KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Singapore raised the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) cap to $120,000 for families.
- The boost gives young couples a much stronger head start when buying BTO or resale flats.
- The higher grant helps ease mortgage pressure as home prices continue to stay high.
Owning your first home in Singapore is exciting, but let’s be honest — the down payment and monthly mortgage can feel overwhelming. Many couples I meet, from Jurong East to Pasir Ris, tell me the same thing: “We just want a place to call our own without feeling squeezed every month.”
That’s where the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) comes in. And after its upgrade in August 2024, the support is no longer small change — it’s a serious boost for young families.
What Changed in the EHG?
| Category | Before Aug 2024 | After Aug 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Grant for Families | $80,000 | $120,000 |
| Max Grant for Singles | $40,000 | $60,000 |
| Applies To | BTO & Resale | BTO & Resale |
What Exactly Is the EHG?
Think of the EHG as the government’s way of helping first-time buyers manage rising housing costs. It supports lower- to middle-income households, and the logic is simple — the lower your income, the higher the help you get.
Join WhatsApp
It replaced the older AHG and SHG back in 2019, so everything is now consolidated into one clean, income-based grant.
The best part? You can use it for any flat type, whether you’re eyeing a cosy 2-room Flexi or a bigger 5-room home near your parents.
Why the August 2024 Boost Matters
Before the adjustment, the maximum support topped out at $80,000. But as flat prices climbed and construction costs increased, the government stepped in with a serious upgrade.
Here’s what changed:
- Families: Up to $120,000 (increase of $40,000)
- Singles: Up to $60,000 (increase of $20,000)
And this wasn’t just for future buyers. If you had not completed your resale transaction or booked your BTO by 20 Aug 2024, the improved amount applied to you immediately.
For many couples, that unexpected boost meant lower loans and more breathing room each month.
Who Can Actually Get the EHG?
HDB keeps the criteria tight to ensure the support goes to those who need it most. You must meet all of the following:
1. First-Timer Status
You and your partner cannot have taken any housing subsidy before. Simple as that.
2. Household Income ≤ $9,000
Your last 12 months’ average monthly income must stay within this limit.
3. Stable Employment
At least one applicant must have 12 months of continuous employment before applying — and must still be employed during the application.
This catches many people by surprise. Big gaps in CPF contributions can lead to delays or rejections.
4. Remaining Lease Requirements
Your flat must last you until you turn 95 if you want the full grant. If not, the grant will be reduced.
5. No Private Property
You cannot own (or have recently owned) property locally or overseas within the last 30 months.
How the EHG Tiers Work
Here’s the updated range. The lower your income, the higher the help:
| Income Range | Old Grant | New Grant |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500 or below | $80,000 | $120,000 |
| $3,001–$3,500 | $60,000 | $100,000 |
| $4,001–$4,500 | $50,000 | $90,000 |
| $5,001–$5,500 | $40,000 | $75,000 |
| $7,001–$7,500 | $20,000 | $35,000 |
| $8,501–$9,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
For many young couples earning around $4,000 to $5,000 a month, the jump is meaningful — it directly affects how much loan you need to take.
BTO vs Resale: Where Does the EHG Help More?
Let’s break it down like you would with a friend at a Kopitiam.
Scenario A: Buying a BTO
EHG is usually the main grant you get.
Example:
- Household income: $4,200
- EHG tier: $90,000
This amount goes straight into your CPF OA and reduces the financed amount. For many couples, this is the difference between a tight budget and a comfortable one.
Scenario B: Buying a Resale Flat
This is where things get really interesting. Because resale grants can “stack,” your total support can be massive.
Using the same income example:
- CPF Housing Grant: $80,000
- EHG: $90,000
- PHG (living near parents): $30,000
Total grant support: $200,000
That’s why many couples who want to stay near their parents go straight for resale — the maths makes sense.
A Few Things You Must Not Miss
1. Apply for the HFE Letter Early
This letter determines your loan amount and grant eligibility. Without it, you can’t proceed. It’s valid for 9 months, so apply early.
2. Grant Recovery When You Sell
When you eventually sell your flat, your grants (plus CPF interest) return to your CPF OA.
You’re not “losing” money — it just means your cash proceeds may be lower.
3. The Grant Is Not Cash
It goes entirely to your CPF OA and is applied to the purchase price or loan.
How to Apply (Quick Steps)
- Make sure your CPF contributions are stable for 12 months.
- Log in to the HDB portal and apply for your HFE Letter.
- Receive your grant indication.
- Book your BTO or secure your resale Option-to-Purchase (OTP).
- Grant is credited right before completion.
Final Thoughts
The enhanced EHG is a huge relief for young families trying to find a foothold in today’s market. With resale flats commonly hitting $500k to $600k, this extra support helps soften the financial load.
If your household income is $9,000 or below, don’t wait. Get your employment records sorted, apply for your HFE letter, and make full use of this support while planning your first home.
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.
