Admin Crawfort
Buying a home, especially your first HDB flat in Singapore, can be an exciting but financially demanding process. One of the most significant upfront costs you’ll face is the downpayment.
This comprehensive guide explains the essentials of HDB down payments, including the amount you need to pay, the factors that influence the amount, and the options available to help you manage this cost.
Understanding HDB Downpayment
An HDB downpayment is the initial sum of money you pay upfront when purchasing a new or resale HDB flat. It is the portion of the purchase price not covered by your housing loan.
The downpayment amount is influenced by several factors, including the flat, your chosen loan, and your eligibility for housing grants.
Factors Affecting Downpayment Amount
The following factors can affect your HDB downpayment amount:
Type of Flat
- BTO (Build-to-Order) Flats: These are new flats purchased directly from HDB. They generally have a lower purchase price compared to resale flats.
- Resale Flats: These are pre-owned flats sold on the open market. They offer more location choices and quicker move-in dates but often come with a higher price tag.
Loan Type:
- HDB Loan: Offered by HDB at a concessionary interest rate, currently pegged at 2.6% per annum.
- Bank Loan: Offered by financial institutions with varying interest rates and loan packages.
Read also: HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) Documents Checklist: Your Key To Securing A Home Loan
Loan-to-Value (LTV) Limit
The LTV limit is the maximum percentage of the property value you can borrow. For HDB loans, the LTV limit is 75%.
For bank loans, the LTV limit can be 75% or 55%, depending on factors such as your loan tenure and outstanding housing loans. For flat applications received on or after 30 September 2022, the LTV limit is 80%.
Housing Grants
Eligible first-timer families buying a new flat can receive up to $120,000 in housing grants, while singles can receive up to $60,000. These grants can significantly reduce the downpayment amount.
Several housing grants are available to eligible flat buyers, which can significantly impact the downpayment amount. These include:
- Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG): This grant provides substantial support for first-timer families and singles with lower to middle incomes. The EHG amount varies based on household income, with higher grants for lower-income households.
- CPF Housing Grant for Resale Flats: This grant helps eligible first-timers buy resale flats. The grant amount depends on your household income and the remaining lease of the flat.
- Proximity Housing Grant (PHG): This grant encourages families to live with or near their parents or children by providing financial assistance when purchasing a resale flat within 4km of their family members.
Downpayment For New BTO Flats
| Loan Type | Downpayment | CPF Usage | Minimum Cash Required |
| HDB Loan | 25% of purchase price | Yes, can use CPF OA savings fully | No minimum cash required |
| Bank Loan (LTV up to 75%) | 25% of purchase price | Yes, up to 20% | 5% of purchase price |
| Bank Loan (LTV up to 55%) | 45% of purchase price | Yes, up to 35% | 10% of purchase price |
Note: For flat applications received on or after 30 September 2022, the LTV limit for HDB loans is 80%. This means the downpayment is 20% of the purchase price.
Example:
For a $400,000 BTO flat:
- HDB Loan: Downpayment = S$100,000 (can be paid fully using CPF OA savings)
- Bank Loan (75% LTV): Downpayment = S$100,000 (minimum S$20,000 in cash, remaining S$80,000 can be from CPF OA savings)
- Bank Loan (55% LTV): Downpayment = S$180,000 (minimum S$40,000 in cash, remaining S$140,000 can be from CPF OA savings)
Downpayment for Resale Flats
The downpayment structure for resale flats is similar to that of BTO flats. However, with bank loans, the LTV limit may be lower depending on the remaining lease of the flat.
Downpayment for Executive Condominiums (ECs)
ECs are a hybrid of public and private housing. You cannot use an HDB loan to purchase an EC. The downpayment structure for ECs follows the same rules as bank loans for BTO and resale flats.
Read also: Condo Downpayment in Singapore: How Much To Pay?
HDB Staggered Downpayment Scheme
The Staggered Downpayment Scheme allows eligible buyers to pay the downpayment in two installments 4:
- First Installment: A smaller percentage of the downpayment is paid when signing the Agreement for Lease.
- Second Installment: The remaining downpayment is paid during key collection.
To be eligible, you must be applying for a new flat with at least one first-timer applicant and meet the income ceiling. This scheme can be helpful for young couples and those with limited upfront cash.
Deferred Downpayment Scheme (DDS)
The DDS enables eligible senior citizens (55 years and above) who are right-sizing to a smaller flat to defer their downpayment until key collection. This helps seniors who may have their funds tied up in their existing property.
Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR)
Lenders use the MSR and TDSR to assess your ability to manage your housing loan and other financial obligations.
- MSR: Applies to HDB flats and Executive Condominiums (ECs). It limits your monthly mortgage repayment to 30% of your gross monthly income.
- TDSR: Applies to all property loans. It limits your total monthly debt obligations, including your housing loan, to 55% of your gross monthly income.
These ratios ensure that you borrow responsibly and can comfortably manage your repayments.
Choosing Between HDB and Bank Loans
| Feature | HDB Loan | Bank Loan |
| Interest Rate | 2.6% p.a. (fixed) [107] | Varies, typically higher than HDB loan |
| Interest Rate Fluctuation | No | Yes |
| Loan Limit | Up to 75% of property value [80] | Up to 75% or 55% of property value |
| Downpayment | Lower | Higher |
| Flexibility | More lenient with early repayment and refinancing | May have penalties for early repayment or refinancing |
| Minimum CPF OA Savings | You have the option to retain up to $20,000 in your CPF OA savings per flat buyer. | You can set aside any amount of CPF and pay your bank housing loan with cash instead. |
CPF OA Savings vs. Cash
While using CPF OA savings for your downpayment may seem convenient, consider the potential opportunity cost of not investing those funds elsewhere. Weigh the pros and cons based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Read also: CPF Personal Loan: What Is It? Eligibility and Requirements
Other Costs to Consider
Besides the downpayment, factor in these expenses when budgeting for your HDB flat purchase:
- Stamp duty: A tax on the purchase price or market value of the flat.
- Legal fees: For legal services related to the purchase.
Recent HDB Price Trends
HDB resale flat prices have been on an upward trend in recent years. In 2024, prices rose by 9.6%, driven by strong demand and tight market supply. However, price growth is expected to moderate in 2025 due to factors like increased housing supply and potential interest rate hikes 7. These trends can affect downpayment affordability, especially for resale flats.
The Bottom Line
Understanding the various factors that influence your HDB downpayment is crucial for making informed financial decisions.
By carefully considering your needs, eligibility, and the available options, you can effectively plan for this significant upfront cost and smoothly navigate your homeownership journey.
Use online resources and tools like the HDB Flat Portal to estimate your housing loan eligibility and plan your finances effectively
