Answer
HDB Upgrading Grants: PHG & CPF Housing Grants for Upgraders
Every grant you can claim when buying your next HDB resale flat.
Answer: HDB upgraders buying a resale flat can receive up to $70,000 in total grants: $40,000 CPF Housing Grant (second-timer families) + $30,000 Proximity Housing Grant (within 4km of parents/children). PHG has no income ceiling. The CPF Housing Grant requires household income under $14,000/month. First-timer families get even more — up to $190,000 in combined grants.
All Resale HDB Grants at a Glance
| Grant | First-Timer Family | Second-Timer Family | Single (35+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPF Housing Grant | $80,000 | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG) | Up to $80,000 | Not eligible | Up to $40,000 |
| Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) | $30,000 | $30,000 | $15,000 |
| Maximum Total | $190,000 | $70,000 | $95,000 |
EHG amount varies by income — lower income = higher grant. Maximum EHG is for household income ≤$1,500/month. Amounts effective as of 2026.
Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) — Deep Dive
Distance requirement: within 4km
Your resale flat must be within 4km of your parents' or married child's HDB flat (or vice versa). HDB calculates this as straight-line distance, not walking/driving distance.
No income ceiling
Unlike other grants, PHG has no income ceiling. A household earning $20,000/month still qualifies. This makes it the most accessible grant for upgraders.
5-year stay requirement
Both you and your parents/children must continue living in your respective HDB flats for 5 years after the grant is received. If either party sells before 5 years, the grant must be refunded with interest.
Families get $30K, singles get $15K
Families (married couples, fiancees with valid HFE) receive $30,000. Singles buying under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme receive $15,000.
Eligibility Checklist for Upgraders
- →Completed MOP — You must have fulfilled the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period on your current/previous HDB flat.
- →Buying a resale HDB flat — Grants are for resale purchases only. BTO purchases as a second-timer have limited grant eligibility.
- →At least one SC buyer — At least one applicant must be a Singapore Citizen. SC + PR couples are eligible.
- →Income ceiling met (for CPF Housing Grant) — Household income ≤$14,000/month. Not required for PHG.
- →No private property ownership — You and all listed occupiers must not own or have disposed of private property within 30 months before the resale application.
- →Valid HFE letter — Apply for your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter first. HDB will assess your grant eligibility during this process.
How Grants Are Applied to Your Purchase
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. HFE application | HDB assesses your grant eligibility and confirms amounts |
| 2. Resale application | You submit your resale application with the seller |
| 3. Grant credited | Approved grants are deposited into your CPF OA at completion |
| 4. Used for purchase | Grant funds in CPF OA go toward your flat purchase (reduces cash/loan needed) |
Grants are credited to CPF OA, not paid in cash. They reduce the amount you need from your own CPF savings or cash.
Upgrading Your HDB?
Factor in your grants, sale proceeds, and CPF refund to see exactly what you can afford for your next home.
Calculate Your NumbersFAQ
Can I get a housing grant when upgrading from one HDB to another?
Yes, but only if you are buying a resale HDB flat. Second-timer families can receive up to $40,000 in CPF Housing Grant and up to $30,000 in Proximity Housing Grant. You cannot receive grants when buying a BTO as a second-timer (with limited exceptions for families in specific schemes). The key requirement is that you must have owned your current HDB for at least 5 years (MOP).
What is the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)?
PHG gives families $30,000 (or singles $15,000) for buying a resale flat within 4km of their parents or children. Both parties must live in the respective properties for at least 5 years after purchase. Parents/children must own an HDB flat or live in one. There is no income ceiling for PHG — it is available to all eligible buyers regardless of household income.
What is the income ceiling for HDB resale grants?
For the CPF Housing Grant (Families): the income ceiling is $14,000/month for families. For singles buying a 2-room flexi flat, the ceiling is $7,000. The Enhanced Housing Grant has the same $14,000 ceiling for families. The Proximity Housing Grant has NO income ceiling — it is available to all buyers.
Can I get grants if I previously received a BTO grant?
Yes, but at reduced amounts. Second-timer families receive $40,000 CPF Housing Grant (vs $80,000 for first-timers). You can still get the full $30,000 Proximity Housing Grant regardless of whether you received grants before. The Enhanced Housing Grant is only for first-timers — second-timers are not eligible.
Do grants affect my CPF or loan amount?
Grants are credited directly to your CPF Ordinary Account and can be used toward the purchase. They effectively reduce the cash you need upfront. For loan calculation purposes, grants do not count as income — they reduce your purchase price exposure but not your borrowing power. You still need to meet TDSR and MSR requirements based on your income.
Related
Last updated Feb 2026. Grant amounts and eligibility criteria are based on HDB's official policies. Check HDB's website or apply for an HFE letter for your personalised grant assessment. This is not financial advice.