How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment | Homejourney Guide

You can use your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings to pay up to 100% of the 25% HDB down payment for BTO flats under an HDB loan, or up to 20% under a bank loan (with 5% minimum cash).[1][2]

Homejourney prioritizes your safety and trust by verifying all financing info, helping first-time buyers navigate HDB BTO financing confidently. This cluster guide focuses on CPF usage for down payments, linking to our HDB BTO Financing Complete Guide 2026 pillar for full coverage.

Understanding CPF Rules for HDB Down Payments in 2025

The total down payment for HDB flats, including BTO and resale, is 25% of the purchase price due to the 75% Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit from HDB and banks.[1][2][3]

For HDB new flat loans, pay the full 25% using CPF OA, cash, or a mix—no mandatory cash required. Banks demand at least 5% cash, with the rest from CPF OA or cash.[1][2]

Grants like Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) offset the down payment first, then use CPF OA for the balance. Insider tip: Check your CPF OA via Singpass app before balloting—many young couples in Tengah BTO launches accumulate enough from 2-3 years of contributions.[2]

HDB Staggered Downpayment Scheme and CPF

Eligible first-timers, young couples (younger applicant under 30 at booking), and right-sizers use the Staggered Downpayment Scheme, splitting into two parts without separate application.[1][2][4]

First instalment: 2.5%-5% at Agreement for Lease (AFL) signing, fully payable via CPF OA or cash.[1][2]
Second instalment: Remaining 22.5%-20% at key collection (2-4 years later), using CPF OA as it grows.[1][2]

Example: $500,000 BTO 4-room in Tengah—pay $12,500 (2.5%) at AFL via CPF OA, then $112,500 later. This aligns with HDB's affordability goals, giving time for CPF top-ups.[1][2]

Step-by-Step: How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment

Follow these actionable steps for smooth BTO loan guide execution. Use Homejourney's eligibility calculator at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator to preview your CPF usage.

Check Eligibility and CPF Balance: Log into CPF portal via Singpass. Ensure OA covers your share (e.g., $25,000+ for $500k flat). Calculate via Homejourney tools.[2]
Book Your Flat: Win HDB ballot for BTO via Flat Portal. Confirm staggered eligibility at booking.[1]
Get Loan Approval: Secure HDB Letter of Offer or bank In-Principle Approval (IPA). For banks, compare rates from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.[2]
Sign AFL at HDB Hub: Visit 480 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh (5-min walk from Braddell MRT Exit A). Submit Option to Purchase and authorise initial CPF payment (2.5%-5%).[2]
Authorise CPF Withdrawal: Fill HDB's online CPF Refund/Withdrawal form. Funds transfer automatically on due date—no early withdrawal allowed.[2][7]
Key Collection: Pay balance at HDB Branch (e.g., Toa Payoh HQ). Track via HDB portal; CPF deducts in 1-2 weeks.[2]

Timeline: 6 months booking to AFL; 2-4 years to keys. Pitfall: Overlook family nucleus shares—each uses own CPF OA.[2]

Documentation Checklist for CPF HDB Payments

Prepare these for seamless processing. Homejourney verifies docs digitally for safety.

Singpass login for CPF balance proof.
HDB Option to Purchase (OTP).
CPF Authorisation Form (online via HDB portal).
IPA/Letter of Offer from HDB/bank.
Grants letter if applicable (offsets first).

Tip: Scan via Singpass MyInfo for auto-fill. See our HDB Loan Documents Checklist 2025 for details.

HDB Loan vs Bank Loan: CPF Impact

Compare options with this table for your BTO mortgage decision:

Loan Type	Downpayment %	CPF OA Usage	Cash Min
BTO (HDB Loan)	25%	100%	N/A
Resale (HDB Loan)	25%	100%	N/A
Bank Loan	25%	Up to 20%	5%

HDB loans suit CPF-heavy payments; banks need cash but offer flexibility. Compare via Homejourney's multi-bank tool—submit once via Singpass to DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Maybank.[2]

Reference: HDB Loan vs Bank Loan 2025 Comparison.

Pro Tips to Maximise CPF for HDB BTO Payment

Top-Up OA Early: Voluntary contributions grow tax-free; ideal for young couples post-ballot win.
Use Homejourney Multi-Bank Apply: One Singpass submission sends to all partners—track offers side-by-side.
Avoid Pitfalls: Don't use SA/MA for down payments (OA only). Plan for accrued interest post-payment.[2][7]
Grants First: EHG up to $120,000 offsets before CPF—check eligibility at HDB.[1]
Local Hack: Visit HDB Branch early (e.g., Ang Mo Kio hub, 3-min from Yio Chu Kang MRT) for queries; less crowded weekdays.

Disclaimer: This is general guidance; consult HDB or advisor for personal advice. Rates/fees per MAS/HDB as of 2025.[1][2]

What to Expect After CPF Down Payment

Post-AFL, HDB confirms CPF transfer in 1-2 weeks. At keys, final deduction; monthly installments start via CPF if sufficient.[5]

Track via HDB/CPF portals. Use Homejourney at https://www.homejourney.sg/search to find flats in budget post-financing.

FAQ: How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment

Q: Can I use CPF for the full HDB down payment?
A: Yes, 100% OA for HDB loans on BTO/resale. Banks limit to 20%.[1][2][3]

Q: What's the minimum cash for bank loan HDB down payment?
A: 5% of price; rest CPF/cash. Staggered: 2.5%-5% initial.[1][2]

Q: Do grants affect CPF usage?
A: Grants offset first, reducing CPF needed.[1]

Q: How does staggered scheme work with CPF?
A: Both instalments via OA; no extra app needed for eligibles.[1][4]

Q: Where to check CPF for BTO down payment?
A: CPF portal/Singpass. Use Homejourney calculator for projections.

Ready for your HDB journey? Start with Homejourney's safe tools at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates—compare, calculate, apply securely. Explore more in our HDB BTO Financing pillar.