Can Permanent Resident (PR) Buy HDB In Singapore

To answer your question of can PRs buy a HDB Flat, Yes! As a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR), you can buy an HDB flat, but this comes with some caveats. Your eligibility to own a HDB Flat is still dependent on some specific conditions and factors set by the HDB body.

If you're a Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) considering buying an HDB flat, it's important to understand the eligibility criteria and conditions that come with it. While PRs can purchase HDB flats, there are strict regulations in place that affect what types of flats you can buy, who you can buy them with, and how long you’ve held PR status.

In this guide, we break down all the key requirements, from family nucleus rules and resale restrictions to financing limitations and ethnic quotas, so you can make a confident and informed decision when planning your property journey in Singapore.

First Condition : Public/Family Nucleus Requirement

You cannot own a HDB apartment as a Single PR, regardless of whether it is brand-new or resale. Therefore, you need to be apart of a family nucleus in order to legally own a HDB flat. This can take any of the following forms to qualify for HDB ownership:

1. Married Couple

A married couple, The most common form of family nucleus.The marriage must be legally recognized, the wedding certification will be required when applying for the HDB even if married outside of Singapore, and the couple must either be Singapore citizens or PRs but only if they had their PR status for at least 3 years.

2. Parent and Child

Another common form of family nucleus involves a parent and their children. Option 2 includes single-parent families or multi-generational households, for single parents, they must have legal custody of their child.

3. Extended Family Members

Extended family members can also be a part of a family nucleus, family members such as grandparents, siblings, or grandchildren can also be included in the family nucleus. The eligibility and the final acceptance of such arrangements will be dependent on the specific HDB scheme and its rules.

Verification of Family Nucleus

HDB will require documentation to verify the formation of a family nucleus, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and other legal documents that legally prove the relationships among family members only then the family nucleus can be formed.

Second Condition : Only Resale Flats

As a PR, you are not eligible to apply for new HDB flats (BTO/SBF). If there’s no Singapore Citizens in the household, then as PRs you can purchase only resale flats and both PRs must have at least 3 years of PR status. So to be eligible for a new HDB flat, the only way is to have a Singaporean Citizen in the household before being able to acquire a BTO flat via the public or fiancé(e) schemes.

Third Condition : Ethnic Integration & PR Quota

When looking for your HDB Flat, you also need to be aware of its ethnic group quota (EIP) of the block/neighborhood.

For non-Malaysian PRs, the quota is: max 5% of neighborhood, 8% per block, to know if your desired block is available for you, click here to check your eligibility or contact David & Audrie and let them help you check your if your eligibility and help you find your HDB Flat.

Malaysian PRs are exempted from the SPR quota, meaning they can enjoy better flexibility and a greater range of options when purchasing their HDB Flats.

Fourth Condition : Loan Financing

As PRs, you will not be eligible for for HDB loans, meaning that if you’re not paying in full, you have to use traditional bank loans when it comes to financing your HDB Flat, which historically has a higher interest rate when compared to HDB loans

Fifth Condition : No Private Property Ownership

If you’re planning to own a HDB flat, then you better be ready to sell off your private property within Singapore or overseas, and you must sell it within 6 months of purchasing your Resale HDB Flat.

But what if you’re unable to sell your private property within 6 months?

HDB may compulsorily acquire your flat. The HDB has the right to repossess your flat if you breach eligibility conditions, or instead of being repossessed, you may be required to sell your HDB flat on the open market.

And if the above happens and you paid for your HDB flat using a bank loan, it may trigger loan covenant violations damaging your credit with major bank institutions.

On top of all that, you are going to have a negative property record due to your non-compliance, and may affect your future dealings with the HDB, CPF and even MAS-regulated banks, limiting future property purchases and financing options.

HDB may also reclaim any grants or subsidies given to you, impose penalties or administrative fees, and finally require the full repayment of CPF funds back into your CPF account with interest.

What else could you have done?

Now if the time is almost up and you’re actively trying to sell your private property but are having difficulty doing it in the 6 month window, you could apply for an extension from HDB. Make sure to explain your situation clearly and with supporting documents proving your attempts at selling your property, and HDB may grant a short grace period if you show genuine difficulty.

But note that you are not guaranteed to be granted the extension, so if you’re sure that you’re gonna get a HDB, you should start the process early and prepare all the required documents and start looking for potential buyers even before the purchase completion date of your HDB.

Other Conditions

Selling/Renting your HDB Flat

If you’re planning to sell or rent your HDB flat after successfully purchasing, you must first meet the 5 year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), this means that, your HDB must be your primary resident for at least 5 years, before being able to sell or rent out your entire HDB flat, and during the 5 years MOP, you would not be able to buy another private property without violating the rules and conditions set by the HDB..

The MOP period only counts if you reside within your HDB flat, for example, if you spend 4 years in Singapore and 1 year overseas, your MOP period still have 1 year left before it’s considered complete.

Buying a Separate Property

For those wondering if they could buy another property after their MOP period is over, only Singaporean Citizens can own a HDB and a private property at the same time and PRs can only own one or another.

Still unsure about your eligibility to purchase a HDB? Don’t worry, because you can consult an experienced local property agent like David & Audrie to help you with all your woes! Contact David & Audrie today and let us help you navigate through the process and help you get your HDB Flat or to purchase a private property here in Singapore!

With Over 10 years of Proven Experience, David & Audrie is the best Real Estate and Property Partner for you! With their patented W.A.T.E.R method, David & Audrie not only can help you buy and sell real estate, but also help you develop a step by step retirement investment plan through purchasing, upgrading and selling property!

Don't hesitate to contact us here at our website by clicking here: David & Audrie or just give us a call by clicking here for all your property needs!