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Hello!
I am currently 31 this year, and have decided to purchase my own place somewhere in the east. After much planning with my agent and myself, with myself constantly reminding my agent that I have a fixed budget to stick to, we have decided on something somewhere near Bedok.

So here is the problem, during the whole course of the consultation to viewing, he has constantly assured me that I will have PHG as I am within my parent’s distance. I have set my planning around this as I was told that its $15k. So now, after I have signed the OTP, gotten the bank loan and everything (just waiting for step 8 on the endorsement), I have suddenly received an email from HDB telling me that I will not receive the PHG as I am below 35.

For this house I have scrapped every possible resource I have and I cannot back out from the purchase anymore. Can someone enlighten me on whats the next possible step available? $15k is alot, and I have no other sources to produce the $15k.

I have appealed with HDB but the appeal was rejected.

Thank you!
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6 Answers

Hi

You can try to work out with the bank to see if you can get a higher loan amount to make up the difference, especially if you have received a one off bonus recently. Or try discuss with the banker the show funds method, to see if it helps to bump up the loan amount. Or try to see if personal loan is available.

If its workable, however there will be a cancellation penalty since the first loan cannot be disbursed. But it is likely better than to miss out on the property altogether.

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 home-owners to smoothly complete their housing plans. Please reach out to me at 97432395  for a more in-depth discussion :)

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✔1 HDB’s position is final. Singles below 35 do not qualify for the Proximity Housing Grant, and once the appeal is rejected, the 15k cannot be recovered from HDB.

✔2 Because your agent repeatedly assured you that the PHG would be granted and you planned your budget based on that assurance, you MAY WANT TO **clearly request a deduction from the agent’s commission** to offset this 15k shortfall.

✔3 An agent has no authority to guarantee any HDB grant. Grants are approved solely by HDB, so giving firm assurance was inappropriate and misleading. The financial consequence should not rest entirely on you.

✔4 You may state plainly that the agent’s commission should be reduced or partially refunded because their incorrect advice directly caused your financial loss and wrong expectation.

✔5 If the agent refuses or you feel the conduct was highly unprofessional, you can lodge a complaint with the Council for Estate Agencies. Provide written proof such as messages or emails where the grant was assured.

✔6 Complete the purchase first to avoid further losses, then pursue the commission deduction or regulatory route separately.

As Warren Buffett once said, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.”
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I believe that the only way out is to seek loans or borrow from someone you know and willing to do so, work out a repayment plan with the person in this scenario.

Did your HFE indicate that you are eligible for grant? You may work out the commission and even compensation with your agent for this issue.

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I have been in the real estate business since 2009, with more than 15 years of experience serving the Singapore real estate market. Check out the EdgeProp featured article on myself recently at https://www.edgeprop.sg/property-news/geryl-lim-leading-landed-real-estate-heart-hustle-and-harmony

I am very active in the residential segment of Singapore real estate market, having transacted hundreds of deals from HDBs to private condominiums and landed properties in Singapore, and have handled many unique cases in sales and purchases as well as rental deals.

Over the years, I have also established a network reaching out to more than 15,900 expatriates, bringing my market presence to both in and outside of Singapore. This has created an additional exposure when I manage my client's portfolios, on top of the conventional on and offline platforms, where other estate agents are relying on. This has allowed me to consistently convert leads into results.

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The most straightforward way is to attempt to recover this $15k from your agent as it was due to his false advice that landed you in this situation.

If you have exhausted all other means of borrowing or getting financial help from your parents, you (or the agent) can also attempt to call HDB to explain that you simply have no means to proceed with the sale, and seek HDB's advice on how to potentially void the purchase given the current situation.

Kay Cloud
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Good day to you.

All buyers should set aside some buffers for their purchases to ensure liquidity. Given that your transaction has been approved and HDB has officially rejected your Proximity Housing Grant application, your next steps are clear:

First, gather any relevant objective evidence related to your claim from your estate agent. After that, you should officially file a case with the CEA. At the same time, securing a personal loan of $15k will allow you to move forward with the transaction.

If your case is successful, you can seek compensation from the agent to mitigate your losses.

Keep in mind that your sellers have every legal right to pursue specific performance if you decide to ignore the situation and abandon your case, which could end up costing you even more.

Navigating a property transaction can feel overwhelming, especially when it intersects with major life events.
With over 15 years of experience as a property consultant, my role goes beyond market knowledge — it is to provide clarity, structure, and peace of mind through complex decisions.

I regularly assist clients with sensitive and non-standard situations, including:
• Divorce & Asset Settlement — guiding parties toward fair, practical outcomes for shared properties
• Intestate & Estate Planning — helping families navigate inherited property and future planning with confidence
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If you’re seeking clarity rather than pressure, I’m happy to have a conversation to understand your situation and outline possible next steps.

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Hi,

1) My opinion is both yourself and the agent had an equal share on this mistake.
2) Your HFE should have clearly stated whether you are eligible to the grant.
3) Finance is the most important factor in a property purchase. It is a regret that both of you had taken this so lightly.
4) I would suggest to speak to the banker to try to get a higher loan or to dig further to see you could fill the gap.

All The Best!!!

Hope the above answer to your main concerns, but if there are more query, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  , or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
I'll be glad to assist.

Best regards
Ling CK
 90110636 
ling.ck7@gmail.com
https://R056727F.propnex.net/
https://www.facebook.com/Homesellerbuyer

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