When Mr. Lim, a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR) in his late 40s, approached us, he had a pressing concern.
His teenage daughter—also an SPR—was currently attending secondary school in Singapore. Mr. Lim, who is married to a foreigner, wanted to explore the option of buying a resale HDB flat for his family. But he wasn’t sure if the rules would allow it, since both he and his daughter were SPRs.
Here’s how we walked him through the process:
🤔 The Questions Mr. Lim Had:
- Can a father-daughter pair who are both SPRs (Singapore PRs) buy a resale flat?
- If not, would things change if his daughter became a Singapore Citizen?
- What if his daughter was only listed as an occupier?
- Would his marriage to a foreigner affect eligibility?
📋 What We Found Out (from HDB guidelines and further checks)
👨👧 Option Available:
Yes, a father (SPR) and daughter (SPR) can apply to buy a resale flat, with the following setup:
- Father (SPR) as applicant and sole owner
- Daughter (SPR) as essential occupier
- Foreign spouse as occupier
🧾 Household Classification:
-
This will be classified as a 2 SPR household.
✅ Next Step:
-
Apply for HFE (HDB Flat Eligibility).
If the HFE application is approved, it means the household is eligible to proceed.
❗ Important Note:
-
If the HFE is rejected for other reasons, you can write in to HDB to appeal or get clarification.
📊 Infographic Summary: Can 2 SPRs Buy Resale HDB?
- 🧍♂️ Father (SPR): Yes, can be sole applicant
- 👧 Daughter (SPR, student): Yes, essential occupier
- 👩❤️👨 Foreign spouse: Occupier allowed
- 🏠 Property Type: Only resale flats allowed
- 📃 Must Apply: HFE Application Required
- ✉️ If rejected: Write in to HDB for clarification or appeal
✅ Key Takeaways:
- SPR households can buy resale flats under certain family setups.
- Apply for HFE early to avoid surprises.
- Not all scenarios are black and white—HDB may consider appeals or clarifications.
- Family nucleus rules, citizenship status, and marital status all impact eligibility.
📞 Need Guidance Like Mr. Lim Did?
If you're unsure whether your family structure qualifies to buy a resale HDB, let us help you navigate the eligibility maze. Every case is unique—and with the right setup, your next home may be closer than you think.
👉 Reach out today for a personalised consultation.