With the increasing amount of people applying to be a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), a question we often get is: Can a PR buy an HDB?
The short answer to it is: Yes, however, there are some criteria to fulfil to be eligible to purchase an HDB. In this article, we will talk about the eligibility conditions for an SPR and the type of HDB Flats they are able to purchase.
An SPR household is only eligible to buy resale HDB
You are considered an SPR household if both spouses are PRs. You are not allowed to buy new, subsidized HDB Flats directly from the government such as Built-to-Order (BTO) flats and Sale of Balance Flats (SBF). Unfortunately, you will not be entitled to resale housing grants and HDB loans too.
If one of the spouses is a Singapore Citizen (SC), you will be considered a Singaporean household.
HDB Resale Eligibility and Requirements for SPR household
Like all HDB Flats, it comes with its own set of eligibility conditions. Under the HDB rules, there are two schemes in which PR can buy with another Singapore Citizen (SC) or SPR: HDB Public Scheme, which is buying with family (i.e. spouse, children, siblings, parents) or the Fiancé/Fiancée scheme.
In other words, the short answer to “Can single PR buy HDB?” is – No.
Apart from that, there are other HDB resale eligibility conditions that SPRs must fulfil:
You’ll need to be at least 21 years old
You must be an SPR for at least three years
If you’re unmarried and buying with a family member, at least one of them has to be an SC or SPR
If you’re buying as an SPR household, all SPR occupiers (family or co-owners) must have had SPR status for at least three years
You can’t sell or lease your flat out during the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP)
You’ll also need to meet the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) or SPR quota for your block/neighbourhood when submitting the resale application
All buyers in the HDB resale flat application cannot own any private property in Singapore or overseas. You’ll need to sell your property before or within six months of buying the resale HDB flat.
Buying under HDB Public Scheme
Criteria
Citizenship: There must be at least one listed occupant who is either an SC or PR. If there is no SC in the family, all owners and essential occupiers must all be PRs for at least three years.
Family nucleus: An SPR buyer needs to form a family nucleus with one of the following groups: 1) Spouse and children, 2) Parents (If you are a single SPR purchasing with parents, at least one of them must be an SC or SPR) or 3) Children under your legal custody, care, and control (for widowed/ divorced persons).
Buying under HDB Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme
Criteria
Citizenship: You and your soon-to-be spouse must either be an SPR or SPC. If there is no SC in the family, all owners and essential occupiers must have been PRs for at least three years.
Family nucleus: Your fiancé or fiancée must be listed in the application as either 1) a co-applicant if 21 years old or above, or 2) an occupant.
You need to solemnise your marriage within 3 months from the completion of the flat purchase. HDB may request for a copy of your marriage certificate (where required) for verification.
If your marriage was registered overseas, you may need to submit a copy of the marriage certificate to HDB.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can two PRs buy a BTO Flat?
No, a PR can only buy BTO Flat if his or her spouse is a Singapore Citizen.
Can PR apply for HDB loan?
SPR households are not eligible for HDB loan. Your spouse must be a Singapore Citizen to be able to apply for HDB loan.
When can two PRs buy an HDB Flat?
SPR households may buy a resale HDB Flat three years after they received their PR status.
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