YES, Condo Owners CAN Buy HDB in Singapore: Here’s How!

Many Singaporeans aspire to own more than one property but are unsure of the regulations surrounding property ownership in Singapore. A common question is whether a condo owner can buy an HDB flat, or vice versa. The answer is not straightforward, as there are several factors that come into play.

Firstly, it is important to understand the difference between HDB flats and private condos. HDB flats are public housing units that are subsidized by the government, and are subject to certain eligibility criteria and restrictions on ownership. Private condos, on the other hand, are fully owned by the individual and are not subject to the same restrictions as HDB flats.

So, can a condo owner buy an HDB flat? The short answer is yes, but there are certain conditions that must be met. Similarly, an HDB owner may also be able to purchase a private condo, but again, there are various factors that need to be considered. In this article, we will explore the regulations and factors that come into play when it comes to owning both an HDB flat and a private condo in Singapore.

Eligibility Requirements

Before a condo owner can purchase an HDB flat, they must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include citizenship status, age and family nucleus, and income ceiling.

Citizenship Status

Only Singapore citizens are eligible to purchase an HDB flat. Permanent residents (PRs) are not allowed to buy an HDB flat unless they are married to a Singapore citizen or another PR. This means that condo owners who are not Singapore citizens will not be able to purchase an HDB flat.

Age and Family Nucleus

To be eligible to purchase an HDB flat, the condo owner must be at least 21 years old. If the condo owner is married, they must form a family nucleus with their spouse and any children under the age of 21. If the condo owner is single, they must form a family nucleus with their parents.

For divorced or widowed individuals, they must form a family nucleus with their children under the age of 21, or their parents if they have no children. Additionally, singles who are at least 35 years old and have never been married can apply for an HDB flat under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme.

Income Ceiling

The income ceiling for purchasing an HDB flat varies depending on the type of flat and location. The income ceiling for a 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate is $7,000 for families and $14,000 for singles. The income ceiling for a 5-room or larger flat in a mature estate is $21,000 for families and $14,000 for singles.

Condo owners who exceed the income ceiling will not be eligible to purchase an HDB flat. However, they may still be eligible for other types of housing, such as executive condominiums or private properties.

Application Process

Submission of Application

Condo owners looking to buy an HDB flat must submit an application to the Housing and Development Board (HDB). The application can be made online through the HDB website or in person at an HDB Branch Office. The applicant must provide personal details, income information, and details of the intended flat purchase. The application is subject to HDB’s approval based on the prevailing eligibility conditions at the point when the application is received.

Balloting Process

After the application is submitted, it will be entered into a balloting process. The balloting process is a computer-generated random selection process that determines the queue position of the applicant. The queue position determines the priority of the applicant to select a flat from the available pool of flats. The balloting process is conducted regularly, and applicants can check their queue position on the HDB website.

Payment of Resale Levy

Condo owners who buy an HDB flat will be required to pay a resale levy. The resale levy is a payment made to HDB upon the sale of a subsidized flat to help fund the construction of new public housing. The resale levy amount is dependent on the type of flat previously owned by the applicant and is payable upon the purchase of the HDB flat. The amount can be paid using cash or CPF funds.

Financing Options

Buying an HDB flat while owning a private condominium in Singapore can be an expensive endeavor. However, there are several financing options available to make the process more affordable.

HDB Loan Eligibility

One financing option for purchasing an HDB flat is through an HDB loan. To be eligible for an HDB loan, the buyer must meet certain requirements, including:

• Being a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Having a gross monthly income not exceeding $14,000
• Not owning any private residential property in the 30 months before the application date and not owning more than one such property at the time of application
• Not having disposed of any private residential property within the 30 months before the application date

CPF Usage

Another financing option is to use Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings. CPF savings can be used to pay for the downpayment and monthly installments of the HDB flat. However, there are limits to how much CPF savings can be used, depending on the buyer’s age and the remaining lease of the flat.

Bank Loan

Buyers can also opt for a bank loan to finance the purchase of an HDB flat. Bank loans typically offer lower interest rates than HDB loans, but buyers must meet the bank’s eligibility criteria and provide a downpayment of at least 5% of the purchase price.

Ultimately, the financing option chosen will depend on the buyer’s financial situation and goals. It is important to carefully consider all financing options before making a decision.

Conclusion

It is possible for a condo owner to buy an HDB flat in Singapore, but there are certain rules and regulations that must be followed. One of the most important factors to consider is the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty (ABSD), which can be a significant cost for those who already own a property. However, if the buyer is a Singapore Citizen and does not own any other residential property, they may be eligible for certain grants and schemes that can help with the purchase of an HDB flat.

Another important consideration is the Minimum Occupation Period (MOP), which is the minimum amount of time that a buyer must live in their HDB flat before they can sell or rent it out. This period is typically five years, but it can be longer for certain types of flats. Buyers who already own a condo should also be aware that they may be subject to certain restrictions on renting out their HDB flat.

Overall, buying an HDB flat as a condo owner in Singapore can be a complex process, but it is possible with the right knowledge and planning. Buyers should be sure to consult with a qualified real estate agent or lawyer to ensure that they are following all of the necessary rules and regulations, and to help them navigate the process smoothly.