HDB Eligibility for Singapore PR Holders
By Sarah Lim, Senior Immigration Consultant
One of the most significant benefits of Singapore Permanent Residency is the ability to purchase HDB flats. However, PRs face different rules than citizens. Here is everything you need to know.
Can PRs Buy HDB Flats?
Yes, but only resale HDB flats. PRs cannot purchase new BTO (Build-To-Order) flats \u2014 those are reserved for Singapore citizens. However, PRs can buy resale flats on the open market, which still represent significant savings compared to private property.
Key Rules for PR HDB Buyers
3-Year Waiting Period
PRs must wait 3 years from the date their PR status is granted before they can purchase a resale HDB flat. This applies to households where no member is a Singapore citizen.
Resale Only
PRs can only buy resale flats, not new BTO flats. Resale flats are available in all estates across Singapore.
Must Form an Eligible Family Nucleus
PR applicants must form an eligible family nucleus to buy an HDB flat. This typically means a married couple, or a parent with unmarried children. Single PRs generally cannot purchase HDB flats.
No CPF Housing Grant (for Most PR Households)
PR+PR households are not eligible for the CPF Housing Grant. However, PR+Citizen households may be eligible for reduced grants.
Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)
PRs purchasing residential property pay 5% ABSD on their first property. This is higher than citizens (0% for first property) but lower than foreigners (60%).
CPF Usage Permitted
PRs can use their CPF Ordinary Account savings to finance the purchase of an HDB flat, subject to standard CPF rules and the Valuation Limit.
PR + Citizen Households
If you are a PR married to a Singapore citizen, the rules are more favourable:
- Can purchase new BTO flats (citizen spouse must be listed as the main applicant)
- Eligible for CPF Housing Grants (at reduced rates compared to citizen+citizen households)
- No 3-year waiting period for resale purchases
- ABSD at citizen rates for the citizen spouse’s name
HDB vs Private Property for PRs
| Factor | HDB Resale | Private Property |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting Period | 3 years as PR | None |
| Price Range | $300K – $800K+ | $800K – $3M+ |
| ABSD | 5% (first property) | 5% (first property) |
| CPF Usable | Yes | Yes (with limits) |
| Loan Limit (LTV) | Up to 80% | Up to 75% |
| Residency Signal | Strong (shows commitment) | Moderate |
Why HDB Matters for Future Citizenship
Purchasing an HDB flat is one of the strongest signals of long-term commitment to Singapore. If you plan to apply for Singapore citizenship in the future, owning an HDB flat \u2014 especially in a heartland estate \u2014 demonstrates genuine rootedness. Many citizenship assessors view HDB ownership as a positive factor in the application.
Ready to Unlock HDB Eligibility?
Getting PR is the first step to buying an HDB flat. Let us help you secure your PR status.