How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment: Homejourney Guide

You can use your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings to pay up to the full 25% HDB downpayment, combined with cash if needed, for both BTO and resale flats.[1][6][8]

Homejourney prioritizes your safety by verifying all financing details, helping first-time buyers navigate CPF usage confidently. This cluster guide focuses on tactical steps for how to use CPF for HDB down payment, linking back to our pillar on HDB BTO Financing Complete Guide 2026 | Homejourney ">HDB BTO Financing Complete Guide 2026 for full coverage.

Understanding CPF for HDB Down Payment Basics

The HDB downpayment is 25% of the flat's purchase price or valuation (whichever lower), payable upfront via CPF OA, cash, or both.[1][3] For HDB loans, the entire 25% can come from CPF OA—no cash minimum required.[1] Bank loans mandate at least 5% cash, with the rest from CPF OA or cash.[1]

Key rule: Remaining lease must cover youngest buyer to age 95 for full CPF usage; otherwise, prorated or cash-only beyond valuation limit.[3] In 2026, retain up to S$20,000 in CPF OA even with HDB loan.[3]

Homejourney's eligibility calculator at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator instantly checks your CPF balance against downpayment needs.

Staggered Downpayment Scheme: Spread CPF Payments

Eligible first-timers pay downpayment in stages: 5% (HDB loan) or 10% (bank loan) at Agreement for Lease, balance at key collection (2-4 years later).[1][2][4] Younger couples (under 30 at HFE letter) may pay just 2.5% initially.[1]

Use CPF OA for these instalments directly. This eases cash flow—save OA interest in the interim. Applies to BTO/Sale of Balance flats; no separate application needed.[4]

First instalment: CPF OA or cash at lease signing (within 9 months of booking).
Second: Remaining via CPF OA at key collection.

Pro tip: Time your CPF contributions to top up OA before second payment. Homejourney verifies eligibility via Singpass integration for safe planning.

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

Follow these actionable steps for seamless CPF deployment.

Check CPF OA Balance: Log into CPF portal or myHDBPage. Ensure OA covers 25% (e.g., S$450,000 flat needs S$112,500).[8]
Get HFE Letter: Apply via HDB Resale Portal or BTO portal. Confirms CPF/grant eligibility.
Book Flat & Pay Option Fee: 1% via cash/CPF (non-refundable).
Sign Agreement for Lease: Pay first instalment (5-10%) via CPF OA authorisation form at HDB appointment.
Apply for Grants: EHG up to S$80,000 offsets downpayment (income ≤S$9,000).[3] See Maximize HDB Grants & Financing: Homejourney Guide 2026 ">Maximize HDB Grants Guide.
Key Collection: Authorise final CPF withdrawal. Pro-rate if lease short.

Timeline: 9 months to lease signing; 2-4 years to keys. Avoid pitfall: Don't withdraw CPF early—penalties apply.

Maximizing CPF with HDB Grants (EHG, PHG)

Combine CPF housing grant like EHG (up to S$80k families) or PHG (S$20k-30k proximity) to reduce effective downpayment.[3][4] Grants credited to CPF OA first, then used for downpayment—grant loan combination maximises savings.[3]

Example: S$400k resale flat, 25% downpayment S$100k. EHG S$40k + CPF OA S$60k = zero cash needed. Income ceilings: EHG S$9k families/S$4.5k singles; 20+ years lease.[3]

Homejourney's property search filters HDB flats eligible for EHG PHG grant, ensuring trusted matches.

Documentation Checklist for CPF Authorisation

Singpass for CPF/HDB portals.
HFE letter (eligibility proof).
CPF OA statement (last 3 months).
Option to Purchase/Agreement for Lease.
Grant letters (if applicable).
ID/passport copies.

Prepare via Singpass—Homejourney's multi-bank app auto-fills these for loans at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates.

Pro Tips from Homejourney Experts

Top up OA via family contributions before payments—interest accrues.
For resale: Valuation limit caps CPF (e.g., S$500k val, pay S$125k CPF max).[3]
Bank loan? Compare DBS, OCBC, UOB rates on Homejourney—submit once via Singpass to all.
Right-sizers: Sell current flat first to free CPF.
Insider: Retain S$20k OA for interest—HDB allows.[3]

Disclaimer: Rules per HDB/CPF 2026; consult professionals. Homejourney verifies data for your safety.

Common Pitfalls & How Homejourney Helps

Pitfalls: Insufficient OA (solution: voluntary contributions), short lease (cash top-up), missing grants (use our calculator). Homejourney's platform skips bank queues—one app to DBS/OCBC/UOB/HSBC gets offers fast, tracked securely.

FAQ: How to Use CPF for HDB Down Payment

Can I use full CPF for 25% HDB downpayment?
Yes, with HDB loan—no cash needed if OA sufficient and lease covers to age 95.[1][6]

What’s the minimum cash for bank loan downpayment?
5% of price; rest CPF/cash. Total 25%.[1]

Do grants reduce CPF needed?
Yes, maximize HDB grants like EHG offsets downpayment via CPF.[3]

Staggered scheme for resale flats?
Mainly BTO/uncompleted; check HFE for resale flexibility.[1][2]

How to check CPF eligibility quickly?
Use Homejourney's free calculator at https://www.homejourney.sg/bank-rates#calculator.

Ready to apply? Compare trusted bank rates and submit via Singpass on Homejourney bank-rates. For full HDB financing, read our HDB BTO Financing Complete Guide 2026 | Homejourney ">HDB BTO Financing pillar. Homejourney ensures safe, transparent journeys—start today.