# Silver Housing Bonus (SHB)

- Topic: HDB & public housing
- Last updated: 6 Nov 2026
- Fact-checked against official government sources: 6 Nov 2026
- Canonical URL: https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/silver-housing-bonus/

## What is SHB (Silver Housing Bonus)?

The Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) is a cash bonus of up to $40,000 per household for Singapore citizens aged 55 and above who right-size to a 3-room or smaller HDB flat and commit up to $60,000 of the proceeds to their CPF Retirement Account. It was enhanced on 1 December 2025, and CPF housing refunds can count towards the commitment.

## Key facts

- **Maximum bonus:** $40,000 per household (from 1 December 2025)
- **Standard bonus:** Up to $30,000 for committing a net $60,000 to the CPF Retirement Account
- **Extra bonus:** $10,000 more for moving to a 2-room or smaller flat, including a Community Care Apartment
- **Age and citizenship:** At least one owner is a Singapore citizen aged 55 or above
- **Income:** Gross monthly household income of $16,000 or less
- **Next home:** A 3-room flat (not a 3-room terrace) or a 2-room or smaller flat
- **Apply by:** Within 1 year of the legal completion of the second transaction (sale or purchase)

## How the SHB works

1. **Sell your current home**: an HDB flat that has met its MOP, or a private home with an annual value of up to $31,000.
2. **Buy a smaller flat**: a 3-room or smaller flat, booked or applied for before the sale, or within 12 months after it.
3. **Commit a net increase of up to $60,000** in your CPF Retirement Account for retirement payouts. Your CPF housing refunds can count.
4. **Receive the cash bonus.**

| Current home | Next flat | Maximum SHB |
| --- | --- | --- |
| HDB flat, or private home with annual value up to $21,000 | 3-room | $30,000 |
| HDB flat, or private home with annual value up to $21,000 | 2-room or smaller | $40,000 |
| Private home with annual value over $21,000, up to $31,000 | 3-room | $10,000 |
| Private home with annual value over $21,000, up to $31,000 | 2-room or smaller | $20,000 |

Below a $60,000 commitment, the standard bonus is pro-rated: $1 for every $2 committed (or $1 for every $6 for the higher-value private homes). The extra $10,000 for a 2-room or smaller flat is not pro-rated.

## Example

HDB's example: Mr and Mrs Tan sell their 5-room flat for $705,000, with $100,000 left on the loan, and buy a new 3-room flat for $275,000. After a $45,000 resale levy, their net proceeds are $285,000. Their CPF housing refunds of $40,000 and $20,000 go into their Retirement Accounts, meeting the $60,000 commitment with no cash top-up, so they receive an SHB of $30,000.

## Common mistakes

- **Missing the 12-month window.** The new flat must be booked or applied for before the sale or within 12 months after it.
- **Forgetting to apply.** You must submit the SHB application within a year of completing the second transaction.
- **Choosing a 3-room terrace.** It doesn't qualify.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I qualify if I'm selling a condo?

Yes, if the private property has an annual value of up to $31,000. With an annual value above $21,000 and up to $31,000, the standard bonus is capped at $10,000.

### Do I need to top up my CPF in cash?

Not necessarily. Since 1 December 2025, you can use your CPF housing refunds from the sale towards the required net increase in your Retirement Account, if they are enough.

### Can I get both the SHB and the Lease Buyback Scheme bonus?

No. HDB says flat owners may enjoy either the SHB or the LBS bonus, but not both.

## Sources

1. [Silver Housing Bonus](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement/silver-housing-bonus) (HDB)
2. [Monetising your flat for retirement](https://www.hdb.gov.sg/managing-my-home/retirement-planning/monetising-flat-for-retirement) (HDB)

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Source: PropertyMeter (https://propertymeter.sg/glossary/silver-housing-bonus/). General information only, not financial, legal or tax advice.