The Singapore government has announced a significant expansion of the Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) scheme, extending its eligibility to private homeowners looking to right-size to an HDB flat. This move aims to provide financial support for seniors transitioning to smaller homes, ensuring long-term retirement security.
From December 1, 2025, seniors moving from private residential properties with an annual value between $21,000 and $31,000 to a three-room or smaller HDB flat will qualify for SHB benefits. This is a major enhancement to the existing scheme, which previously only covered those with properties valued at $21,000 or below.
What is the Silver Housing Bonus?
The Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) is a government initiative designed to help seniors boost their retirement savings when they right-size to a smaller HDB flat. Eligible seniors can receive up to $30,000 in cash bonuses when they use part of their net sale proceeds to top up their CPF Retirement Account (RA) and join CPF Life.
Key Enhancements to SHB from December 1, 2025
- Expanded Eligibility: Previously, only seniors with properties valued at up to $21,000 qualified. Now, seniors with private properties valued between $21,000 and $31,000 can also benefit.
- Easier Qualification: If CPF housing refunds exceed $60,000, no additional cash top-up is required to qualify for SHB.
- Higher Financial Support: Seniors who right-size from private homes valued between $21,000 and $31,000 will receive an SHB of up to $8,333, based on a $1 bonus for every $6 committed to their CPF RA.
- Bonus for Smaller Flats: Additional cash bonuses of up to $10,000 are available for seniors who move into two-room HDB flats or Community Care Apartments.
Eligibility Criteria for SHB
To qualify for the Silver Housing Bonus, seniors must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 55 years old
- Own an HDB flat or private property with an annual value of up to $31,000
- Right-size to a three-room or smaller HDB flat
- Use net sale proceeds to top up CPF Retirement Account (up to $60,000) and join CPF Life
How Much SHB Can You Receive?
Seniors moving from private homes valued between $21,000 and $31,000 can receive an SHB of up to $8,333. Those moving from HDB flats or private properties valued at $21,000 or below can receive up to $30,000 when right-sizing to a three-room flat and up to $40,000 for a two-room flat.
Additional Support for Seniors in Private Homes
Beyond the SHB, the government is enhancing support for seniors aging in place. Under the Estate Upgrading Programme, private residential estates will receive senior-friendly enhancements such as:
- Barrier-free ramps
- Covered drains for safer walkways
Additionally, the Enhancement for Active Seniors (EASE) programme will be expanded to private homes by 2026, offering subsidies for installing elder-friendly fittings like grab bars and non-slip tiles.
How to Apply for SHB
Seniors interested in applying for the Silver Housing Bonus can visit the official HDB website or contact HDB branches for assistance. Applications for the expanded SHB scheme will open on December 1, 2025.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Silver Housing Bonus provides more financial flexibility and support for Singaporean seniors who wish to right-size their homes while ensuring their retirement security. With these enhancements, over 15,000 more seniors will qualify for SHB benefits, making it a crucial step toward better retirement planning in Singapore.
