How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment: Homejourney 2026 Guide
You can use your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings to pay your entire HDB down payment of 25%, or combine it with cash, for both BTO and resale flats.[1][3] Homejourney verifies all eligibility details to ensure a safe, trusted process, helping first-time buyers like you make confident decisions without hassle.[1]
This cluster article focuses on using CPF for HDB down payments, a key step in our broader HDB Financing Pillar Guide. It provides tactical advice on CPF usage, staggered payments, and loan options like HDB loan vs bank loan, while linking to Homejourney's tools for seamless applications.[1][3]
HDB Down Payment Requirements in 2026
In 2026, the standard HDB down payment is 25% of the purchase price for both BTO and resale flats.[1][2][3] With an HDB loan, you can pay the full 25% using CPF OA savings, cash, or a mix—no minimum cash required.[1][3] Bank loans require at least 5% cash, with the remaining 20% from CPF OA or cash.[1][2]
CPF OA usage reduces your upfront cash needs, leveraging savings set aside for housing. Grants up to $120,000 for families further lower the effective down payment.[1] Always check your eligibility via Homejourney's mortgage eligibility calculator before proceeding.[1]
Down Payment Breakdown by Loan Type
| Loan Type | Total Down Payment | CPF Usage | Cash Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDB Loan | 25% | 100% possible | 0% |
| Bank Loan | 25% | Up to 20% | 5% |
Example: For a $500,000 resale flat, pay $125,000 total. With HDB loan and sufficient CPF OA, use $125,000 CPF—no cash needed.[1][3]
Staggered Downpayment Scheme for BTO Flats
The Staggered Downpayment Scheme allows BTO buyers to pay 5% at Agreement for Lease signing and 20% at key collection, all via CPF OA or cash.[1][3][5] Eligible young couples (one under 30, first-timers) with deferred income pay just 2.5% initially, then 22.5% later.[1][5]
This scheme eases cash flow, giving 3-4 years to build CPF savings. Homejourney recommends it for young families—verify eligibility through our property search tools linked to HDB data.[1][3]
Step-by-Step: How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment
- Obtain HFE Letter: Apply via HDB website or branch using Singpass. This confirms eligibility and unlocks CPF calculators.[1][3]
- Check CPF OA Balance: Log into CPF portal. Ensure balance covers 25% down payment plus Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) of $9,000 (2026).[1][6]
- Calculate Exact Amount: Use HDB resale portal with HFE letter. Factor in grants.[1]
- Choose Payment Structure: Full CPF for HDB loan; 5% cash + CPF for bank. Opt for staggered if BTO.[1][2]
- Submit via HDB Resale Portal: For resale, HDB approves CPF withdrawal.[1]
- Get HDB Confirmation: CPF released in tranches for staggered payments.[1][3]
- Pay at Milestones: Transfer CPF at signing (2.5-5%) and key collection (balance).[1][5]
Pro tip: Top up CPF OA early via voluntary contributions to meet BHS and down payment needs. Use Homejourney's bank rates page to compare HDB vs bank loans first.[1]
Documentation Checklist for CPF Usage
- HFE Letter (from HDB portal)
- CPF Statement (last 12 months, via CPF portal)
- Sales Agreement (from seller)
- Option to Purchase (OTP)
- Income Documents (for grant eligibility)
- Singpass Account (for auto-fill)
Prepare digitally—Homejourney's multi-bank application via Singpass auto-fills CPF and income data from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, and more.[1] See our HDB Loan Documents Checklist for details.
Pro Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Maintain BHS post-payment; top up within 3 months if short.[1][6]
- For bank loans, budget 5% cash minimum—use Homejourney calculator to confirm.[1]
- Refinance later? Explore switch HDB to bank loan after 1 year for better rates.[1]
- Time staggered payments with CPF accrual; young couples save thousands upfront.[5]
- Skip bank queues—apply once via Homejourney to multiple banks like Standard Chartered, Maybank, CIMB.[1]
Disclaimer: This is general advice; consult HDB or a financial advisor for personalized guidance. Rates and rules per MAS/HDB 2026.[1][2]
Why Choose Homejourney for Your HDB Journey
Homejourney builds trust with verified data and user safety first. Calculate eligibility, compare rates from DBS to Hong Leong, and submit one Singpass application to all partners. Track offers side-by-side for the best deal, whether sticking with HDB loan or refinancing HDB loan.[1]
Visit Homejourney bank rates to start—auto-fill CPF details instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use 100% CPF for HDB down payment?
Yes, with HDB loans for the full 25%. Bank loans require 5% cash minimum.[1][2][3]
What is the Staggered Scheme initial payment?
5% standard for BTO; 2.5% for eligible young couples, rest at key collection.[1][5]
Do I need cash for bank loan down payments?
Yes, minimum 5% cash; use CPF for up to 20%. Check via Homejourney.[1][3]
How does BHS affect CPF usage?
Maintain $9,000 BHS in OA after payment; top up if needed within 3 months.[1][6]
Can I refinance after using CPF for down payment?
Yes, after lock-in. Compare options on Homejourney for HDB loan to bank.[1]
Ready to buy safely? Use Homejourney's tools and link back to our HDB Financing Pillar Guide for full coverage. Start at bank-rates.
