Written answer by Ministry of National Development on rules for HDB flat applications by Singapore citizens with non-resident spouse, parents or children

Feb 28, 2023

Question No: 2758

Question by: Mr Leong Mun Wai

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) why are Singapore citizens buying HDB flats with their non-resident spouse, parents, or children who are aged between 21 and 35 only eligible to apply for a flat if the spouse has a Long Term Visit Pass or a Work Pass of at least 6 months validity from the date of issue at the time of application; and (b) why are these Singapore citizens not allowed to purchase larger than a 2-room flexi flat directly from HDB.

Answer:

The minimum citizenship criterion for a family to purchase any new HDB flat is one Singapore citizen (SC) aged 21 and above, and one Singapore permanent resident (SPR).

2        Single SCs aged 35 and above can purchase an HDB flat on their own. They may buy a new 2-room Flexi flat in the non-mature estates, or a resale flat of any flat type (excluding 3Gen flats) in both mature and non-mature estates. These options are similarly made available to SCs aged 35 and above who have married a non-resident (NR) spouse – that is, those who do not meet the minimum citizenship criterion as a family to purchase a new HDB flat.

3        SCs aged below 35 are not eligible to purchase an HDB flat on their own, without another SC or PR family member to form a family nucleus.  Nevertheless, we recognise that some SCs aged between 21 and 35 may wish to set up a family here with their NR family member – i.e., a spouse, parent or child. For these SCs, HDB allows them to purchase a resale HDB flat, on the condition that the NR family member is allowed to stay in Singapore on some form of long-term visa, such as Long-Term Visit Pass or Work Pass of at least 6 months. This ensures that only NRs who are allowed to stay in Singapore on a long-term basis can be listed as essential occupiers for the family to qualify for the purchase of an HDB flat.

4        We recognise the many different housing aspirations across the diverse group of Singaporeans who wish to purchase HDB flats. Given the limited land space and resources, some form of prioritization is necessary to ensure sustainable development of our finite resources. MND will continue to review our housing policies to meet the evolving needs of our society.