KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Singapore families can now get up to S$120,000 in Enhanced CPF Housing Grant.
- Higher grants mean lower loans and less monthly mortgage stress.
- Best value seen for first-timers buying BTO or resale flats in 2025.
For many young couples in Singapore, this is where things get stressful. Home prices haven’t exactly come down, and every extra dollar borrowed matters. That’s why the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) upgrade is a big deal — and honestly, one you shouldn’t ignore.
Singapore families can now get up to S$120,000 in EHG
| Item | Before Aug 2024 | After Aug 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Max EHG for Families | S$80,000 | S$120,000 |
| Max EHG for Singles | S$40,000 | S$60,000 |
| Flat Types | BTO & Resale | BTO & Resale |
| Income Ceiling | S$9,000 | S$9,000 |
What exactly is the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant?
The EHG is meant to help first-time buyers cope with rising home prices.
Simple logic:
Lower household income = higher grant support.
It replaced older schemes years ago, so everything is now rolled into one clear, income-based grant. No need to juggle multiple applications.
You can use it for any HDB flat type — from a 2-room Flexi to a 5-room resale near your parents.
Why the 2024 EHG increase matters so much
Before August 2024, families could get up to S$80,000. That was helpful, but often not enough.
With construction costs and resale prices staying high, the government stepped in.
Here’s the real change:
- Families: Up to S$120,000 (S$40,000 more)
- Singles: Up to S$60,000 (S$20,000 more)
If you hadn’t booked your BTO or completed your resale purchase by 20 Aug 2024, the higher grant applied automatically. For some couples, this shaved hundreds off their monthly loan repayments.
Who actually qualifies for the EHG?
The rules are strict, but fair.
1. First-timer status
You and your partner must never have received any housing subsidy before.
2. Household income cap: S$9,000
This is based on your average monthly income over the last 12 months.
3. Stable employment
At least one applicant must show 12 months of continuous work and still be employed during application.
Large gaps in CPF records can delay approval — many people get caught here.
4. Remaining lease requirement
To get the full grant, the flat must last you until age 95. Shorter leases mean reduced grants.
5. No private property history
You must not own, or have owned, any private property (local or overseas) in the last 30 months.
How the EHG tiers work in 2025
The difference is most obvious for middle-income couples.
| Monthly Household Income | Old Grant | New Grant |
|---|---|---|
| S$1,500 or below | S$80,000 | S$120,000 |
| S$3,001 – S$3,500 | S$60,000 | S$100,000 |
| S$4,001 – S$4,500 | S$50,000 | S$90,000 |
| S$5,001 – S$5,500 | S$40,000 | S$75,000 |
| S$7,001 – S$7,500 | S$20,000 | S$35,000 |
| S$8,501 – S$9,000 | S$5,000 | S$5,000 |
For couples earning around S$4,000 to S$5,000, this directly lowers how much you need to borrow. No need to overthink — that’s real monthly savings.
BTO vs resale: where does the EHG help more?
Let’s talk practical.
Buying a BTO
For most BTO buyers, the EHG is the main grant.
Example:
- Household income: S$4,200
- EHG: S$90,000
That amount goes straight into your CPF OA, cutting down your loan size immediately.
Buying a resale flat
This is where grants can stack.
Using the same income:
- CPF Housing Grant: S$80,000
- EHG: S$90,000
- Proximity Housing Grant (near parents): S$30,000
Total grants: S$200,000
That’s why many couples choose resale — especially if staying near parents matters.
Important things many buyers miss
Apply for the HFE Letter early
Your HFE letter decides your loan and grant eligibility. It’s valid for 9 months. Without it, you can’t move forward.
Grants must be returned when you sell
When you sell your flat, the grant amount plus CPF interest goes back into your CPF OA. Not cash lost — just something to plan for.
This is not cash payout
The EHG is fully credited into CPF OA. It reduces the flat price or loan, not your bank balance.
How to apply (quick version)
- Ensure CPF contributions are stable for 12 months
- Apply for HFE letter on HDB portal
- Check your grant eligibility
- Book BTO or secure resale OTP
- Grant credited before completion
Final thoughts
Honestly speaking, the enhanced EHG is one of the strongest housing supports Singapore has rolled out in years.
With resale flats often crossing S$500,000 to S$600,000, this grant can be the difference between feeling stretched and feeling secure.
If your household income is S$9,000 or below, don’t sit on it. Sort your documents, apply early, and make the grant work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both spouses’ income be counted for EHG?
Yes. HDB looks at combined household income averaged over the last 12 months.
Does the EHG affect how much loan I can take?
Yes. A higher grant usually means a lower loan amount, which reduces monthly repayments.
Can singles apply for the EHG in 2025?
Yes. Eligible singles can receive up to S$60,000, depending on income.
Official References
For the most accurate and up-to-date calculators and policy wordings, please visit:
- HDB Official EHG Page: HDB Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (Families)
- MND Press Releases: Ministry of National Development
- CPF Board: CPF Housing Schemes
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on government data available as of December 2025. Housing policies and grant amounts are subject to review by HDB. Always refer to your HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter for your specific financial entitlement.
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