How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment | Homejourney Guide
You can use your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings, along with cash and grants, to pay the 25% HDB down payment for both BTO and resale flats in 2026.[1][2]
Homejourney prioritizes your safety and trust by verifying all financing details, helping first-time buyers navigate CPF HDB purchase rules confidently. This cluster guide focuses on using CPF for HDB down payments, linking back to our pillar CPF for HDB Purchase: Homejourney Complete Guide 2026 CPF for HDB Purchase: Homejourney Complete Guide 2026 for full coverage.
Understanding CPF for HDB Down Payment Rules
The HDB down payment is 25% of the flat's purchase price, as the Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit is 75% for both HDB loans and bank loans in 2026.[1][2] For CPF HDB purchase, your CPF OA savings can cover most or all of this, but cash minimums apply depending on the loan type.
With an HDB loan, the full 25% can come from CPF OA or cash—no mandatory cash portion.[2] Bank loans require at least 5% cash, with the remaining 20% from CPF OA, cash, or grants.[1][2] CPF grants like the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) up to $120,000 for families reduce your payable amount.[1]
At Homejourney, calculate your exact CPF usage with our eligibility tools at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator to ensure you stay within safe limits.
Step-by-Step: How to Use CPF OA for HDB Down Payment
Follow these actionable steps to use CPF for HDB down payment seamlessly. Always check your CPF balance via the CPF portal before starting.
- Obtain HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter: Apply via HDB portal with Singpass. This confirms your eligibility and unlocks the resale downpayment calculator.[1]
- Book Your Flat: For BTO, select during ballot; for resale, submit via HDB Resale Portal. Confirm financing option (HDB or bank loan).
- Check CPF Availability: Log into CPF account. Ensure OA has sufficient funds after grants. For example, a $400,000 BTO requires $100,000 down payment (25%).
- Apply Grants: EHG auto-applies for first-timers, credited to CPF OA. Up to $120,000 for families.[1][7]
- Pay Down Payment: For HDB loan, deduct via My Flat Dashboard or at appointments. Bank loans: Pay via lawyer. Use CPF for maximum portion.[2]
- Monitor via Homejourney: Track with our dashboard after applying through https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.
Pro tip: For resale flats, full 25% is due upfront (no staggered for resale).[2] BTO buyers may qualify for staggered payments—see below.
Staggered Downpayment Scheme for Young Buyers
Eligible first-timer couples (one under 30) can split BTO down payments: 5% (HDB loan) or 10% (bank loan) at Agreement for Lease signing, remainder at key collection.[1][3] Young couples under special schemes pay just 2.5% first instalment.[1][4]
Example: $500,000 BTO with HDB loan—pay 5% ($25,000 from CPF OA/cash) first, then 20% ($100,000) later.[2] This eases cash flow for NSFs or recent grads. Combine with deferred income assessment for EHG eligibility after 12 months work.[1]
Homejourney's multi-bank application lets you compare DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC rates instantly via Singpass—skip branch visits for safety.
Cash vs CPF Breakdown for Bank Loans
| Loan Type | 1st Instalment | 2nd Instalment |
|---|---|---|
| HDB Loan (Staggered) | 5% CPF OA/cash | 20% CPF OA/cash |
| Bank Loan (Staggered) | 10% (5% cash + 5% CPF/cash) | 15% CPF OA/cash |
Always minimum 5% cash for bank loans.[1][2] Insider tip: Maximize CPF OA to preserve cash for renovations—check via Projects Directory for budget-friendly HDB options.
Documentation Checklist for CPF HDB Down Payment
- HFE Letter: From HDB portal.
- CPF Statement: Latest 12 months, showing OA balance.
- Income Docs: For grants—payslips, IR8A.
- LO from Bank: If bank loan, for lawyer coordination.
- Singpass: For all portals—Homejourney auto-fills via MyInfo.
Prepare digitally to avoid delays. See full list in our HDB Loan Documents Checklist 2026 HDB Loan Documents Checklist 2026 | Homejourney Guide .
Pro Tips to Maximize CPF Usage & Avoid Pitfalls
- Grants First: Apply EHG early—reduces CPF drawdown by up to $120,000.[1]
- Top-Up OA: Voluntary contributions boost savings before purchase.
- Avoid Over-Draw: Leave 1 month's OA interest accrual (about $1,000).[5]
- Bank Loan Perks: Lower rates (2-2.5% vs HDB 2.6%)—compare at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates from DBS, OCBC, UOB, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Maybank.
- Safety First: Use Homejourney's verified brokers for personalized advice—no hidden fees.
Common mistake: Forgetting MSR (120% of income). Use our calculator to stay compliant.
What Happens After Paying CPF Down Payment
CPF OA deducts automatically; monthly repayments continue from OA. Processing: 1-2 weeks for resale, longer for BTO.[2] Track status on HDB portal or Homejourney dashboard.
Post-purchase, maintain with services like Aircon Services . For loans, one Homejourney application reaches all partners—track offers side-by-side.
FAQ: CPF OA for HDB Flat Down Payment
Can I use 100% CPF for HDB down payment?
Yes, with HDB loan—no cash needed. Bank loans require 5% cash minimum.[1][2]
How much CPF for a $450,000 resale HDB down payment?
25% = $112,500. Use CPF OA fully if HDB loan; 5% ($22,500) cash + rest CPF for bank.[2]
Is staggered downpayment available for resale HDB?
No, only uncompleted BTO flats.[1][2]
Do CPF grants count towards down payment?
Yes, credited to OA first, reducing your contribution.[1][5]
Where to check CPF for HDB rules?
CPF.gov.sg and HDB portal. Start with Homejourney's tools for instant verification.
Ready to buy safely? Use Homejourney's property search for HDB flats in budget, then apply loans via https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates. Dive deeper in our pillar guide CPF for HDB Purchase: Homejourney Complete Guide 2026 . Homejourney ensures transparent, verified steps for your dream home.
