<table style="width: 100%;">
    <thead>
        <tr>
            <th style="width: 50%;">If you are buying a new flat</th>
            <th style="width: 50%;">If you are buying a resale flat</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>You must have a valid HFE letter when you apply to buy a flat from HDB.</td>
            <td>You must have a valid HFE letter before you obtain an Option to Purchase (OTP) from a flat seller, and when you submit your resale application to HDB.</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>
<p>The processing time is about a month, after we have received the full set of required documents. The processing time may be longer before and during the month of a sales exercise due to high application volume. An SMS and email notification will be sent to you once the outcome is available.</p>
<p>If you intend to buy a flat, do apply for an HFE letter early.</p>
<h5>Additional notes</h5>
<ul>
    <li>
    <p>You may only apply for an HFE letter online, and the application is free of charge.</p>
    </li>
    <li>
    <p>You may only be listed in 1 HFE letter application, either as an applicant or occupier.</p>
    </li>
    <li>
    <p>
    </p>
    <p>Your flat application will be processed based on the HFE letter you submitted. Other HFE letters, whether issued earlier or later, will not be considered.</p>
    <p>&nbsp;</p>
    </li>
</ul>

When to apply

<a name="how-to-apply" id="how-to-apply"></a>
<p><img src="/-/media/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter/Apply-for-an-HFE-letter-9-Apr-2025.png?h=97%25&amp;w=100%25&amp;hash=066F8103DB2AE7E0EC1D79BC51A998D1" alt="Apply for an HFE letter 9 Apr 2025" class="Infographic-Image" /></p>
<p>Read our <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mynicehome.gov.sg/get-started/hdb-hfe-guide" target="_blank">step-by-step guide</a> or watch the videos below.</p>
<h3><a name="hfe-videos" id="hfe-videos"></a>Step 1: Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE)</h3>
<iframe sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lfmf3KJZy8k?si=UGWXgmQOAVGB4T-R"></iframe>
<h3>Step 2: Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter</h3>
<iframe sandbox="allow-same-origin allow-scripts" frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bsno0iJUocs?si=KGBsGiM4RGEnvK8t"></iframe>
<h3>Additional information</h3>
<table style="width: 100%;">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td style="width: 25%;"><strong>Have a valid Singpass account</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>All applicants and required occupiers must have a valid Singpass account when applying for the HFE letter.</p>
            <p>Please visit the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.singpass.gov.sg/main" target="_blank">Singpass website</a> if you need to register for a Singpass account or reset the password.</p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Provide accurate information when completing Steps 1 and 2</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>You must start Step 1 - Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) afresh if there are any changes to the details you have provided.</p>
            <p>The applicant(s) and occupier(s) listed in your new or resale flat application must remain the same as those in your HFE letter application. </p>
            <p>You will not be able to make any changes after you have submitted your HFE letter application. If you need to make changes, you must <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/web/bp27/HFEeService/cancel" target="_blank">cancel</a> your HFE letter application and apply for a fresh one.</p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Complete Steps 1 and 2 within 30 calendar days of each other</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>Complete Step 1 - Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) and Step 2 - Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter within 30 calendar days of each other.</p>
            <p>If you can, complete both steps within the same calendar month. Otherwise, you will need to update the employment and income details of all persons listed in the application^.</p>
            <p class="Footnote">E.g. ^ You have completed Step 1 in May 2023 and proceed with Step 2 in June 2023.</p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Changes to HFE letter application</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>It depends on where you are in your HFE letter application, as follows:  </p>
            <p>
            </p>
            <table style="width: 100%;">
                <tbody>
                    <tr>
                        <td style="width: 30%;"><strong>You are at Step 1 &ndash; Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (Step 1 in draft)</strong></td>
                        <td style="width: 70%;">
                        <p>Use the &ldquo;Back&rdquo; button at the bottom of the page to navigate to earlier pages to make changes. </p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                    <tr>
                        <td><strong>You have completed Step 1 and received the preliminary outcome</strong></td>
                        <td>
                        <p>Select the &ldquo;Return to Step 1&rdquo; button under the "Next Steps" section in your Preliminary HFE outcome to start from Step 1 - Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) again to make changes. </p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                    <tr>
                        <td><strong>You are at Step 2 &ndash; Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter</strong></td>
                        <td>
                        <p>Select the "Return to Step 1" button at the top of the page to go back to Step 1 &ndash; Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) to make changes.</p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                    <tr>
                        <td><strong>You have completed Step 2 or have received an HFE letter</strong></td>
                        <td>
                        <p>If you wish to update your contact details, please submit a request via our <a href="https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/web/bp27/HFEeService/update">e-Service</a>.</p>
                        <p>If you need to make other changes, please refer to the <a href="/hdb-flat-portal/hfe/get-help/hfe-letter-application-process#household-details">usage of HFE letter and changes in household details</a> for more information.</p>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                    <tr>
                        <td><strong>You have applied for a flat with the HFE letter</strong></td>
                        <td>Please write to us via <a href="https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BE15AWMyRequest/BE15PMain">MyRequest@HDB</a> with your HFE reference number and sales registration number (new flat) or resale case number (resale flat).
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </tbody>
            </table>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Upload documents, check status of application or view HFE letter</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>You will be notified via SMS and email if you need to submit additional documents for our review, or when your HFE letter is ready.</p>
            <p>Log in to the <a href="https://homes.hdb.gov.sg/">HDB Flat Portal</a> and follow these steps to:
            </p>
            <table>
                <tbody>
                    <tr>
                        <td><strong>Upload the required documents</strong></td>
                        <td><span>Select My Flat Dashboard &gt; Applying an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter &gt; Step 2 - Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter &gt; Upload Documents</span></td>
                    </tr>
                    <tr>
                        <td><strong>Check status of HFE letter application or view HFE letter</strong><br />
                        </td>
                        <td><span>Select My Flat Dashboard &gt; Applying an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter &gt; Step 2 - Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter &gt; View Letter</span><br />
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </tbody>
            </table>
            <table style="width: 100%;">
                <tbody>
                </tbody>
                <tbody>
                </tbody>
            </table>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

How to apply

<p>When you apply for an HFE letter, you will be guided to retrieve your information via Myinfo to minimise form-filling and reduce submission of documents. However, in some cases, supporting documents may still be required as Myinfo may not have all the required information or details. You will be informed via SMS and email if you need to submit documents.</p>
<p>Get a head start on your application by reading our <a href="/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter/income-guidelines-and-documents">income guidelines</a>.</p>

Income guidelines

<table style="width: 100%;">
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td><strong><a name="review-HFE" id="review-HFE"></a>Validity of HFE letter</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>The HFE letter is valid for 9 months from the date of issue.</p>
            <p>Your flat application will be processed based on the HFE letter you submitted. You may proceed with the flat purchase even if the HFE letter has since expired. You may also&nbsp;<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/web/bp27/HFEEnquiry/" target="_blank">check the details of this expired HFE letter</a>. However, expired HFE letters that have not been used to submit a flat application are not available for viewing.</p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Possible review of HFE letter</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>The outcome of your HFE letter will be reviewed if:</p>
            <ul>
                <li>Any given information is untrue or incorrect</li>
                <li>You and any persons listed in the application do not comply with any terms and conditions to buy an HDB flat, apply for CPF housing grants and/ or take up an HDB housing loan</li>
                <li>There are any changes in your family members, or other circumstances such as changes in HDB&rsquo;s policies and/ or processes which may affect your eligibility to buy an HDB flat, apply for CPF housing grants and/ or take up an HDB housing loan</li>
            </ul>
            <p>If you book an uncompleted flat with HDB, we will review your financial position nearer the completion of the flat, to confirm that there are no adverse changes in your ability to service the HDB housing loan. Otherwise, the loan amount may be reduced.</p>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong><a name="household-details" id="household-details"></a>Use of HFE letter and changes in household details</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>The applicant(s) and occupier(s) listed in your new or resale flat application must remain the same as those in your HFE letter application.</p>
            <p>If there are changes to your household details, this may affect your eligibility to buy an HDB flat, obtain CPF housing grants and/ or take up an HDB housing loan and hence, invalidate your HFE letter. Accordingly, HDB reserves the right to cancel your new or resale flat application(s).</p>
            <p>For new flat application, the usual <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="/buying-a-flat/bto-sbf-and-open-booking-of-flats/process-for-buying-a-new-flat/application?anchor=cancellation" target="_blank">financial forfeitures and consequences</a> for the cancellation will apply, depending on the stage of the application at the time of the cancellation.</p>
            <p>For resale flat application, you will remain liable to the flat seller under the Option to Purchase which you have exercised.</p>
            <p>If you need to make changes, please follow the steps below, depending on the stage of your HFE letter application:</p>
            <p>
            </p>
            <table>
                <thead>
                    <tr>
                        <th><strong>Stage of HFE Letter Application<br />
                        </strong></th>
                        <th><strong>Procedure</strong><br />
                        </th>
                    </tr>
                </thead>
                <tbody>
                    <tr>
                        <td><strong>Pending approval</strong></td>
                        <td><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/web/bp27/HFEeService/cancel" target="_blank">Cancel</a> your HFE letter. After cancellation, apply for a fresh HFE letter (i.e. complete Step 1 - Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) and Step 2 - Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter of the buying process again) by logging in to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://homes.hdb.gov.sg/" target="_blank">HDB Flat Portal</a>.</td>
                    </tr>
                    <tr>
                        <td><strong>Approved</strong></td>
                        <td>
                        <p>There is no action required if there is a change in your household income.<br />
                        <br />
                        If you need to make the following changes:</p>
                        <ul>
                            <li>Addition/ removal of household member(s)</li>
                            <li>Change in status from an applicant to an occupier or vice versa</li>
                            <li>Marital status</li>
                            <li>Citizenship</li>
                            <li>Ownership of private properties</li>
                        </ul>
                        <p>
                        </p>
                        <table>
                            <tbody>
                                <tr>
                                    <td><strong>Before submission of new or resale flat application</strong><br />
                                    </td>
                                    <td>Cancel and apply for a fresh HFE letter (i.e. complete Step 1 <span style="background-color: #ebebeb; text-align: justify;">- Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE)&nbsp;</span>and Step 2&nbsp;<span style="background-color: #ebebeb; text-align: justify;">- Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter</span> of the buying process again) by logging in to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://homes.hdb.gov.sg/" target="_blank">HDB Flat Portal</a>.</td>
                                </tr>
                                <tr>
                                    <td><strong>After submission of new or resale flat application</strong></td>
                                    <td>Please write to us via <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BE15AWMyRequest/BE15PMain" target="_blank">MyRequest@HDB</a> with your HFE reference number and sales registration number (for new flat) or resale case number (for resale flat).</td>
                                </tr>
                            </tbody>
                        </table>
                        </td>
                    </tr>
                </tbody>
            </table>
            </td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td><strong>Re-application of HFE letter</strong></td>
            <td>
            <p>If you have already submitted a flat application with your HFE letter, you do not need a fresh HFE letter to continue with the flat application.</p>
            <p>If your HFE letter is expiring in the next 30 days and you need more time to submit a new or resale flat application, please apply for a fresh HFE letter. If there are no changes in the applicant(s) and occupier(s) listed other than their employment or income, please log in to the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://homes.hdb.gov.sg/" target="_blank">HDB Flat Portal</a>, select My Flat Dashboard &gt; Applying an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter &gt; Step 2 - Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter &gt; View/ Re-apply HFE Letter.</p>
            <p>If you need to make other changes, you may refer to the <a href="/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter#household-details" target="_self">use of HFE letter and changes in household details</a> for more information.</p>
            <p>HDB will process your HFE letter application based on your latest situation and prevailing policies. Until a fresh HFE letter is issued, you may continue using the existing unexpired HFE letter for a flat purchase.</p>
            </td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>

Validity and possible review of HFE letter

<p>With your HFE letter, you can embark on your buying journey with certainty on the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://homes.hdb.gov.sg/home/landing" target="_blank">HDB Flat Portal</a>. Check out the infographic for the next steps in your home buying journey. All the best!</p>
<p><img src="/-/media/buying-a-flat/flat-grant-and-loan-eligibility/application-for-an-hdb-flat-eligibility-hfe-letter/Your-flat-buying-journey-8-Oct-2024.png" alt="Your flat buying journey 8 Oct 2024" class="Infographic-Image" /></p>

Application for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter

Next steps

Income Guidelines and Documents for HFE Letter Application

Financial Planning for a Flat Purchase

Finding a New Flat