Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS)
What is LBS (Lease Buyback Scheme)?
The Lease Buyback Scheme (LBS) lets HDB flat owners aged 65 and above sell part of their flat's remaining lease back to HDB while continuing to live in it. The proceeds top up their CPF Retirement Accounts to buy a CPF LIFE monthly income, and households get an LBS bonus of up to $30,000, depending on flat type.
Key facts
- Age
- All owners aged 65 or older
- Citizenship
- At least one owner is a Singapore citizen
- Income
- Gross monthly household income of $16,000 or less
- Lease retained
- 15 to 35 years, depending on the youngest owner's age
- LBS bonus
- Up to $30,000 (3-room or smaller), $15,000 (4-room) or $7,500 (5-room or bigger)
- Top-up required (65 to 69, from 1 Jan 2026)
- To $220,400 for one owner, or $110,200 each for two or more owners
- Cash you can keep
- Up to $100,000 per household after the top-up
As of 6 Nov 2026. Source: HDB.
How the LBS works
- Choose how much lease to keep, based on the youngest owner’s age.
- Sell the tail end of the lease to HDB.
- Top up your CPF Retirement Account with the proceeds, to the required amount.
- Join CPF LIFE for a monthly income for life, if you have at least $60,000 in your Retirement Account after the top-up.
- Receive the LBS bonus and keep living in your flat.
| Youngest owner’s age | Minimum lease to keep | Other options |
|---|---|---|
| 65 to 69 | 30 years | 35 |
| 70 to 74 | 25 years | 30, 35 |
| 75 to 79 | 20 years | 25, 30, 35 |
| 80 and above | 15 years | 20, 25, 30, 35 |
Households need at least 20 years of lease to sell to HDB, and must have lived in the flat for at least 5 years (10 for Plus and Prime flats). The full bonus applies when the total top-up is $60,000 or more; below that it is pro-rated.
Example
HDB’s example: a couple, both 65, own a fully paid 4-room flat worth $450,000 with 65 years of lease left, held under joint tenancy. They keep 30 years and sell the last 35 years to HDB for $190,000. Each tops up their Retirement Account to their Basic Retirement Sum, and because the total top-up exceeds $60,000, they receive the full 4-room LBS bonus of $15,000.
Common mistakes
- Keeping too short a lease. Choose a lease that comfortably covers your expected lifetime in the flat.
- Expecting to keep all the cash. The proceeds must first top up your Retirement Account.
- Forgetting the flat can’t be sold later. After joining, you can only return the flat to HDB.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell or rent out my flat after joining the LBS?
No. The LBS is for owners who want to age in place, so the remaining lease can't be sold on the open market and the whole flat can't be rented out.
What if I outlive the lease I kept?
HDB says you will not be left homeless. It will look at your circumstances, such as family support, health and finances, and work out a suitable housing arrangement.
Can I get my money back if I leave early?
You can return the flat to HDB and receive a refund for the remaining lease, pro-rated on a straight-line basis. Your CPF LIFE plan continues.
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.