NDR 2026: BTO income ceiling to be raised to $16k from Aug 24

The monthly household income ceiling for Build-To-Order (BTO) flat buyers will be raised from $14,000 to $16,000, announced Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 23).

This is to keep public housing affordable and accessible for Singaporeans, he added.

This will kick into effect from Aug 24, according to a joint press release from the Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Housing Development Board (HDB).

"These days, Singaporeans are marrying later. By the time they settle down, many are further along in their careers and earning more. So more young couples are crossing the current income ceilings," said PM Wong on Sunday.

He added that the government wants to ensure that the vast majority of Singaporean couples can continue to have access to subsidised public housing, which is why the income ceiling will be raised.

According to the joint statement by MND and HDB, incomes have risen since the income ceilings were last adjusted in 2019, resulting in more aspiring home buyers exceeding the existing ceilings.

Additionally, the income ceiling for eligible singles aged 35 and above purchasing a subsidised HDB flat or obtaining an HDB housing loan will be raised from $7,000 to $8,000.

Likewise, the income ceiling for executive condominiums (ECs) will also be increased from $16,000 to $18,000, said PM Wong.

More support for families 

First-timer families with children will also receive additional help to secure a HDB flat, PM Wong assured.

From the February 2027 sales exercise, first-timer families with or expecting children will receive one additional ballot chance for each Singapore citizen child aged 18 and below.

"The more children you have, the more ballot chances you will receive – because we want to help growing families secure a home sooner," he said.

MND and HDB also said that the next BTO sales exercise originally scheduled for October will be held in November instead, to give potential flat buyers sufficient time to review their housing plans and apply for an HDB Flat Eligibility letter under the revised income ceilings.

During the sale, around 7,960 flats in Bedok, Geylang, Sembawang, Tengah, Toa Payoh and Yishun will be launched, in addition to community care apartments in Toa Payoh.

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