Written answer by Ministry of National Development on Eligibility of Divorced or Widowed Foreign Spouses with Singapore Citizen Children to Purchase New or Resale HDB Flats, or Retain Matrimonial Flats

Feb 5, 2025

Question No: 6480

Question by: Mr Louis Chua Kheng Wee

To ask the Minister for National Development in respect of divorced or widowed foreigners with a Singapore citizen child below the age of 21, whether they are eligible to retain ownership of the matrimonial flat or purchase a new BTO flat or resale HDB flat in the open market to enable the family to meet their housing needs.

Answer:

Non-Residents (NRs) are not eligible to purchase HDB flats.

A divorced or widowed NR with a Singapore Citizen (SC) child below the age of 21 can retain the matrimonial flat, if they include an eligible SC or Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) family member who is at least 21 years old as an owner. 

If the NR is widowed, HDB may allow the flat to be held in trust by an SC or SPR trustee, on the condition that the flat is transferred to the SC child beneficiary when the child reaches 21 years old.

If an NR with an SC child has no other housing options or family support, HDB may allow them to rent a public rental flat in the interest of the child.