The Silver Housing Bonus: up to $40,000 for right-sizing, explained
A Singapore citizen household with an owner aged 55 or above that sells its home and buys a 3-room or smaller HDB flat can receive up to $30,000 in cash by committing up to $60,000 to CPF Retirement Accounts, and another $10,000 if the new flat is a 2-room or smaller flat or a Community Care Apartment. The commitment can come from the CPF housing refund, so no cash top-up may be needed.
Who qualifies
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | At least one owner is a Singapore citizen |
| Age | That citizen is 55 or above |
| Gross monthly household income | $16,000 or less |
| Home you sell | An HDB flat past its minimum occupation period, or private residential property with an annual value of up to $31,000 |
| Home you buy | A 3-room flat (not a 3-room terrace), or a 2-room or smaller flat including a Community Care Apartment |
| Proceeds | Positive net sale proceeds |
| Timing | Book or apply for the new flat before the sale, or within 12 months of completing it; apply for the bonus within a year of the second completion |
How much you get
| Home you sell | Bonus for the $60,000 commitment | Extra for 2-room or smaller | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB flat, or private with annual value $21,000 or less | Up to $30,000 ($1 for every $2 committed) | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| Private with annual value between $21,000 and $31,000 | Up to $10,000 ($1 for every $6 committed) | $10,000 | $20,000 |
The commitment is capped at $60,000 per household and by the prevailing Full Retirement Sum. The extra $10,000 for a 2-room or smaller flat is not pro-rated.
HDB's own example
A senior couple sell a 5-room flat in Yishun for $705,000, with $100,000 of loan left, buy a new 3-room flat in Woodlands for $275,000, and pay a $45,000 resale levy. Net proceeds are $285,000. Their CPF housing refunds of $40,000 and $20,000 are committed to their Retirement Accounts, so no cash top-up is needed, and they receive $30,000.
What it means for your retirement income
The committed sum joins CPF LIFE and raises the monthly payout for life. The cash from the sale, less the new flat, is on top. Freedom Age shows both on your numbers: the age at which the right-sizing move pays the income you want, compared with keeping the home and renting out a room or the whole flat.
Find my Freedom Age
Questions people ask
- Do I have to top up $60,000 in cash to get the Silver Housing Bonus?
- No. Since 1 December 2025 the commitment can come from your CPF housing refund. If you commit less than $60,000, the bonus is pro-rated.
- Can condo owners get the Silver Housing Bonus?
- Yes, if the private property has an annual value of up to $31,000 and the household meets the other conditions. Above an annual value of $21,000 the bonus is smaller: up to $10,000, plus $10,000 for a 2-room or smaller flat.
- Does a 4-room flat qualify?
- No. The flat you buy must be a 3-room (not a 3-room terrace) or smaller, including a Community Care Apartment.
- What is the maximum Silver Housing Bonus?
- $40,000 per household: $30,000 for the full $60,000 commitment and $10,000 more for right-sizing to a 2-room or smaller flat.