What is an essential occupier

An essential occupier is a person listed as an occupier in an HDB flat application. They must not be currently listed as an essential occupier of:

- An existing HDB flat bought directly from HDB,
- A DBSS flat bought under the CPF Housing Grant Scheme, or,
- A resale flat bought under the CPF Housing Grant Scheme.

However, they can be listed as an essential occupier if they have stayed in the existing flat for 5 years from the date of taking possession of the existing flat to the date of application for a new flat.