpass for online submissions
What Happens After Submitting Your EHG Application?
Once you have submitted your EHG application, HDB will assess your eligibility for the grant.
If you are eligible, the EHG will be credited to your CPF Ordinary Account at the point of the flat purchase completion.
The grant amount will be used to offset the flat’s purchase price, and leftover funds will be applied toward outstanding loans, if any.
Maximizing Housing Affordability: How to Qualify for the Full EHG Amount
What are the income and other eligibility criteria for the EHG?
To qualify for the total EHG amount of $80,000 for families and $40,000 for singles, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your average monthly household income must be at most $4,500 for families or $2,250 for singles.
- You must be a first-time flat buyer.
- Your remaining lease of the flat must cover the youngest buyer until they reach the age of 95.
- You must remain employed continuously from balanced application to crucial collection.
How to calculate the amount of EHG you are eligible for?
For those who do not qualify for the total EHG amount, you may still be eligible for a partial grant amount.
The amount of grant you receive will depend on your income, the remaining lease of the flat, and whether you are buying a new or resale flat.
You can use the CPF Housing Grant Calculator available on the HDB website to estimate how much grant you are eligible for.
What are the additional EHG benefits for eligible first-time singles?
Eligible first-time singles can enjoy an EHG of up to $40,000.
In addition, they can also apply for the Singles Grant of up to $25,000, a housing grant for first-time flat buyers under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme.
This means eligible first-time singles can receive up to $65,000 in total housing grants.
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): Finding a Home Near Your Loved Ones
What is the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)?
The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) is a housing grant that aims to encourage Singaporean families to live close to their loved ones.
The PHG is available for new and resale flats and can be used in addition to the EHG.
The grant amount for PHG ranges from $10,000 to $20,000, depending on the distance between the homes of the applicant and their loved ones.
Are there any eligibility criteria to qualify for the PHG?
To qualify for the PHG, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be buying a new or resale flat.
- You must have an eligible family member who owns an apartment near the new or resale flat you are purchasing.
- Families’ average monthly household income must be at most $14,000.
- For singles, the monthly payment must be $7,000 or below.
How much PHG can you receive?
The PHG amount you can receive depends on the remaining lease of the flat you purchase and the distance between your new home and your loved one’s home.
If your family lives within 4 km of the new home, you can receive up to $20,000.
If they live between 4 km and 12 km away, you can receive up to $15,000.
If they live more than 12 km away, you can receive up to $10,000.
Navigating the Process of Buying a Resale Flat with CPF Housing Grants
What is the process of buying a resale flat with CPF Housing Grants?
The process of buying a resale flat with CPF Housing Grants is similar to the process of buying a new flat.
The difference is that you will need to arrange for a valuation of the resale flat, and you may need to pay a resale levy if you are not a first-time flat buyer.
You can visit the HDB website for more information on the resale process.
What are the CPF Housing Grants available for resale flat buyers?
Resale flat buyers can also enjoy an EHG of up to $80,000 for families and $40,000 for singles.
However, the remaining lease of the flat you purchase must be at least 20 years, and you must have already owned an apartment.
In addition, you may be eligible for the Family Grant or the PHG if you meet the eligibility criteria.
What are the common pitfalls to avoid when buying a resale flat with CPF Housing Grants?
A common pitfall to avoid when buying a resale flat is ensuring that the remaining lease can cover the youngest buyer until they reach the age of 95.
Another surprise is providing sufficient CPF savings to cover the downpayment and other costs of buying a resale flat.
It would help if you also were careful to avoid buying an apartment with a remaining lease that is too short.
Understanding the HDB BTO (Built-to-Order) Process and Housing Grants Available
What is the HDB BTO (Built-to-Order) process?
The HDB BTO process is a method of acquiring a new housing unit directly from the government.
With BTO, you can select a flat in a desired mature or non-mature estate and determine its type, such as a 4-room or 3Gen flat.
You can use the HDB BTO Launch website to view the available flats for bidding.
What housing grants are available for HDB BTO flat buyers?
HDB BTO flat buyers can enjoy an EHG of up to $80,000 for families and $40,000 for singles.
In addition, you may be eligible for the Family Grant or the PHG if you meet the eligibility criteria.
How much housing grants can you receive for HDB BTO flats?
The amount of grant you can receive for HDB BTO flats will depend on your income and whether you are eligible for the total EHG amount.
You can use the CPF Housing Grant Calculator available on the HDB website to estimate how much grant you qualify for.
Exploring the Advantages of Buying a Resale Flat with Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
What is an Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)?
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant is a CPF Housing Grant that was introduced in September 2019 to replace the previous Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG) and Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG) schemes.
The EHG is a one-time payment of up to $80,000 to eligible first-time flat buyers and second-timer applicants who purchase a resale flat.
How Does EHG Make Housing More Affordable and Accessible?
EHG helps make housing more affordable and accessible by providing eligible flat buyers with financial assistance.
For example, if you qualify for the EHG, you can use it to offset the purchase price of a BTO Tampines or a resale flat in a mature estate.
Doing so can significantly reduce the cash and CPF savings required to buy the apartment.
What are the Eligibility Criteria to Qualify for EHG?
To qualify for the EHG, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a first-time flat buyer or a second-timer purchasing a resale flat.
- You must have a monthly household income of $9,000 or less.
- It would help if you bought a 4-room or smaller flat.
- If you are applying for a BTO flat, you must not have owned or disposed of any private property within 30 months before the balanced application.
- If you are buying a resale flat, you must not have owned or disposed of any personal property within 12 months before the balanced resale application.
- You and your co-applicant must have sufficient leases to cover the youngest buyer to 95.
- You must remain working at the point of the flat application and during the flat purchase.
The Role of HDB Grants in Making Housing More Affordable and Accessible
What are CPF Housing Grants?
CPF Housing Grants are financial assistance schemes available to eligible first-time flat buyers and second-timers purchasing a resale flat.
The grants aim to make housing more affordable and accessible by providing a cash incentive to these flat buyers.
How Do HDB Grants Make Buying a Home More Affordable?
HDB grants like the EHG help make buying a home more affordable by reducing the amount of cash or CPF savings required to purchase.
This can be especially helpful for young couples or families who have yet to accumulate substantial savings.
What are the Different Types of HDB Grants Available?
Depending on the buyer’s profile, different types of HDB grants are available.
The grants include the EHG, the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG), the Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG), and the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG).
Eligible first-time flat buyers can apply for multiple HDB grants, while second-timer applicants can apply for the EHG and the PHG.
CPF Housing Grants for First-Time Flat Buyers: A Comprehensive Overview
Who Qualifies as a First-Time Flat Buyer?
A first-time flat buyer is an individual who has yet to previously own a flat or any other residential property in Singapore or overseas.
This includes buyers who have not received any housing subsidy or similar assistance scheme.
What are the Different Types of CPF Housing Grants Available for First-Time Flat Buyers?
Different CPF Housing Grants are available for first-time flat buyers, including the EHG, SHG, and AHG.
Eligible couples can also enjoy an additional housing grant of up to $40,000 if they opt for a 2-room Flexi flat under the Joint Singles Scheme.
How to Apply for CPF Housing Grants for First-Time Flat Buyers?
To apply for CPF Housing Grants for first-time flat buyers, you need to submit your application for the grants together with your balanced application.
You can also apply for the licenses if purchasing a resale flat.
Each grant scheme’s eligibility criteria and application procedures may vary, so read the guidelines carefully.
An In-Depth Look at the Different Types of CPF Housing Grants for HDB Buyers
What are the Different Types of CPF Housing Grants for HDB Buyers?
There are different CPF Housing Grants for HDB buyers, including the EHG, SHG, AHG, and PHG.
Eligibility criteria for each grant scheme may vary, depending on the buyer’s profile and preferences.
How Do the Different Types of CPF Housing Grants for HDB Buyers Work?
The different types of CPF Housing Grants work by providing eligible flat buyers with financial assistance to offset the purchase price of a flat.
For example, the EHG provides qualified first-time and resale flat buyers with a one-time payment of up to $80,000.
Other grants like the PHG give a cash incentive to eligible flat buyers who opt for flats near their parents or children.
What are the Eligibility Criteria for CPF Housing Grants for HDB Buyers?
The eligibility criteria for CPF Housing Grants for HDB buyers may vary, depending on the buyer’s profile and preferences.
Generally speaking, eligible flat buyers must be Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, meet the income and purchase criteria, and have adequate CPF savings and lease remaining on the flat.
Understanding the Income Requirements for Eligibility of CPF Housing Grants
What is the Income Ceiling for CPF Housing Grants?
The income ceiling for CPF Housing Grants varies depending on the grant scheme and the buyer’s housing preferences.
For example, the income ceiling for the EHG is $9,000, while the PHG’s is $14,000.
How is Income Calculated for CPF Housing Grants?
The income used to determine eligibility for CPF Housing Grants is the average gross monthly income of the applicant and their co-applicant for the 12 months before the flat or resale application.
What are the Other Income Requirements to Qualify for CPF Housing Grants?
In addition to meeting the income ceiling criteria, applicants for CPF Housing Grants must also be in continuous employment for at least 12 months before the flat application or resale application.
They must also use their CPF savings to pay the flat downpayment and monthly mortgage installments.
Tips and Strategies for Maximizing Your CPF Housing Grants for HDB Purchase
Understand the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) is a CPF housing grant that applies to eligible first-timer families.
Introduced in September 2019, EHG has replaced the earlier Step-Up CPF Housing Grant.
EHG is designed to help first-timer families looking to buy a new or resale flat.
The grant amount varies based on the buyers’ income, flat type, and location.
Check Eligibility for EHG
To be eligible for EHG, you must be a first-timer household with an average gross monthly income of, at most, $9,000.
It would help if you also met the following criteria:
- Be a Singapore Citizen
- At least one applicant must be employed and in continuous employment for 12 months before flat application submission
- Not own or have disposed of any private residential property in the past 30 months, locally or overseas
- Not have received any housing subsidies from HDB
Utilize Step-Up CPF Housing Grant
If you’re a second-timer household looking to buy a new flat, you can still use your CPF Housing Grant.
You can utilize the Step-Up CPF Housing Grant, available to eligible second-timers buying a 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate to live near or with their parents or married child.
The grant amount varies based on the buyers’ income, flat type, and location.
Case Study: How Couple A Utilized CPF Housing Grants to Purchase Their Dream HDB Flat
Couple A’s Profile and Requirements
Couple A is a first-timer Singaporean couple looking to buy their first HDB flat.
They’re both in their early 30s and have been employed and in continuous employment for the past 12 months.
They’re looking for a 4-room resale flat in a mature estate near their parents.
Evaluation of Couple A’s Eligibility for EHG and Other Grants
As a first-timer household with an average gross monthly income of $6,000, Couple A is eligible for the EHG of up to $80,000.
In addition, they can also use their CPF Housing Grant of up to $50,000.
The total savings on their HDB purchase can amount to $130,000!
Couple A’s Purchase Process and Utilization of Grants
Couple A found a suitable resale flat in a mature estate.
They applied for their grants during the HDB flat application and remained working.
They utilized their EHG and CPF Housing Grant to help pay for the flat, resulting in significant cost savings and a dream home they could afford.
Conclusion
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) is a grant for first-time Singaporean homebuyers with a monthly household income of up to $9,000.
It provides higher grant amounts and is available for new and resale flats.
Other HDB housing grants include the Special CPF Housing Grant (SHG), Proximity Housing Grant (PHG), and Additional CPF Housing Grant (AHG).
Eligibility criteria, application process, and calculating grant amounts are essential considerations.
These grants make homeownership more affordable and accessible for Singaporeans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EHG (Enhanced Housing Grant)?
EHG is a housing grant to support eligible first-timer singles and couples when buying an HDB flat.
This grant can be used for both new apartments and resale flats.
Who is eligible for the EHG?
To be eligible for the EHG, you must be a Singaporean citizen and a first-time buyer of an HDB flat.
You must also have a gross monthly income of no more than S$9,000 and meet the criteria for flat type.
Single buyers may purchase a 2-room Flexi or larger flat, while couples may purchase any flat.
Can non-first-timer buyers apply for the EHG?
The EHG only applies to eligible first-timer singles and couples, so non-first-timer buyers do not qualify for this grant.
How can the EHG be used in the purchase of an HDB flat?
The EHG can offset the purchase price or the downpayment for an HDB flat.
The grant amount will depend on the income and flat type of the applicant.
What types of HDB flats are eligible for the EHG?
The EHG is applicable for the purchase of new flats and resale flats.
In the case of resale flats, the apartment must have sufficient remaining leases to cover the buyers until at least age 95.
How much EHG can a first-timer couple receive?
The amount of EHG a first-timer couple can receive will depend on their average gross monthly income and the flat type they purchase.
For example, a couple with an average gross monthly income of S$5,000 and buying a 4-room flat can enjoy up to S$80,000 in grants.
What is the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant?
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) is a new housing grant that replaces various other housing grants from 11 September 2019 onwards.
The EHG provides higher grant amounts for eligible first-timer singles and couples to make buying their HDB flats more affordable.
Do applicants for new flats automatically qualify for the EHG?
No, applicants for new flats must apply to the EHG to receive the grant.
The eligibility criteria for the EHG will apply.
Is the EHG only for buying a flat from HDB?
No, the EHG can be used to buy a flat from HDB or a resale flat from the open market.
