Tired of the costs of renting or trying to find “The One” to qualify for an HDB flat? Good news, Singapore’s public housing options are becoming increasingly singles-friendly from June 2024.

The Housing & Development Board (HDB) has implemented a series of changes specifically aimed at giving singles more options and flexibility, whether you’re buying a Build-To-Order (BTO) or resale flat under the Singles scheme.

These changes are timely with a growing number of unmarried individuals in Singapore due to changing lifestyles and aspirations. Let’s take a look at the new rules and what it means for your home ownership journey as a single in Singapore.

New HDB BTO & Resale options for Singles From July 2024

The biggest change is that singles are now able to apply for a new 2-room Flexi BTO flat in all locations across all types of projects – Standard, Plus, and Prime. But, take note the income ceiling of S$7,000 still applies.

Singles can also opt to buy a Standard or Plus flat of any size (except 3Gen flats) and 2-room Prime Location Housing (PLH) flat in the resale market.

What was different previously? Before June 2024, first-timer singles could only apply for new 2-room Flexi BTO flats in non-mature estates and were not allowed to buy Prime flats.

Priority for Singles Applying for BTO Flats Near Parents from Mid-2025

From mid-2025, singles applying for Build-To-Order (BTO) flats will receive priority when purchasing a home near their parents. To qualify, they simply need to live with or within a 4km radius of their parents.

What was different previously? Before the National Day Rally (NDR) in August 2024 and the adoption of this new policy, this priority was only available to married couples and their parents. Since securing a BTO flat often feels like a lottery, having priority — combined with the expanded housing options for singles — will be a significant improvement.

Grants for Singles in Singapore Buying a BTO Or Resale Flat

Fretting about the costs of purchasing an HDB flat? Here’s another piece of good news – you can apply for several grants to make your homeownership more affordable. Subject to eligibility conditions, first-time singles can apply for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (Singles) and the Proximity Housing Grant (Singles) when they apply for a BTO flat. As for those purchasing a resale flat, they may also be eligible for CPF Housing Grants of S$40,000 for the purchase of a 2- to 4-room resale flat or S$25,000 for a 5-room resale flat. Check out our full guide if you’re looking to buy a house in Singapore as a single.

What Impact Do These New HDB Changes Have

Overall, the new public housing changes are a positive step for singles in Singapore. You definitely have greater flexibility and choice in the property market. However, expect to potentially face stiffer competition for certain BTO projects, especially those in more desirable locations. Demand for resale flats, particularly smaller ones (2-room and 3-room) in mature estates, could also increase due to singles looking for options beyond BTO, which will benefit sellers of such flats. However, this isn’t too good news for other potential buyers.

The revamped HDB rules for singles in Singapore mark a significant shift towards a more inclusive housing landscape. There are now more options than ever to secure your own place as a single in Singapore.

You can look forward to a brighter future in Singapore where you have a strong foundation to build your life upon. After all, there is nothing like owning your own home.