Financing Guide
Paying Your HDB Loan: Due Dates, CPF, GIRO, Early Repayment and Age 55
An HDB loan is paid monthly from CPF, cash or a mix. Instalments are due on the 1st of each month, CPF and GIRO deductions happen on fixed dates, and the way CPF can be used changes as you approach 55. Here are the mechanics from HDB, and the planning points that follow.
When instalments start and are due
Your first monthly instalment is due on the first day of the second month after the loan is disbursed, and then on the 1st of every month until the loan is fully repaid. If you pay by CPF or GIRO, deductions are automatic.
Ways to pay
- CPF (you must be a flat owner and have submitted a CPF withdrawal application, usually done at key collection)
- GIRO, PayNow via SGQR, eNETS Debit, internet banking with participating banks, AXS channels and cash payment kiosks
- Any combination of these
| Mode | When money moves |
|---|---|
| CPF | Monthly deduction takes place from the 6th to the 12th of the month. You can make ad hoc payments for shortfalls or vary the CPF amount used on HDB's e-service |
| GIRO | Deducted on the 28th of the month. If it fails, HDB tries again on the 6th of the following month. Your bank may charge a penalty for each failed deduction, and HDB may impose a late payment charge |
If you use CPF savings for instalments, you must be insured under CPF's Home Protection Scheme, which settles the outstanding loan up to the insured sum if the policyholder dies or becomes permanently incapacitated.
Cash or CPF?
HDB notes that choosing to pay in cash instead of CPF lets your CPF savings keep earning CPF interest, which grows your retirement funds. The trade-off is your cash flow. Remember that CPF used must be refunded with accrued interest when you sell; see CPF accrued interest.
Paying the loan down early
HDB lets you use your CPF Ordinary Account savings to make a partial capital repayment, or to redeem the loan, before you reach 55, though the CPF Housing Limits may apply. Early repayment of an HDB loan carries no fees, according to HDB. Shortening the repayment period raises your instalment but reduces interest; see changing the repayment period. Compare with bank loans, which may have early repayment charges, in HDB loan vs bank loan.
What changes at 35 and 55
- From 35: the portion of your CPF contributions going into the Ordinary Account falls progressively, with more going to the Special and MediSave accounts. Before 55, only OA savings can be used for housing loan repayments.
- At 55: a Retirement Account is created. Savings in the Special Account, then the Ordinary Account, are transferred to it to meet your Full Retirement Sum, which funds CPF LIFE payouts from 65.
- After 55: if you keep working, you can still use the monthly OA contribution to service the loan, even if you have not yet met the Full Retirement Sum. The CPF Housing Limits help prevent overspending on housing at the expense of retirement savings.
HDB suggests keeping some savings in CPF to earn its interest and boost your retirement payouts. For loan-term planning, note the HDB loan period is capped by the shortest of 25 years, 65 minus the average age of applicants and remaining lease minus 20 years.
FAQ
When is my HDB loan instalment due?
The 1st of each month. The first instalment is due on the 1st of the second month after loan disbursement.
When does CPF deduct my HDB loan instalment?
From the 6th to the 12th of the month, according to HDB.
What if my GIRO deduction fails?
HDB retries on the 6th of the following month. Your bank may charge a penalty and HDB may impose a late payment charge.
Can I repay my HDB loan early?
Yes. HDB says there are no fees for early repayment. You can use OA savings to repay part or redeem the loan before 55, subject to the CPF Housing Limits.
Can I still use CPF for my loan after 55?
If you continue working, the monthly OA contribution can still service the loan, subject to the CPF Housing Limits.
Related guides
- Using CPF for Housing: What OA Pays, Valuation, Age 55
- Lease Buyback vs Silver Housing Bonus for Seniors
- Negative Equity Singapore: What Happens If You Owe More
Figures current as of October 2026, from HDB's pages. CPF rules, contribution rates and housing limits are set by the CPF Board and change; check the CPF Board for your own limits. This guide is general information only and is not financial advice.
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