The Silver Housing Bonus (SHB) is a government scheme in Singapore designed to help eligible seniors enhance their retirement income by downsizing their current property to a smaller HDB flat. This allows them to unlock the value of their property and receive a cash bonus. The amount of bonus varies based on several factors, including the type of flat they are moving into and the amount they top up their CPF Retirement Account (RA).
How the Silver Housing Bonus is calculated
As of December 1, 2025, the maximum cash bonus is $40,000 for those who right-size to a 2-room or smaller flat and commit to a net increase of up to $60,000 in their CPF RA. The maximum bonus for those moving into a 3-room flat is $30,000. The bonus is pro-rated at a 1:2 ratio for eligible seniors downsizing from an HDB flat or a private property with an Annual Value (AV) of $21,000 or less: for every $2 topped up to the CPF RA, seniors receive a $1 cash bonus, up to the maximum. Moving to a 2-room or smaller flat also grants an additional $10,000 cash bonus, totaling a potential maximum of $40,000.
Seniors downsizing from a higher-value private property (AV between $21,000 and $31,000) have a different pro-ration. As of December 2025, the maximum bonus for this group is up to $10,000 for a 3-room flat (1:6 ratio) and up to $20,000 for a 2-room flat (including the additional $10,000).
Factors influencing your SHB amount
- Size of the new flat: Moving to a 2-room or smaller flat provides an additional $10,000 cash bonus.
- CPF RA Top-Up: The bonus amount is directly linked to the top-up made to the CPF RA from sale proceeds.
- Current Property Value: The Annual Value of your existing private property influences the bonus amount and pro-ration.
- Use of CPF Housing Refunds: As of December 2025, CPF housing refunds can be used for the RA top-up requirement.
Comparison of Silver Housing Bonus based on property and flat type (as of Dec 1, 2025)
| Feature | HDB or Private Property (AV ≤ $21,000) | Private Property ($21,000 < AV ≤ $31,000) |
|---|---|---|
| Max. Bonus (3-room flat) | Up to $30,000 (1:2 pro-ration) | Up to $10,000 (1:6 pro-ration) |
| Max. Bonus (2-room or smaller) | Up to $40,000 (includes $10k extra) | Up to $20,000 (includes $10k extra) |
| Required RA Top-Up | Up to $60,000 | Up to $60,000 |
| Funding of RA Top-Up | Can use CPF housing refunds | Can use CPF housing refunds |
Important considerations for applicants
Eligibility for the SHB requires applicants to be Singapore Citizens aged 55+, meet income limits ($14,000 gross monthly household income), and not own other properties. The scheme requires participation in CPF LIFE. The SHB is mutually exclusive from other schemes like the Lease Buyback Scheme. The decision to apply should be based on individual financial needs and preferences. For more details, seniors can refer to official sources like the SupportGoWhere website.
Conclusion
The average Silver Housing Bonus varies based on individual circumstances and the scheme's criteria. With the enhancements in December 2025, eligible seniors can receive a maximum cash bonus of up to $40,000 by right-sizing to a 2-room or smaller HDB flat and topping up their CPF Retirement Account. The bonus is pro-rated based on the RA top-up and the value of the property sold. The SHB offers a valuable way for seniors to monetize their housing assets, increase retirement income, and move to a smaller home. Seniors are encouraged to consult official resources for the most up-to-date information {Link: dollarsandsense.sg https://dollarsandsense.sg/guide-hdb-silver-housing-bonus-scheme-can-help-parents-retirement/}.
