"Can I buy an HDB as a divorcee with no income?"

Question: “I am a divorcee and a housewife with two children aged 17 and 20. I have never owned a HDB home before, and the matrimonial home – a condominium unit – will be sold soon. For someone like me, who has no income, what options do I have? Should I get a Build To Order or resale?” – Asked reader, Jacqueline Goh

Answer: HDB Resale Flat is your best bet

The quickest way to get a new home is to turn to the resale market.

There is a wide range of resale flats in the open market, which are ready for immediate occupation. But the reader must sell her private property within six months of buying the HDB resale flat.

Alternatively, Ms Goh might want to purchase a HDB BTO (Build To Order) flat. However, as of 2023, she would have to wait 15 months from the sale of the private property before she can apply. However, you should always write in to HDB to waive the 15-month wait out period if you’re facing childcare and extenuating circumstances.

“Including the time needed for the construction of the BTO flats, she would need to wait several years before the flat is ready for occupation,” said the HDB.

For other eligible divorcees, the HDB helps them own a home again with the HDB Assistance Scheme for Second-Timers who are Divorced or Widowed Parents (ASSIST).

Under this scheme, five per cent of two-room flexi and three-room flats in non-mature estates are set aside for divorced or widowed parents with children below 18 years old.

This article first appeared in The Straits Times.