HDB
An HDB housing loan covers up to 75% of the price, or less if the remaining lease does not cover the youngest buyer to age 95. You need a valid HFE letter before getting an Option to Purchase for a resale flat.
Source: HDB · Housing Loan
PROPERTY WEALTH PLANNING™
Property Decision Guide
Key Singapore rules, numbers and questions to check before you buy, sell or upgrade.
Updated 3 Oct 2026
CPF & sale proceeds
When you sell, the required CPF refund generally covers CPF principal used plus accrued interest. If the sale is at market value and the proceeds after the outstanding loan are not enough, the shortfall generally need not be topped up in cash.
Source: CPF Board · Property refund
BSD & ABSD
Residential BSD is progressive up to 6% for acquisitions on/after 15 Feb 2023. Standard ABSD rates on/after 27 Apr 2023 include: SC first home 0%, second 20%, third+ 30%; SPR first 5%, second 30%, third+ 35%; foreigners 60%. Special cases, treaties, trusts, joint buyers and remissions require separate checks.
Source: IRAS · BSD, IRAS · ABSD
Timeline planning
The usual order: HFE letter, financing, Option to Purchase, resale submission, completion, CPF refund, then funding your next home. Your own HFE letter, loan status and transaction dates set the actual timeline.
Source: HDB · Resale financing
Four questions before your next move
1. What are you trying to improve—home, liquidity, retirement flexibility or investment exposure?
2. What can you safely afford after duties, CPF effects, renovation and a cash reserve?
3. Sell first, buy first, contra, stay put or right-size—which route survives a timeline stress test?
4. What must be verified with HDB, CPF, IRAS, the bank, lawyer or other relevant professional before acting?
Educational guide only, not financial, legal, tax or lending advice. Rules as at 3 Oct 2026; individual eligibility varies.