Q1: How would I know when the HFE letter is issued?

A1: You will be notified via SMS and email when your HFE letter is ready. Log in to the HDB Flat Portal, select My Flat Dashboard > Applying an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter > Step 2 – Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter > View Letter.

Q2: I have a valid HFE letter. My household income has exceeded the income ceiling now. Can I still apply for a flat?

A2: You may apply for a new or resale flat as long as your HFE letter remains valid. If you do not do so and your HFE letter expires, you will need to submit a fresh HFE letter. We will review the application according to your latest situation and prevailing policies.

Q3: I have a valid HFE letter which states that I am not eligible for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) as I did not meet the condition of working continuously for 12 months then. I have met the condition now. Can I request for the EHG when I apply to buy a new or resale flat?

A3: A household’s eligibility to buy a flat, receive CPF housing grants and take an HDB housing loan is assessed at the point of the HFE letter application. During the 9-month validity period of an HFE letter, the EHG and housing loan amounts will not be reviewed, even though there may be subsequent income increases. If you wish to be considered for the EHG, please cancel your HFE letter and apply for a fresh one.

Find out when and why your HFE letter may be reviewed.

Q4: I have a valid HFE letter. Will my HDB housing loan amount be re-assessed as my income has changed?

A4: If there are no adverse changes in your ability to service the HDB housing loan, you will remain eligible for the loan amount as stated in your HFE letter, subject to the prevailing loan-to-value limit. Otherwise, the loan amount may be reduced.

As buying a flat is a long-term financial commitment, flat buyers are encouraged to exercise prudence and buy a flat within their means.

Q5: I have obtained an HFE letter. Can the outcome of this HFE letter be applied to my earlier flat application that was submitted with my previous HFE letter?

A5: No, 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.

Q6: There are 3 housing loan amounts (i.e. Prudent, Moderate, and Maximum) indicated in my HFE letter. Which one should I refer to?

A6: You are eligible for any housing loan amount up to the Maximum loan amount, subject to the prevailing loan-to-value limit. However, a bigger housing loan or longer repayment period will increase your interest costs. For financial prudence, do consider taking a smaller housing loan amount and/or a shorter repayment period.

Q7: I have an HFE letter to buy a share of an HDB flat by way of resale part-share. Can I use it to buy a new or resale flat instead?

A7: Your HFE letter is assessed based on the intended flat purchase as declared in the HFE letter application form. If you do not wish to proceed with the part-share purchase now, you must cancel your HFE letter and apply for a fresh one to buy a new or resale flat by logging in to the HDB Flat Portal.

Q8: Can I extend the validity period of my HFE letter?

A8: No. An HFE letter is valid for 9 months from the date of issue and HDB is unable to extend it. If you need more time to submit a new or resale flat application, please apply for a fresh HFE letter.

Find out more on what to do when your HFE letter is expiring.

Q9: I have yet to submit a flat application and my HFE letter is expiring soon. What should I do?

A9: If your HFE letter is expiring in the next 30 days and you need more time to submit a new or resale flat application, 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, the first applicant in the existing HFE letter can submit a re-application. Log in to the HDB Flat Portal, select My Flat Dashboard > Applying an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter > Step 2 – Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter > View / Re-apply HFE Letter.

If you need to make other changes, you may refer to the changes in household details for more information.

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.

Q10: How do I view my past HFE letters, including those that might have expired?

A10: You may check the details of expired HFE letters that were submitted with a flat application. You may proceed with the flat purchase, even if the HFE letter has expired.

However, expired HFE letters that have not been used to submit a flat application are not available for viewing.

Outcome of HFE Application