If you and your sibling have lost both parents, buying a home together might feel out of reach — but the HDB Orphan Scheme could change that.
This lesser-known housing option lets orphaned siblings in Singapore apply for a flat as co-owners, even if you’re both single. Whether you’re exploring your first home or just want to stay close as family, this scheme offers a real path to stability.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how it works, who’s eligible, and what flats you can buy — plus how it compares to the Single Scheme and Joint Singles Scheme. Let’s get started.
What Is the HDB Orphan Scheme?
If you and your sibling are Singaporean citizens, single, and have lost both parents, you may qualify to buy an HDB flat together under the HDB Orphan Scheme.
This scheme provides a pathway to homeownership for orphaned siblings, even if you’re not married or part of a traditional family unit.
What makes it different from the Single Scheme or Joint Singles Scheme?
Most singles apply under:
- The Single Singapore Citizen Scheme (buy alone)
- Or the Joint Singles Scheme (buy with any other single)
The Orphan Scheme is different. It’s only for:
- Siblings with no living parents
- Who want to co-own a flat legally as a family unit
Expert tip: This is the only HDB scheme that formally supports siblings buying a home together.
Who is the scheme designed for in 2025?
You must meet all of the following:
- Singapore Citizens
- Both siblings are unmarried, divorced, or widowed
- No living parents
- At least one sibling is 35 years or older
- Neither owns other property
You can apply for:
- A 2-room Flexi BTO (non-mature estate)
- Or any resale flat — including 3-room or larger units
Why does this scheme still matter today?
With rising home loan rates in Singapore and expensive rentals, owning a flat together gives siblings financial security — and emotional peace of mind.
Not everyone has parents or a spouse to rely on. This scheme ensures you don’t have to face housing alone.
“If your sibling is your only family, this gives you both a real shot at stability.”
Who Qualifies Under the Orphan Scheme?
The HDB Orphan Scheme has strict eligibility rules — it’s meant for a very specific group of Singaporeans. If you’re applying under this scheme, it’s important to understand the full criteria before making any housing plans.
Eligibility criteria (age, citizenship, marital status)
To qualify under the Orphan Scheme in 2025, both applicants must meet all of the following:
✅ Be Singapore Citizens
✅ Be unmarried, divorced, or widowed
✅ Have no living parents
✅ At least one sibling must be 35 or older
✅ Must not own any private property or HDB flat at the time of application
Tip: If you’re both over 35 and meet these rules, you can apply together as co-owners — not just as occupiers.
Can more than two siblings apply together?
No — the Orphan Scheme only allows one pair of siblings to apply as co-owners.
If there are more than two orphaned siblings:
- Only two can be listed as owners
- The rest may be listed as occupiers, or
- They must submit a separate application
You can’t group more than two siblings into a single ownership application — even if everyone qualifies individually.
What will disqualify you from applying?
You will not qualify for the Orphan Scheme if:
❌ You still have one or both parents alive
❌ You are not a Singapore citizen
❌ Either applicant is married (and not widowed or divorced)
❌ You’re under 35 and applying alone
❌ You currently own other property (HDB or private)
🔍 Already own a flat or just sold one recently? You’ll need to check your resale levy status and minimum occupation period before reapplying.
What Housing Options Can Orphans Apply For?
Orphaned siblings applying under the HDB Orphan Scheme don’t have access to every type of flat — but there’s still flexibility, especially if you’re open to resale. Here’s what you can and can’t buy under this scheme.
Can siblings buy a BTO flat under this scheme?
Yes — but only 2-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates.
This applies even if both siblings are eligible. You won’t be able to ballot for 3-room or larger BTOs under this scheme unless you qualify under a separate family-based route.
Planning to use CPF grants? 2-room Flexi flats are still eligible for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant.
Are resale flats allowed for orphan applicants?
Yes — and this is where most siblings go.
If you want more space, better location, or faster key collection, resale HDB flats are a great fit. Under the Orphan Scheme, siblings can co-purchase:
- 3-room, 4-room, or even 5-room resale flats
- In any estate (mature or non-mature)
Plus, you can still qualify for grants like:
- The EHG for resale
- The Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) if living near or with relatives
Looking for flexibility, not just affordability? Resale opens up more choices.
Can you buy an EC (Executive Condo) as orphans?
Only if you apply under the Joint Singles Scheme, not the Orphan Scheme specifically.
That means:
- Both applicants must be Singapore Citizens
- 35 years or older
- Combined income below $16,000/month
- Meet all EC eligibility criteria
You’ll also need to buy direct from the developer (new EC), not resale — which is only open to families or married couples.
Orphan status alone doesn’t unlock EC access — but if you qualify jointly as singles, it’s possible.
What CPF Housing Grants Are Available in 2025?
Good news — orphaned siblings aren’t left out when it comes to CPF support. Whether you’re applying for a 2-room Flexi BTO or a resale flat, there are housing grants designed to help reduce your upfront costs and loan amount.
Which grants can orphaned singles or siblings qualify for?
Depending on your income and flat type, you may qualify for:
- ✅ Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) — for both BTO and resale
- ✅ Singles Grant — resale flat only
- ✅ Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) — resale flat only
These grants are not specific to the Orphan Scheme, but you can still apply for them if you meet the criteria under the HDB Home Loan framework.
You must apply for a flat and loan under the proper scheme — grants are only disbursed if your eligibility and income are verified through the HFE Letter.
What’s the maximum CPF support under the Orphan Scheme?
Here’s how much you could receive per applicant, depending on your situation:
CPF Housing Grants for Orphaned Siblings in Singapore (2025 Overview)
| Grant Type | Maximum Amount (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) | Up to $40,000 |
| Singles Grant (resale only) | Up to $25,000 |
| Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) | Up to $15,000 |
| Total CPF Grant Support | Up to $80,000 |
Applying as two siblings? You could receive a combined CPF grant amount of up to $160,000 — a big help when budgeting for your flat.
Can you combine grants like EHG and PHG?
Yes — grants are stackable, as long as you meet each one’s conditions.
For example:
- Buy a resale flat near your relatives → PHG
- Monthly income below $4,500 → EHG
- First-time buyer → Singles Grant
Just be sure your income documents are in order, and submit your HFE Letter early to avoid delays.
Not sure how much you qualify for? Use our mortgage loan repayment calculator to estimate your CPF offsets and monthly repayments.
Final Thoughts: Is the Orphan Scheme Right for You?
The HDB Orphan Scheme offers a meaningful way for siblings to build a stable future together — especially when traditional support systems aren’t in place. But like any HDB path, it’s important to know what you’re signing up for.
Here’s a final breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right fit.
Quick checklist: Are you eligible and ready?
Before applying, ask yourself:
✅ Are both you and your sibling Singapore Citizens?
✅ Are you unmarried, divorced, or widowed?
✅ Have both your parents passed away?
✅ Is at least one sibling aged 35 or older?
✅ Do you own no other property?
If you said yes to all the above — you’re likely eligible under the Orphan Scheme.
Still unsure? Start by applying for your HFE Letter to check eligibility, grant support, and loan options all at once.
When should you consider other housing schemes instead?
The Orphan Scheme is powerful — but it has limits.
You may want to explore other options if:
❌ You want to apply with a friend or non-sibling — consider the Joint Singles Scheme
❌ You’re applying alone — go with the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme
❌ You’re planning to buy a larger BTO flat — most are off-limits unless you qualify under a family-based scheme
Not all flat types or grant combinations are available under this scheme — so compare carefully.
Why it’s smart to talk to a mortgage advisor before applying
Even if you’re confident in your eligibility, navigating mortgage loans in Singapore can get complex fast — especially when you’re applying with a sibling.
A mortgage advisor can help you:
- Compare HDB loan vs bank loan
- Estimate your borrowing limit based on combined income
- Find the best housing loan interest rates
- Understand monthly repayment plans using tools like our loan calculator
The best part? Mortgage advisors are usually free — they’re paid by the banks, not you.
Ready to Apply Under the Orphan Scheme? Let’s Make It Happen.
The HDB Orphan Scheme might not be widely known, but for siblings who’ve lost both parents, it can be a powerful and practical route to homeownership.
Whether you’re eyeing a 2-room Flexi BTO, planning to buy a resale flat with CPF grants, or just want to know how much loan you can get — don’t go in blind.
✅ Check your eligibility
✅ Understand your CPF grant options
✅ Compare HDB and bank loan packages
✅ Get personalised advice based on your income and goals
Have questions? Not sure what your next step should be?
Speak to a licensed mortgage advisor — and take the first step toward your first home, your way.
No pressure, no fees — just expert help when you need it most.
