HDB Affordability Calculator (2026)

The gross monthly household income ceiling for purchasing a new HDB flat (BTO) is $14,000. For Executive Condominiums (EC), the income ceiling is $16,000. Singles buying under the Single Singapore Citizen Scheme have a ceiling of $7,000. These ceilings apply to the combined gross monthly income of all applicants and occupiers listed in the application.

The Mortgage Servicing Ratio (MSR) limits your monthly HDB loan instalment to 30% of your gross monthly income. For example, if your household earns $8,000 per month, your maximum monthly repayment is $2,400. This applies only to HDB loans — bank loans for HDB flats are subject to the TDSR limit of 55% instead.

Yes, you can use your CPF Ordinary Account (OA) savings to pay for your HDB flat. CPF OA can be used for the downpayment (up to 25% of the purchase price with an HDB loan, since HDB LTV was aligned with banks at 75% on 20 Aug 2024), monthly mortgage instalments, stamp duty, and legal fees. However, there is a CPF usage limit — the total CPF used cannot exceed the Valuation Limit (VL) plus the current balance in your OA.

For an HDB concessionary loan, the minimum downpayment is 25% of the purchase price (since HDB LTV was lowered from 80% to 75% on 20 Aug 2024), which can be fully paid using CPF OA savings — no cash required. For a bank loan, the minimum downpayment is also 25% — with at least 5% in cash and the remaining 20% payable by CPF OA or cash. First-time buyers with lower incomes may also receive grants that reduce the effective downpayment.

First-time Singapore citizen buyers may qualify for the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG) of up to $120,000 based on household income, the CPF Housing Grant of $50,000 to $80,000 for BTO or resale flats, and the Proximity Housing Grant (PHG) of up to $30,000 if buying near parents or married children. These grants directly reduce the purchase price.

The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter replaced the old HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter in May 2023. It is a single document that confirms your eligibility to purchase an HDB flat, your eligibility for CPF Housing Grants (EHG, PHG, Family Grant), and your eligibility for an HDB concessionary loan — all in one application. You need to apply for the HFE letter via the HDB Flat Portal (flat.hdb.gov.sg) before you can receive a sales launch invitation for BTO or exercise an Option to Purchase for a resale flat. The HFE letter is valid for 9 months.

Yes — there is no minimum number of income earners to qualify for an HDB flat. Single-income households can purchase HDB flats under joint or sole ownership schemes, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria. The income ceiling for BTO flats in non-mature estates is $7,000 for families and $3,500 for singles (for 2-room Flexi flats under the singles scheme). A single income must also satisfy the MSR (Mortgage Servicing Ratio) limit of 30% for HDB loans and the TDSR (Total Debt Servicing Ratio) limit of 55%. In practice, a single income of $4,000–$5,000/month is the practical minimum for a standard BTO flat.

Yes — singles aged 35 and above can buy an HDB flat under the Single Singapore Citizen scheme. Eligible flats include 2-room Flexi flats (BTO in all estates) and resale flats of any size. A single SC aged 35+ purchasing a 2-room Flexi flat in a non-mature estate is subject to a $7,000 income ceiling and can apply for the Singles Grant (up to $40,000 for first-time singles buying 2-room resale). Joint singles (two unmarried SC siblings or friends) can purchase a 2-room Flexi or larger resale flat together. Singles cannot purchase new BTO 3-room or larger flats.

The MSR limits monthly mortgage repayments for HDB flats and EC units to 30% of gross monthly income. It applies only to loans for HDB flats and ECs — not for private property. Example: a household with $8,000 gross monthly income can have maximum HDB mortgage repayments of $2,400/month (30% of $8,000). This MSR limit is typically the binding constraint for HDB buyers, compared to the broader 55% TDSR which includes all debts. If existing debt repayments already consume 10% of income, the available mortgage servicing is reduced to 20% of income under TDSR, not 30% under MSR.

For affordability, the HDB concessionary loan is generally more accessible because it requires only a 10% down payment (all of which can come from CPF OA), compared to 25% for bank loans (with 5% mandatory in cash). The HDB loan rate of 2.6% p.a. is also currently competitive with many bank fixed packages. However, bank loans allow more flexibility (longer tenures up to 30 years vs 25 years for HDB loans, higher LTV in some scenarios). For first-time buyers with limited cash savings, the HDB loan is almost always the more affordable starting point.