NDR 2026: Income ceilings for BTO flats, executive condos raised; first-time buyers to get extra ballot per child

Singapore will raise income ceilings for new Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats and executive condominiums (ECs) starting February next year, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced Sunday. The move aims to ensure that the majority of Singaporeans can still access subsidized public housing.

The income ceiling for Build-to-Order (BTO) flats will increase from S$14,000 to S$16,000, while the ceiling for executive condominiums will rise from S$16,000 to S$18,000. Mr. Wong noted that many young couples now earn more by the time they settle down, often crossing the existing income limits. "Over the years, we have steadily increased housing supply. Today we see encouraging results. Success rates for booking BTO flats are higher, waiting times are shorter. And the resale market has stabilised. These improvements give us confidence to do more,” he said.

To support families, first-time buyers with or expecting children will receive an additional ballot chance for each Singaporean child. The income ceiling for eligible single HDB home buyers aged 35 and above will also be raised from S$7,000 to S$8,000. These measures are part of broader efforts to encourage marriage and parenthood.

The next BTO sales exercise has been moved from October to November to give potential buyers sufficient time to review their housing plans and apply for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter under the revised ceilings. The Ministry of National Development and HDB advised buyers wishing to participate in the November exercise to apply for an HFE letter early and submit all required documents by September 25, 2026. Approximately 7,960 flats will be available in the November exercise across various estates.

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Over the years, we have steadily increased housing supply. Today we see encouraging results. Success rates for booking BTO flats are higher, waiting times are shorter. And the resale market has stabilised. These improvements give us confidence to do more.