Requirements for Permanent Residents Buying HDB Flats

Mr Ang Hin Kee asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry will consider making it mandatory for (i) Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) who own HDB flats to be occupants in their flats; and (ii) SPRs who are no longer residing in the flat to sell the flat back to the market within a reasonable period of time.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: SPR households cannot buy new HDB flats. They can only buy from the resale market. They are also not eligible for Government subsidies.

HDB flats are primarily meant for owner-occupation. But some flat owners may not be able to occupy their flats for certain periods of time for legitimate reasons, eg, work assignment overseas. Such flat owners may apply to HDB to seek approval to sublet their flats. HDB assesses each application on its merits, and each approval granted is valid for up to three years. To continue subletting, the flat owner has to submit a fresh application. Hence, approval to sublet flats is not granted automatically or indefinitely.

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The vast majority of SPR households who own HDB flats, over 95%, are owner-occupants. This is similar to the proportion for citizen households.