General

Q1: What is an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter?
A1: The HFE letter will provide you with a holistic understanding of your housing and financing options and help you plan your budget before you embark on your home buying journey. It informs you of your eligibility to purchase a new or resale flat, as well as the amounts of CPF housing grants and HDB housing loan you are eligible for. Second-timers will also be informed on the resale levy/ premium payable for the purchase of another subsidised flat from HDB.

Q2: When do I need to have an HFE letter?
A2: You must have a valid HFE letter when you apply to buy a flat from HDB. 

To buy a resale flat on the open market, 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.

Q3: Do I need to pay to apply for an HFE letter?
A3: No. It is free of charge.

Q4: Can I submit a manual application for an HFE letter?
A4: No. You may only apply for an HFE letter online via the HDB Flat Portal. This enables you to apply for the HFE letter at your convenience and tap on Myinfo to minimise form-filling and submission of documents. If needed, you can also apply for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a housing loan from the 6 participating financial institutions within the same application.

Q5: What is the processing time of the HFE letter application?
A5: The processing time is about a month, after we have received the full set of required information/ documents. The processing time may be longer before and during the month of a sales launch due to high application volume. An SMS and email notification will be sent once the outcome is available.

If you intend to buy a flat, do apply for an HFE letter early.

Q6: What is the validity period of an HFE letter? 
A6: An HFE letter is valid for 9 months from the date of issue.