You’re probably more familiar with HDB schemes related to BTO and resale flats, but there’s also the lesser-known HDB Orphans Scheme—meant to support those navigating housing in difficult circumstances. Whether you’re applying solo or with your siblings, here’s a guide to how the scheme works and the housing options available.
Inheriting your parents’ flat
Image credit: shawnanggg on Unsplash
For those whose parents owned an HDB flat at the time of their passing, you might be allowed to inherit the flat as the remaining family member, as long as you meet HDB’s eligibility criteria. Note that fees such as stamp duty and conveyancing charges may apply during the transfer of flat ownership. If the inherited flat hasn’t met its Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), you’ll have to continue living in it until the MOP is fulfilled before selling.
You must be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, at least 21 years old, and eligible under HDB’s rules to inherit the flat.
The inheritance process depends on whether a will was made:
- If there’s a will: the flat will be distributed accordingly. You’ll need to engage a private solicitor to apply for a Grant of Probate, which legally authorises you as the executor of the deceased’s estate.
- If there’s no will: the Intestate Succession Act will apply—the estate will be distributed based on a hierarchy of next-of-kin. You’ll also need to apply for a Grant of Letters of Administration through a lawyer to manage the legal transfer of the flat.
If you’re under 21 years old
The process will differ if you’re below the legal adulthood age of 21: for fully-paid flats, a trust over the flat can be created, subject to HDB’s approval on a case-by-case basis. Upon your 21st birthday, the flat can be legally transferred to you either through the will or according to intestate succession laws.
However, if the flat is not fully paid up, HDB will review the situation on a case-by-case basis, usually in consultation with a guardian.
HDB Orphans Scheme
If there’s no flat to inherit, the HDB Orphans Scheme offers an alternative route to home ownership. To qualify, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old and single
- Be legally an orphan (both parents are deceased)
- At least one of your deceased parents must have been a Singapore Citizen or PR
- You cannot separately own a HDB flat or private property
As with all HDB flat applications, you’ll need to apply for an HFE letter first.
Applying with siblings
Under this scheme, HDB recognises you and your siblings as a core family nucleus, which makes you eligible to purchase either a new or resale flat together. All applicants must be single, not applying for a flat separately, and must meet the standard eligibility criteria for a flat purchase.
Applying as a single
One key difference with the HDB Orphans Scheme is that you don’t need to wait until you’re 35 to apply for a flat on your own. You can apply solo if you’re single, at least 21 years old, and don’t own any other property under your name.
As a sole applicant, you’ll be the legal owner of the flat. You can only choose between an HDB BTO or a resale flat, depending on your preferences and eligibility. The monthly household income ceiling still applies. For example, the monthly income ceiling is $7,000 for a 2-room Flexi flat (99-year lease) under BTO, and 2-room resale Prime flats.
Applicable HDB grants
To help you get a head start on your first home, you may qualify for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant. First-timer singles can receive a grant of up to $60,000, depending on income level.
Take note that the average gross monthly household income must not exceed $4,500 if you’re buying the flat solo, or $9,000 if you’re buying the flat with other singles (e.g. your siblings). Furthermore, you and your co-applicants must have worked continuously for at least 12 months, and still be employed at the time of the HFE application. This includes having worked during the 2 months leading up to your application.
Alternative housing options
If buying a BTO or resale flat isn’t feasible at the moment, you might want to consider the Public Rental Scheme (PRS) as an alternative way to secure public housing.
You and your siblings are eligible to apply under PRS as a family nucleus, or you can rent individually as a single applicant. As subsidised rental flats are limited, you will not be eligible if you can afford to buy a flat.
Housing options under the HDB Orphans Scheme
Dealing with the loss of your parents is never easy, but there are housing options and grants that can support you during this challenging time. If you’re still unsure where to begin, the HDB home ownership support team can provide guidance on housing options and assist with the application process.
For more HDB-related guides:
- Is HDB decoupling legal? Rules you need to know
- 7 hidden costs when you buy a HDB BTO
- 10 HDB rules you should know
Cover image adapted from: Joshua Tsu on Unsplash
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