Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP)
What is EIP (Ethnic Integration Policy)?
The Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) sets limits on the share of HDB flats in each block and neighbourhood that households of each ethnic group can own, to keep a balanced mix of communities in HDB towns. When you buy or sell a resale flat, the deal must stay within these limits, and non-Malaysian permanent resident households must also meet the SPR quota.
Key facts
- Purpose
- Preserve Singapore's multicultural identity and promote racial integration and harmony
- Applies at
- Block and neighbourhood levels
- SPR quota
- 8% of a block and 5% of a neighbourhood, for non-Malaysian SPR households
- Updated
- On the 1st of each month
- Same group exemption
- A sale is allowed if buyer and seller are of the same ethnic group and household citizenship
- Check at
- OTP grant, OTP exercise and resale application
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: HDB.
How the EIP works
HDB sets EIP limits for each block and neighbourhood based on Singapore’s ethnic make-up. A resale purchase is allowed if either of these is true:
- After the purchase, households of your ethnic group in the block and neighbourhood stay within the limits (and, for non-Malaysian SPR households, the number of SPR households stays within the SPR quota); or
- You and the seller are of the same ethnic group and household citizenship.
When to check
Quotas change on the 1st of each month and apply to resale applications completed in that month. Check that your purchase is within the quota at each of these steps:
| Step | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The seller grants the OTP | Don’t pay an option fee for a flat you can’t buy |
| You exercise the OTP | The quota may have changed since the OTP was granted |
| Both sides submit the resale application | HDB applies the quota for that month |
A resale application counts as complete only when HDB has both the buyer’s and seller’s portions and the supporting documents.
Example
A seller’s block has reached its limit for the seller’s ethnic group, but not for others. The seller can still sell to a buyer of the same ethnic group and household citizenship. A buyer from a different group can buy only if, after the purchase, their own group’s share stays within the block and neighbourhood limits.
Common mistakes
- Checking the quota only once. It can change monthly, between the OTP and the resale application.
- Ignoring the SPR quota. Non-Malaysian SPR households must meet it in addition to the EIP.
- Pricing without the quota in mind. A full quota narrows the pool of eligible buyers for a seller.
Frequently asked questions
How does HDB decide a mixed-race household's ethnicity?
A household with members of different ethnic groups can choose to classify its ethnicity under that of any buyer or spouse, based on the race shown on their NRIC. The choice stays the same when they later sell the flat.
Why are Malaysians excluded from the SPR quota?
HDB says this is because of their close cultural and historical similarities with Singaporeans. They are still subject to the EIP.
What if I can't sell my flat because the quota is full?
Owners facing genuine difficulty selling at a reasonable price because of the EIP can write to HDB, which reviews each case and may offer assistance, including buyback assistance.
Where do I check the quota for a block?
The prevailing EIP and SPR quotas are shown on resale listings on the HDB Flat Portal, and HDB has an e-service to check them. Sellers see them after registering an Intent to Sell.
Related terms
Sources
Every figure on this page was checked against the official government sources above on 6 Nov 2026. See our editorial policy.
This is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice.