What Are Singapore HDB Grants?
HDB grants are cash amounts the Singapore government gives to eligible home buyers to help lower the cost of buying an HDB flat. For first-time buyers in 2026, the main schemes are the Family Grant, the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG), and the newer My First Home Grant and the Close-Secondary-Schools Grant (CSSG). These grants reduce the amount you need to borrow and make home ownership far more affordable.
The key point for 2026 is the introduction of additional targeted support. As of 1 April 2025, first-timer families buying a new flat from HDB can receive higher subsidies under the revised Proximity Housing Grant rules, and the earlier flat categories were aligned with income ceilings. This guide walks through every grant type, the exact amounts, eligibility rules, and how to apply so you can claim the maximum support you are entitled to. For the official government source, see the Ministry of Manpower housing policies and the official CPF guide to the Enhanced CPF Housing and Proximity grants.
My First Home Grant (MFHG)
The My First Home Grant (MFHG) replaced the previous Starter Grant and is the flagship subsidy for first-time home buyers in 2026. It provides support based on your household income, with the highest amounts going to lower-income first-timer families buying a 2-room or 3-room flat.
Who Can Apply for the MFHG?
To qualify, you must be a first-time applicant buying your first HDB flat in a non-mature estate, with a combined household income within the ceilings. Buyers of 2-room flats can receive up to SGD 20,000 in cash, while 3-room flat buyers can receive up to SGD 15,000. The exact figure depends on your income band, so lower-income households get the larger grants.
This grant is only for new HDB flats in non-mature estates. It does not apply to resale flats or flats in mature estates, which are covered by other schemes. You also need to occupy the flat as your primary residence for the minimum occupation period and cannot sell it on the open market during that time.
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG)
The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant is income-based and available to both first-timer and second-timer families buying a resale flat or a new flat from HDB. In 2026 the grant can range from SGD 5,000 to up to SGD 120,000 depending on your income.
Enhanced CPF Housing Grant Amounts and Income Ceiling
For first-time buyers the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant is capped at SGD 80,000 for a flat assessed to be in a non-mature estate, and SGD 40,000 for a mature estate flat. The household income ceiling for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant is SGD 9,000 a month for first-timers and SGD 15,000 a month for families buying under special assessments.
The grant is disbursed into your CPF Ordinary Account rather than as cash, which you can use to fund the down payment and reduce your loan amount. This is a significant advantage because it lowers both your cash outlay at purchase and the monthly instalments you pay later. You can verify the current grant rules and the CPF housing loan requirements on the CPF home ownership page.
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) and the Near-Schools Grant (CSSG)
The Proximity Housing Grant encourages families to live near or with their parents or children. As of 1 April 2025, the grant amount was revised and you can now receive up to SGD 30,000 when buying a resale flat to live near your parents, and up to SGD 20,000 when living with your parents or a married child.
The Close-Secondary-Schools Grant (CSSG)
Introduced as part of the 2025 measures, the Close-Secondary-Schools Grant (CSSG) gives first-time families who buy a 2-room or 3-room flat in non-mature estates near an existing secondary school an extra subsidy. The grant is designed to help young families settle closer to good schools and reduce commuting stress.
To qualify for the CSSG, you must buy a flat within 2 kilometres of your selected secondary school, which must be a school that offers your local secondary programme. The grant is paid into your CPF account and applies in addition to the My First Home Grant, giving you combined support that meaningfully cuts your upfront cost.
Additional CPF Housing Grant for Families and Singles
Besides the income-based grants above, HDB offers the Additional CPF Housing Grant, which is separate from the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant. This grant is not income-tested, but it is restricted to certain types of households and flat sizes.
Families buying a new or resale flat can receive up to SGD 40,000, while singles buying a 5-room or smaller flat can receive up to SGD 20,000. The grant is credited to your CPF Ordinary Account and helps reduce the loan or cash amount you need at purchase.
HDB Grant Comparison Table 2026
| Grant | Who It Is For | Max Amount | Form of Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| My First Home Grant (MFHG) | First-timer buyers of 2-room or 3-room new flats in non-mature estates | SGD 20,000 | Cash |
| Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) | First-timer and second-timer families (resale or new flat) | SGD 80,000 | CPF Ordinary Account |
| Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) | Families living near or with parents or children | SGD 30,000 | CPF Ordinary Account |
| Close-Secondary-Schools Grant (CSSG) | First-timer families buying near a secondary school in non-mature estates | SGD 12,000 (with MFHG) | CPF Ordinary Account |
| Additional CPF Housing Grant | Families and singles on eligible flat types | SGD 40,000 | CPF Ordinary Account |
How to Apply for HDB Grants in 2026
Applying for HDB grants is done together with your flat application, not as a separate step. The process is designed to be guided by HDB officers, so you do not need to navigate forms on your own.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Income
Before applying, confirm your household status, whether you are a first or second timer, and your combined monthly income. Use the official HDB website and its eligibility calculator to estimate the grants you can receive, then verify your income documents are ready. Cross-check the income ceilings against the official CPF grant guide before you commit.
Step 2: Apply for Your Flat on the HDB Portal
Go to the HDB appointment booking page and select your flat. During the application, the system automatically checks your grant eligibility based on the details you enter, so you do not need to fill in a separate grant form.
Step 3: Submit Supporting Documents and Complete the Purchase
After your flat selection, submit your income documents through the HDB application workflow before your appointment date. The grant is then credited to your CPF account before you sign the lease, which cuts the cash and loan amount needed at signing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming HDB Grants
Many first-time buyers lose money because they miss an important rule. The most common mistakes are failing to declare a key household member, exceeding the income ceiling for the grant you want, and choosing a flat outside the eligible estate type.
- Do not assume grants apply to resale flats when they are only for new flats (and vice versa).
- Check the minimum occupation period, because selling too early can require you to refund the grant.
- Confirm whether the grant is paid in cash or into your CPF account, since this affects your cash planning.
- Include every essential occupier on the application, because adding a non-applicant later can affect your grant.
Reading the official HDB grant terms before you commit will prevent costly surprises. If you are also buying a resale flat, review the CPF housing rules so you know how much of your CPF savings you can use for the down payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum HDB grant I can get in 2026?
A first-timer family can combine the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (up to SGD 80,000), the Proximity Housing Grant (up to SGD 30,000), the My First Home Grant, and the Additional CPF Housing Grant. In ideal cases, total support can exceed SGD 100,000 when all schemes stack.
Are HDB grants paid in cash or into CPF?
The My First Home Grant is paid in cash, while the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant, Proximity Housing Grant, and the Close-Secondary-Schools Grant are credited to your CPF Ordinary Account. Cash grants add to your savings, while CPF grants reduce your loan amount directly.
Can second-timer buyers receive HDB grants in 2026?
Yes. Second-timer families can still receive the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant and the Proximity Housing Grant, though at lower maximum amounts than first-timers. The My First Home Grant is reserved for first-time buyers only.
What income ceiling applies to the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant in 2026?
The household income ceiling for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant is SGD 9,000 a month for first-time families buying a new or resale flat. For larger families buying under special assessments, the ceiling can be higher.
Do I need to repay my HDB grant if I sell my flat?
Yes. If you sell your flat before the minimum occupation period ends, or if you do not meet the occupation rules, HDB may require you to refund the grant in full plus accrued interest. Always complete the minimum occupation period before selling.
Key Takeaways
- HDB grants reduce your upfront cash and loan amount, so it pays to combine every scheme you qualify for.
- The My First Home Grant is cash paid and limited to first-timers buying 2-room or 3-room flats in non-mature estates.
- The Enhanced CPF Housing Grant offers the largest single subsidy, up to SGD 80,000 for eligible first-timers.
- Applying is automatic during the flat selection process, but you must submit your income documents on time.
- Always check the income ceilings and minimum occupation period before you commit to a flat.
Conclusion
Buying your first HDB flat in 2026 is far more affordable when you understand and stack the available grants. From the cash-based My First Home Grant to the sizable Enhanced CPF Housing Grant and the new Close-Secondary-Schools Grant, the government has built a strong support system for first-time families. Match each grant to your household profile, check the income ceilings carefully, and apply early on the HDB portal so you lock in the maximum subsidy.
If you are planning to use your CPF savings to fund the purchase, read our guide on the HDB housing grant for first-time buyers and the CPF rules for property so you plan the full picture. For retirement planning after you settle your home, see our guide on how much you need to retire comfortably in Singapore.
Related: Singapore CPF Housing Grant guide for first-time HDB buyers and how much you need to retire in Singapore.
This article was written by the SeaMoneyTips Editorial Team, focused on personal finance education for Indonesia and Singapore readers. For inquiries, please contact us.