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HDB EIP & SPR Quota — How to Check Before Buying
The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) and SPR quota are the invisible gates of HDB resale. You can have the money, the loan approval, and the perfect flat — and still get blocked because the quota is full. Always check before you make an offer.
Answer: The EIP caps the proportion of each ethnic group per block and neighbourhood. The SPR quota caps PR households at 8% per block / 5% per neighbourhood. Check availability on HDB's e-Service portal before making an offer. If the quota for your group is full on that block, you cannot buy there — no exceptions.
EIP Quota Limits
Maximum proportion of each ethnic group
| Ethnic Group | Block Limit | Neighbourhood Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese | 84% | 87% |
| Malay | 22% | 25% |
| Indian / Others | 13% | 15% |
Both the block AND neighbourhood limits must be satisfied. A block could be under the block limit but the neighbourhood could be maxed out.
SPR Quota Limits
| Level | SPR Household Limit |
|---|---|
| Per block | 8% |
| Per neighbourhood | 5% |
This applies to households where all owners are SPRs. If there is at least one Singapore Citizen owner, the SPR quota does not apply to that unit.
How to Check EIP / SPR Quota
Step 1: Go to HDB's e-Service
Visit hdb.gov.sg → Buying a Flat → Buying HDB Resale Flat → Ethnic Integration Policy / SPR Quota. Or search “HDB EIP check” directly.
Step 2: Enter the block and street
Key in the block number and street name of the flat you're interested in. The system checks real-time quota status.
Step 3: Read the result
The result shows whether each ethnic group can buy on that block. It also shows the SPR status. If your group shows “Reached” — you cannot buy there.
Step 4: Check nearby blocks
If the block you want is maxed out, check adjacent blocks in the same estate. Quota status varies block by block — the next block over might be fine.
How EIP Affects Resale Value
| Situation | Buyer Pool | Price Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Open to all races | Full market | Market price or premium |
| Chinese quota reached | Malay + Indian/Others only (~24% of population) | 5–15% below market |
| Malay quota reached | Chinese + Indian/Others | Minimal impact (large remaining pool) |
| SPR quota reached | SC only (for PR buyers) | Reduces PR buyer pool |
A block that has hit its Chinese quota has a significantly smaller buyer pool when you resell. Factor this into your purchase decision, especially for investment considerations.
Common Scenarios
Inter-ethnic couple
If the couple is of different races, you can choose which ethnic group to classify under for EIP purposes. This gives you more flexibility — pick the group that is still available on the block you want.
SC + PR couple
As long as one owner is a Singapore Citizen, the SPR quota does not apply. Only the EIP ethnic quota needs to be checked.
Buying as a PR household
Both EIP and SPR quotas must be satisfied. This is the most restrictive scenario. Check both before viewing flats.
Tips
- • Always check before viewing. Don't waste time falling in love with a flat you can't buy.
- • Quota changes daily. A block that's maxed today could open up tomorrow if someone sells. But don't count on it.
- • Agents should check for you. Any competent agent will verify EIP/SPR before arranging viewings. If yours doesn't, ask.
- • Consider the resale impact. Buying on a quota-restricted block may be cheaper now, but selling later faces the same restricted buyer pool.
- • Non-mature estates tend to be more open. Newer estates with less established demographics often have more quota room.
Planning your HDB resale purchase?
EIP is just one piece. Get a full picture of what you can afford — including loan, CPF, cash, and stamp duty.
FAQ
What is the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)?
The EIP sets racial quota limits for each HDB block and neighbourhood to ensure a balanced ethnic mix. The limits are: Chinese 87% (neighbourhood) / 84% (block), Malay 25% / 22%, Indian/Others 15% / 13%. If a block has reached its quota for your ethnic group, you cannot buy a unit on that block.
What is the SPR quota?
The Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) quota limits the proportion of SPR households in each HDB block and neighbourhood. The limits are: 8% per block and 5% per neighbourhood. If the SPR quota is reached, PRs cannot buy a unit on that block, even if the EIP quota is available.
How do I check if a block is available under EIP/SPR?
Use HDB's e-Service portal at hdb.gov.sg. Go to "Ethnic Integration Policy and SPR Quota" under Resale, enter the block and street, and it will show whether each ethnic group and SPR category can still buy units there. Check BEFORE making an offer — not after.
Can EIP/SPR quota affect the resale price?
Yes, significantly. A flat in a block that has hit its Chinese quota (for example) can only be sold to Malay or Indian/Others buyers — a smaller pool. This can reduce the resale price by 5–15% compared to similar units without quota restrictions. Conversely, a block open to all races may command a premium.
What happens if I sign OTP and then find out EIP is maxed?
The OTP becomes void. HDB will not approve the resale application if the EIP or SPR quota is breached. You lose the option fee ($1,000 typically for resale). Always check EIP/SPR availability BEFORE paying the option fee.
Does EIP apply to new BTO flats?
Yes, but differently. For BTO, HDB manages the allocation during the balloting process itself, so you won't be allocated a unit that breaches EIP. For resale, it is your responsibility to check before buying.
Related
- HDB Resale Process Timeline — 8–10 weeks OTP to keys
- Option to Purchase (OTP) — how the OTP works
- Cash Over Valuation (COV) — what must be paid in cash
- HDB Grants 2026
- Can a Single Person Buy HDB?
Last updated Feb 2026. EIP and SPR quota limits per HDB. Quota availability changes in real-time as transactions are completed. This is informational, not financial advice.