Financing Guide
Cash and CPF Needed to Buy an HDB Resale Flat: Every Payment, in Order
Buyers often budget for the price and the loan, then are surprised by the cash they need along the way. HDB lays out which payments must be made in cash, which CPF Ordinary Account savings can cover, and how the flat's remaining lease limits your CPF use. This guide puts those rules in one place.
Payments that must be cash
| Stage | Payment | Amount (HDB) |
|---|---|---|
| Option to Purchase | Deposit to seller: option fee and exercise fee | $2 to $5,000 in total |
| Option to Purchase | Request for Value processing fee (if using CPF and/or a loan) | $120 |
| Resale application | Administrative fee when you submit your portion | $80, or $40 for 1- and 2-room flats |
| Resale application | Legal fees (can be paid from CPF OA) | Depends on the solicitor |
| Resale application | Part of the initial payment, if you have a bank loan or too little CPF | See below |
| Resale application | Fee if you agree a seller's temporary extension of stay | $20 including GST |
| Completion | Balance price not covered by CPF, grants and loan | Before or at the completion appointment |
| Completion | Fire insurance, Home Protection premium, renovation and furnishing | Varies |
If you take a second HDB housing loan, you must also use part of the cash proceeds from selling your previous flat to reduce the loan. See the loan comparison.
What your CPF Ordinary Account can pay for
- Legal fees
- The initial payment (if you take a bank loan, at least 5% of it must be cash)
- The balance purchase price
- Monthly mortgage instalments, which start after completion
HDB also says stamp duty is payable by CPF savings unless you ask in writing to pay cash after your application is accepted. Check the live rules with the CPF Board.
Retaining $20,000 in your OA
Buyers taking an HDB loan may keep up to $20,000 of available savings in each buyer's CPF OA. The rest must go into the flat purchase before the HDB loan can be granted. If you are relying on a CPF refund from selling your current property, make sure it has been credited to your OA before you submit the resale application. Bank loans do not have this retention requirement: HDB says you may use any amount of OA savings, up to the limits.
Initial payment
HDB's figures for resale flats (complete applications received from 20 August 2024):
| HDB loan (75% LTV) | Bank loan (75% LTV) | Bank loan (55% LTV) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial payment | 25% of the lower of price or value | 25% | 45% |
| Minimum cash | None, if cash and CPF OA (including grants) cover the 25% | 5%, with the remaining 20% from cash or CPF OA | 10%, with the remaining 35% from cash or CPF OA |
The 55% loan-to-value limit applies in the tenure and borrower situations set by MAS (for example, a longer tenure). See how much loan you can get.
The limit on CPF use depends on the remaining lease
There is a cap on the total CPF you can put into the flat. Once the cap is reached, you pay the rest, including monthly instalments, in cash.
| Flat's remaining lease | CPF usage limit |
|---|---|
| At least 20 years and covers the youngest buyer to age 95 | Capped at the lower of the flat's value or its price at purchase |
| Does not cover the youngest buyer to age 95 | Pro-rated by how much of the period to age 95 the lease covers |
HDB's stated aim is to help buyers keep CPF savings for retirement housing needs. You can find a flat's lease details on HDB Map, and use CPF Board's housing usage calculator to estimate your usable CPF.
Grants and loans
CPF housing grants (for eligible Singapore Citizen buyers) can be used for the initial payment and to reduce the loan needed. See HDB resale grants. When you eventually sell, CPF used, with accrued interest, goes back to your CPF; see CPF accrued interest. To see all of this in one worksheet, use PropLeh's Purchase Calculator.
FAQ
Can I buy an HDB resale flat using only CPF?
Possibly, if your OA savings and grants cover the payments within the CPF usage limits. You still need cash for fees that must be paid in cash, such as the option fee and Request for Value processing fee.
How much cash do I need with a bank loan?
At least 5% of the lower of price or value at the initial payment stage, on top of the cash fees listed above.
Why is my CPF usage capped?
If the lease does not cover the youngest buyer to age 95, HDB pro-rates the CPF you can use, to help you keep CPF for later housing needs.
Can I use CPF to pay legal fees?
Yes, CPF OA savings can be used for legal fees, according to HDB.
What is the Request for Value fee?
$120. It is required when you use CPF and/or a housing loan.
Figures current as of October 2026, from HDB's resale pages. Fees and CPF usage limits are set by HDB and the CPF Board and can change; your own limits depend on your CPF balances and the flat's lease. This guide is general information only and is not financial advice.
Want a cash-and-CPF worksheet for a specific flat? Use PropLeh's Purchase Calculator, or message us on WhatsApp.