As a realtor assisting clients in navigating the HDB resale market, it's essential to understand the various grants available to buyers. One such grant is the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG), designed to encourage families to live near or with each other. Here's a comprehensive guide to the PHG, its eligibility criteria, and the application process.
What is the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG)?
The PHG provides financial assistance to Singaporeans purchasing a resale flat to live with or near their parents or children. The grant amounts are as follows:
-
$30,000: If you are buying a resale flat to live with your parents or children.
-
$20,000: If you are buying a resale flat to live near your parents or children (within 4km).
Source: HDB - Proximity Housing Grant (Families)
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the PHG, applicants must meet the following conditions:
-
Citizenship: The applicant must be a Singapore Citizen.
-
Family Nucleus: Include at least one other Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident in the application.
-
Age: Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
-
Property Ownership: Must not have previously received the PHG.
-
Proximity Condition: The resale flat must be within 4km of the parents' or children's residence, or the family must live together in the same flat.
Source: HDB - Proximity Housing Grant (Families)
Application Process:
-
HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter: Before purchasing a resale flat, apply for an HFE letter via the HDB Flat Portal. This letter will indicate your eligibility for various housing grants, including the PHG if applicable.
-
Resale Application: If the PHG is not reflected in your HFE letter but you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for the PHG during your resale flat application submission.
Source: HDB - Application for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter
Additional Tips:
-
Distance Verification: Use HDB’s Distance Enquiry for Proximity Housing Grant e-Service to verify if the resale flat is within 4km of your parents' or children's residence.
-
Grant Usage: The PHG amount will be credited to your CPF Ordinary Account and can be used to offset the purchase price of the resale flat.
Understanding and leveraging the PHG can significantly reduce the financial burden of purchasing a resale flat while promoting close-knit family living arrangements. Always ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the correct application procedures to benefit from this grant.