How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment: Homejourney 2026 Guide

How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment in 2026

You can use your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings to pay your entire HDB down payment of 25%, or combine it with cash, making homeownership accessible without draining your savings.[1][2] This applies to both Build-To-Order (BTO) flats and resale HDB flats, with options like the Staggered Downpayment Scheme reducing initial payments to as low as 2.5% for eligible young buyers.[1][2][5] Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying all eligibility details to help you make confident decisions.[1]

This cluster article focuses on using CPF for HDB down payments, linking back to our pillar guide on Sell HDB Buy Private: Ultimate Upgrade Financing Guide | Homejourney Sell HDB Buy Private: Ultimate Upgrade Financing Guide | Homejourney for comprehensive HDB to private property strategies, including upgrade financing and selling flat buying condo options.

Understanding HDB Down Payment Requirements

In 2026, the standard down payment for HDB flats is 25% of the purchase price.[1][2][3] With an HDB loan, you can pay the full 25% using CPF OA or cash. For bank loans, at least 5% must be cash, with the remaining 20% via CPF OA or cash.[1][2][4]

CPF OA usage reduces your immediate cash needs, as these savings are earmarked for housing. Grants like the CPF Housing Grant (up to $120,000 for families) can further lower your outlay.[1][2] Always check your CPF balance via the CPF portal to ensure sufficiency.

HDB Loan vs Bank Loan Down Payment Breakdown

Loan Type	Total Down Payment	CPF Usage	Cash Minimum
HDB Loan	25%	100%	0%
Bank Loan	25%	Up to 20%	5%

For bank loan comparisons across DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, and more, use Homejourney's bank rates page to calculate eligibility instantly.[1]

Staggered Downpayment Scheme: Pay Less Upfront

The Staggered Downpayment Scheme lets BTO buyers pay 5% at the Agreement for Lease signing and 20% at key collection, all via CPF OA or cash.[1][2][3] Eligible young couples (at least one under 30, first-timers or mixed) with deferred income can pay just 2.5% initially, then 22.5% later.[1][2][5]

This scheme eases cash flow for those building CPF balances, like recent NSFs. Check eligibility on HDB's portal before applying.[1][5]

Step-by-Step Guide: Using CPF for HDB Down Payment

Obtain HFE Letter: Apply via HDB website or branch for your HDB Flat Eligibility letter, required for CPF tools and calculators.[1][2]
Check CPF Balance: Log into CPF portal; ensure OA covers 25% plus Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS).[1][6]
Calculate Down Payment: Use HDB's resale calculator with your HFE letter.[1]
Select Payment Option: Choose full CPF, cash, or mix; opt for staggered if BTO-eligible.[1][2]
Submit Resale Transaction: Via HDB Resale Portal; HDB approves CPF withdrawal.[1]
HDB Confirms Plan: Review and approve CPF release in tranches if staggered.[1]
Pay at Milestones: Transfer CPF at signing (5%/2.5%) and key collection (balance).[1][2]

Avoid pitfalls like insufficient CPF by planning 3-6 months ahead. Homejourney's eligibility calculator on our mortgage page simulates scenarios accurately.

Documentation Checklist

HFE Letter (HDB portal, free, 1-2 weeks).[1]
CPF Statement (CPF portal, download PDF).[1]
Singpass for e-submissions.[1]
Income docs for grants (if applicable).[1]
Sale & Purchase Agreement copy.[1]

Pro tip: Use Singpass on Homejourney for auto-fill—your CPF data populates instantly, speeding approvals via our multi-bank system (DBS, OCBC, UOB, etc.).

Pro Tips for Maximizing CPF Usage

Maintain BHS post-payment; top up within 3 months if short.[1][6]
For upgraders, time buy first or sell first Buy First or Sell First: Upgrade Financing via Homejourney with CPF release from old flat.[1]
Combine with grants: Families save up to $120,000.[1][2]
Track via Homejourney: Compare rates and apply to multiple banks in one go at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.

Insider tip: For resale in areas like Bukit Merah, factor MOP compliance; use projects directory Projects Directory for verified data.[7]

What Happens After CPF Payment

HDB releases CPF at milestones; maintain OA for monthly installments.[1] Bank loans require MSR/TDSR checks—use Homejourney's tools for pre-approval. Processing takes 2-4 weeks; track via platform.[1]

Disclaimer: This is general advice; consult HDB/CPF for personalized guidance. Rates subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use 100% CPF for HDB down payment?
Yes, with HDB loans; bank loans need 5% cash minimum.[1][2][3]

What's the Staggered Scheme initial payment?
5% standard, 2.5% for young eligible couples.[1][2][5]

Do I need cash if using CPF?
No for HDB loans; yes 5% for banks.[1][4]

How does this work for HDB to private upgrades?
Preserve CPF from sale for condo down payment; see our upgrade financing guide.Sell HDB Buy Private: Ultimate Upgrade Financing Guide | Homejourney

Where to check eligibility?
Homejourney's calculator at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator or HDB portal.[1]

Ready to use CPF for your HDB down payment? Start safely with Homejourney—calculate, compare, and apply via property search Property Search and bank rates. Building trust through transparency for your property journey.