Being a single parent is hard, finding a home as a single parent (especially for an unwed parent) is even harder. In the years past, regulations by the HDB have made it hard for divorced, widowed, or unwed parents to get a home for themselves and their children.
For instance, it was only in March 2018 that divorced persons could buy or own a subsidized flat each upon divorce.
The situation improved further in 2020 after Members of Parliament (MPs) repeatedly pushed for change. On 4 March 2020, then Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong stated in Parliament that the HDB will lower the minimum age for single parents looking to buy Build-to-Order (BTO) flats to 21, and make the 3-room flat type available to them.
This article is updated with the latest rules (as of 22 March 2021), so single parents can see which HDB flat they are eligible for at a glance.
Divorced or widowed parents
Divorced or widowed Singapore citizens who are at least 21 years old and have children under their legal custody, care, and control can form a family nucleus with their children in order to purchase an HDB flat under the Public Scheme.
As a family nucleus, divorced or widowed parents can qualify for housing grants/subsidies and have greater access to new flats (i.e. BTO flats) if they are first-timers.
They may also be eligible for the Enhanced Housing Grant (EHG) if their household income is $9,000 or under. This is for both BTO or resale flat purchases.
BTO flats
Specifically for BTO flats, HDB now sets aside up to 5% of two-room Flexi and three-room flats in non-mature estates for divorced and widowed parents under the ASSIST scheme. To be eligible, the parent must have at least one child aged below 18 years old. The child can either be the natural offspring from the lawful marriage or legally adopted.
To qualify for the ASSIST scheme, the parent must not have acquired any interest in an HDB flat or private residential property after the date of divorce/separation or demise of the spouse (except for the matrimonial flat/property).
If the divorced or widowed parent successfully ballots for a BTO flat, they may be eligible for the EHG amounting up to $80,000.
While waiting for their BTO flats to be built, divorced or widowed parents without a place to stay may also apply for interim housing options such as the Parenthood Provisional Housing Scheme (PPHS).
For resale flats
For resale flats, divorced or widowed buyers with children may be eligible for the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) if they are living with or near their parents regardless of whether they are first or second timers. If applicants are first-timers, meaning that they are currently not owners of, or have not previously sold subsidized flats, they may also apply for the Family Grant.
So divorced or widowed parents can tap on a total of three grants for resale flats—EHG, PHG, and Family Grant—amounting up to $160,000.
If the widowed or divorced parent is unable to afford a flat with grants provided, they may wish to rent a one-room or two-room HDB flat under the Public Rental Scheme. It is applicable for citizens aged 21 years old and above, and have a monthly household income of at most $1,500, and if you are looking for a cheap condo, then Parc Central Residences is the best option for you, so here is the Parc Central Residences Floor Plan and Parc Central Residences Price for you.
Suggested Read: Jurong East BTO Review: Live Close to Singapore’s Second CBD