Before Submitting an HFE Letter Application

Q1: How do I apply for an HFE letter?
A1: To apply for an HFE letter, you must complete Step 1 – Check Preliminary HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) and Step 2 – Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter. These 2 steps must be completed within 30 calendar days of each other. This includes having co-applicant(s) and occupier(s), if any, sign electronically via their Singpass, and uploading all the required documents. The last day for you to complete Step 2 will be stated in the HDB Flat Portal. If you are unable to do so, please start afresh from Step 1.

Read our step-by-step guide or watch the videos below:

Q2: How can I apply for a housing loan from financial institutions (FIs) and how will I know the outcome? 
A2: Request for an In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the participating FIs when you apply for an HFE letter. The IPA will provide you with the FI’s indicative loan amount. Your chosen FIs will reach out to you directly on the outcome(s) of your IPA application(s).

Read more on the Integrated Loan Application Service.

Q3: How do I submit my HFE letter application if someone in my household does not have Singpass?
A3: All applicant(s) and occupier(s)^ must have a valid Singpass account when applying for an HFE letter and buying a new or resale flat. Those without Singpass or have password issues may apply for Singpass or reset their password via the Singpass website.
^ Singpass is not required for occupiers who are unemployed and aged 16 and below or above 70.

Q4: Can I be listed as an applicant in an HFE letter application and as an occupier in another HFE letter application?
A4: No. You may only be listed in 1 HFE letter application, either as an applicant or an occupier.
If you are listed in a valid HFE letter and wish to apply for an HFE letter on your own, please do the following:

  • The valid HFE letter has yet to be used for a flat purchase. Please cancel the HFE letter (if you are an applicant) or arrange for the applicant to cancel it.
  • The valid HFE letter has been used for a flat purchase which is pending key collection. Please write in via MyRequest@HDB with your HFE reference number and sales registration number (new flat) or resale case number (resale flat) for us to review your request. 

Q5: I am single and wish to buy a flat on my own. When can I apply for an HFE letter?
A5: If you are a Singapore Citizen who is unmarried or divorced, you may apply for an HFE letter when you turn 35 years old. 

If you are a Singapore Citizen who is widowed or an orphan, you may apply for an HFE letter to buy a resale flat if you are 21 years old and above.

Q6: Can I apply for an HFE letter before meeting the minimum occupation period (MOP) of my flat?
A6: No. HDB flat owners and core occupiers may apply for or be listed in an HFE letter after meeting the MOP from the date of collection of keys to the current flat, and excluding any period of non-occupation or renting out of the whole flat.

Q7: I am undergoing a divorce, can I apply for an HFE letter?
A7: You may apply for an HFE letter if you have obtained an Interim Judgment (for civil divorces)/ Decree of Divorce (for Muslim divorces) and settled the ancillary matters on your matrimonial property and the custody, care, and control of your children (if any). You must submit the Final Judgment (for civil divorces)/ Certificate of Divorce (for Muslim divorces) on or before the legal completion of your flat purchase (i.e. key collection for new flat or completion appointment for resale flat) and remain eligible for the flat purchase.

Q8: I have finalised my divorce, and my ex-spouse and I have been awarded shared care and control of our only child. Can both of us include our child in our respective HFE letter application?
A8: Divorcees with shared care and control of the child have an equal right to list their child in their HFE letter application. At the same time, any individual is only allowed to be listed in 1 HFE letter application. You and your ex-spouse must come to an agreement before either party lists the child in an HFE letter application. HDB is not in the position to determine which parent may exercise their right to list their child in an HFE letter application.

Q9: How does HDB determine my average gross monthly household income?
A9: The gross monthly household income is averaged over the months worked during a 12-month period, which ends 2 months preceding the month of the HFE letter application. The incomes of all persons (both applicants and occupiers) listed in the HFE letter application are included in the assessment.

The income considered refers to the total gross income earned including employee’s CPF deductions and excluding employer’s CPF contributions and bonuses. You may refer to the Income Guidelines for information on determining employment status, declaring income, computing income, and other details.