SingaporeI want to add my spouse's name to the HDB flat. Is this possible?
Yes, you can add your spouse's name to your HDB flat as a co-owner, provided you meet HDB’s eligibility conditions — including being a married couple and fulfilling the minimum occupation period (MOP) of 5 years.
What the Law Says
The Housing and Development Act gives HDB the authority to regulate ownership changes in flats it sells or leases. Adding a spouse’s name is treated as a transfer or variation of ownership, which requires HDB’s prior written approval.
Under the Housing and Development Act, HDB has full control over who may be registered as an owner or occupier of a flat it owns or manages. Any change to the list of owners — including adding a spouse — must comply with HDB’s regulations and obtain formal approval.
While Section 51 does not list specific conditions for adding a spouse, it empowers HDB to impose terms and conditions on flat ownership, including restrictions on transfers, assignments, and occupancy. This statutory authority underpins HDB’s policy requiring eligibility checks, MOP completion, and consent before any name addition.
In practice, HDB allows spouses to be added as co-owners if they are legally married, both meet citizenship/residency requirements, the flat has satisfied the 5-year MOP, and the addition complies with HDB’s prevailing housing grants and loan rules.
Statutory Text— Housing and Development Act, s. 51 — Cap. 129, 2004 Rev Ed
What to Do
Confirm that your flat has completed the 5-year Minimum Occupation Period (MOP).
Ensure both you and your spouse meet HDB’s eligibility conditions (e.g., citizenship status, family nucleus rules).
Submit an application via HDB’s e-Service for ‘Adding/Removing Name(s) from Flat Ownership’.
Pay the required administrative fee and any applicable stamp duty.
Wait for HDB’s approval — only after approval can the change be registered with the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.