For many Singapore Permanent Residents (PRs), one of the biggest questions after obtaining PR status is: Can I buy an HDB flat? The short answer is yes but with conditions. This article breaks down the key rules, eligibility requirements, and options available for PRs looking to own a home in Singapore.
Can Singapore PR Holders Buy HDB Flats?
Yes, Singapore PRs can buy HDB flats, but only resale flats and only under certain conditions. PRs are not allowed to buy new Build-to-Order (BTO) flats directly from the Housing & Development Board (HDB), which are reserved for Singapore Citizens (SCs).
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What Type of HDB Flats Can PRs Buy?
Singapore PR holders can only purchase HDB resale flats in the open market. These are flats sold by existing owners, not directly from HDB. Resale flats tend to be older but are available in mature and popular estates.
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Eligibility Conditions for PRs to Buy a Resale Flat
To qualify, you must meet HDB’s eligibility criteria. As of 2025, here are the key requirements:
1. Family Nucleus
You must apply under one of these schemes:
- Public Scheme: PR + PR spouse (both must be PRs for at least 3 years)
- Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme: Only allowed if one party is a Singapore Citizen
Two single PRs (e.g. siblings or friends) cannot jointly purchase an HDB flat. Only PR couples or PR families are eligible.
2. Minimum PR Duration
- Both PRs must have held PR status for at least 3 years before being eligible to buy a resale HDB flat.
3. No Other Property Ownership
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- You must not own any other local or overseas residential property, and you must dispose of any such property within 6 months of buying the HDB flat.
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Financing and CPF Usage
PRs are eligible to:
- Use CPF Ordinary Account savings to pay for part of the flat (subject to CPF usage limits)
- Take a bank loan (PRs are not eligible for HDB loans)
- Pay Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD) and Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD)
ABSD for PRs is 5% on the first residential property as of 2025. SC-PR couples may get ABSD refunds if they meet certain conditions.
5 Reasons Why Singapore PR Holders Should Buy HDB Flat
Despite the restrictions, HDB resale flats are a popular choice among PRs due to:
- Affordability as compared to private condos
- Access to mature estates with nearby transport, schools, and amenities such as shops, clinics, and community centres.
- Long leaseholds of up to 99 years
- Buying an HDB shows commitment to live long-term in Singapore. For PR holders who plan to apply for Singapore Citizenship in future, this would be a good move.
- HDB as an investment for both rental yield and capital gains. However, PRs should plan ahead financially due to higher upfront costs (e.g., ABSD), fewer subsidies, and rental eligibility due to the Minimum Occupancy Period.
Buying HDB Flat as a Singapore PR Holder
Buying an HDB resale flat as a Singapore PR is possible and beneficial especially for those who plan on becoming Singapore citizens, but it comes with strict eligibility criteria and higher costs than for Singapore Citizens.
Disclaimer: This article is not legal or financial advice in any way and is intended for educational purposes only. Please engage a legal and/or financial professional for proper guidance.
