CPF Withdrawal Limits for Property: Homejourney Guide
CPF withdrawal limits for property purchases in Singapore allow you to use funds from your Ordinary Account (OA) up to your available balance, subject to property type, lease length, age, and loan type. This Homejourney cluster guide breaks down the exact limits, accrued interest rules, and refund processes to help you buy confidently. As part of our pillar on Singapore home financing, it equips first-time buyers and upgraders with tactical steps for using CPF safely.
Why CPF Withdrawal Limits Matter for Property Buyers
Understanding CPF withdrawal limits for property guide ensures you maximize retirement savings while funding your dream home. In Singapore, CPF Ordinary Account savings are the primary source for down payments and monthly repayments, but strict rules from the Central Provident Fund Board (CPF Board) prevent over-withdrawal. This protects your long-term security, aligning with Homejourney's commitment to user safety and trust.
For HDB flats, you can withdraw 100% of your OA balance for the purchase, minus any outstanding housing loans. Private properties have tighter limits based on the remaining lease and your age. Always check your eligibility via the CPF portal using Singpass for verified data.
Key CPF Withdrawal Limits by Property Type
CPF rules vary by housing type, as outlined by the CPF Board. For resale HDB flats or new BTO flats, use your full OA savings after reserving the Basic Retirement Sum (BRS) if applicable. Private condos and executive condominiums (ECs) cap withdrawals at specific percentages.
- HDB Flats: Full OA balance usable, provided you meet Minimum Sum Requirements (MSR) or Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR).
- Private Properties: Limited to 80-120% of valuation for purchase price, with CPF usage capped by age and lease (e.g., minimum 20-year lease if aged 55+).
- Lease Decay Rule: Properties must have a lease of at least 30 years from your age 95 to use full CPF limits; otherwise, pro-rated.
These limits tie into Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) at 55% for bank loans. Use Homejourney's mortgage eligibility calculator to simulate your CPF usage alongside bank loans from DBS, OCBC, or UOB.
Understanding CPF Accrued Interest in Property Transactions
CPF accrued interest is the interest earned on CPF funds used for property, which must be refunded upon sale. This accrued interest property rule restores your retirement savings. For example, if you used S$200,000 CPF for a Punggol HDB flat in 2015, by 2026 sale, accrued interest at 2.5% OA rate could add S$50,000+.
Calculation: Interest accrues monthly from withdrawal date at prevailing OA rates (currently 2.5%). Homejourney recommends tracking via CPF statements. Read our related article: CPF Accrued Interest Explained: Impact on Property Sale | Homejourney .
Step-by-Step: How to Withdraw CPF for Property Purchase
Follow these actionable steps for a smooth process:
- Check Eligibility: Log into CPF portal with Singpass; view OA balance and property limits under 'Housing'.
- Reserve Retirement Sums: Ensure OA covers BRS (S$110,200 in 2026) if aged 55+.
- Apply Online: Submit via CPF portal or at HDB Branch for flats; processing takes 7 working days.
- Pay Down Payment: Funds transfer directly to seller/lawyer; track via Homejourney's Projects Directory .
- Monthly Repayments: Set up GIRO; use CPF for up to loan tenure.
Pro Tip: First-time buyers in areas like Sengkang or Yishun can stretch CPF further with HDB loans (2.6% fixed). Compare bank options on Homejourney's bank rates page.
CPF Refund Rules When Selling Property
Upon selling, all CPF used plus CPF accrued interest calculation must return to your OA. This includes principal + interest at 2.5% compounded. Shortfall? Pay from cash proceeds.
Example: S$300,000 CPF used in 2020 sale at S$500,000 profit. Refund S$360,000 (incl. interest); excess sale proceeds are yours. For CPF refund sale or sell property CPF return, notify CPF Board within 7 days post-sale. See How CPF Accrued Interest Affects Property Sale | Homejourney for details.
Homejourney verifies transactions transparently, helping you avoid penalties up to S$10,000.
Limits at Age 55+: Retirement Account Impact
From age 55, OA transfers to Retirement Account (RA) up to Full Retirement Sum (FRS: S$220,400 in 2026). Property ownership with lease to age 95 allows withdrawing up to half FRS (pledge property for rest). Without property, minimum S$5,000 withdrawable from OA[1][3].
| Retirement Sum | 2026 Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic (BRS) | S$110,200 |
| Full (FRS) | S$220,400 |
| Enhanced (ERS) | S$440,800 |
If buying post-55, limits align with property pledge options. Consult Homejourney Mortgage Brokers via bank-rates for personalized advice.
Practical Tips to Maximize CPF for Property
- Combine with bank loans from partners like HSBC or Standard Chartered for better rates.
- Optimize via 5 Strategies to Optimize Your Mortgage with CPF | Homejourney .
- Compare CPF vs cash: See CPF vs Cash for Mortgage: Which is Smarter? Homejourney .
- For upgraders, time sales to minimize accrued interest refunds.
Disclaimer: Rules per CPF Board as of 2026; seek professional advice for your case. Homejourney provides verified info but not financial advice.
FAQ: CPF Withdrawal Limits for Property
What are the CPF withdrawal limits for HDB vs private property?
HDB: Full OA balance. Private: Capped by valuation ratio and lease (e.g., 80% for short leases). Check CPF portal[8].
How is CPF accrued interest calculated on property sale?
2.5% p.a. on used amount from withdrawal date, compounded monthly. Refund full principal + interest[2].
Can I withdraw CPF for property after age 55?
Yes, OA excess over FRS; pledge property for higher limits up to half FRS[3][7].
What happens to CPF on property sale?
Sell property CPF return mandates refund of used CPF + accrued interest to OA[2].
Where to check current limits?
CPF Retirement Dashboard or Homejourney's tools for safe, instant verification.
Ready to buy? Explore properties on Homejourney property search and apply for loans via bank-rates. For full financing details, visit our pillar guide on CPF & Mortgages.
