Community Care Apartments are now open to Singaporeans from age 55, down from 65. The first project offered under the new rule, 256 units at Toa Payoh Hillside, was launched in HDB’s November 2026 BTO exercise on 4 November, priced from $151,000 before grants on a 40-year lease.
The change gives people in their late fifties another way to right-size: sell a larger flat, move into a smaller home with care services built in, and keep the difference for retirement.
What Changed for Community Care Apartments at Age 55
Community Care Apartments, introduced in 2021, combine senior-friendly flats with a compulsory package of care and support services. Until now, applicants and their spouse, if any, both had to be at least 65.
In a joint release in July 2026, HDB, the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Health said the age would fall to 55 from the next BTO exercise. They said this lets seniors who want to right-size choose between a Community Care Apartment and a short-lease 2-room Flexi flat from 55, and plan earlier. The lower age also applies to these apartments in future Sale of Balance Flats exercises.
That exercise became the November 2026 BTO launch after HDB moved its October sales exercise.
The Toa Payoh Hillside Launch in Numbers
From HDB’s launch release and price annex:
| Item | Toa Payoh Hillside Community Care Apartments |
|---|---|
| Units | 256 |
| Lease | 40 years |
| Floor area | About 36 sqm internal |
| Price before grants | $151,000 to $192,000 |
| Price after illustrative $120,000 grant | From $31,000 |
| Income ceiling | $16,000 a month |
| Option fee at booking | $500 |
| Estimated waiting time | 45 months |
The price includes pre-installed fittings such as grab bars and slip-resistant bathroom flooring. It does not include the Basic Service Package or optional services. The grant figure is HDB’s illustration; actual grants depend on income and eligibility. Toa Payoh Hillside is a Prime project, and the apartments sit in a block linked to an Active Ageing Centre, according to HDB’s Toa Payoh West master plan.
The short version: From November 2026, Singaporeans aged 55 and above can apply for a Community Care Apartment. The first launch at Toa Payoh Hillside has 256 units on 40-year leases from $151,000 before grants, with a compulsory care package on top. Keys are almost four years away.
The Basic Service Package Is Changing Too
Every resident must subscribe to the Basic Service Package, which covers a staff member who helps with simple home fixes, reading letters and bills, 24-hour emergency response and arranging add-on care.
The July release said the package would be streamlined: social activities move to nearby Active Ageing Centres, and the emergency alert device becomes optional. MOH will add a means-tested subsidy for applicants assessed as unable to perform at least one Activity of Daily Living. Residents of earlier projects will see monthly fees fall by 18% to 75%, and the revised fees and subsidies apply from the 2nd Quarter of 2027. HDB has not yet published fee amounts for Toa Payoh Hillside.
What It Means if You Are Thinking of Right-Sizing
A 55-year-old can now apply for a Community Care Apartment instead of waiting a decade, but the wait for keys is still about 45 months.
Selling a larger flat first has consequences worth working out early. CPF used for the old flat, plus accrued interest, goes back to your CPF account on sale; see CPF accrued interest when you sell and our CPF accrued interest calculator. Those who right-size to a 3-room or smaller flat may qualify for the Silver Housing Bonus; the Lease Buyback Scheme and Silver Housing Bonus explains how.
A 40-year lease also means the flat has little value to pass on. It suits people who want to age in place with support, not those who want an asset for their children.
What To Do Next
- Check whether your HFE letter shows eligibility for a Community Care Apartment; HDB said letters for applicants aged 55 and above at application would be updated.
- Estimate what you would receive from selling your current flat with the HDB sale proceeds calculator.
- Read our guide to downsizing your HDB flat for retirement before you commit.
- For questions on eligibility, write to HDB through its website.
