Rates and thresholds change. The current figures are kept in one place: the Singapore property rules reference.
What CPF can and cannot pay for
CPF Board describes the Ordinary Account as money for buying and financing a home, not for fitting it out. The list below shows where the line falls.
| Cost | Can OA savings be used? |
|---|---|
| Downpayment and housing loan on the purchase | Yes |
| Stamp fees and legal fees on the purchase | Yes |
| Home Protection Scheme premiums (HDB flats only) | Yes |
| HDB upgrading costs and recess area purchase | Yes |
| Renovation, improvement or repair work | No |
Why the cash plan needs its own line
Because renovation cannot be paid from CPF, it competes with the cash you also need at purchase. CPF Board's own guidance is to plan your finances so you have enough cash savings for it. A common mistake is to size the budget around the flat price and the CPF balance, and then find that the contractor's quote has to be paid in cash on top.
Illustration with invented numbers: you have $70,000 in cash and a renovation quote of $50,000. That leaves $20,000 of cash for every other cash cost in the purchase, such as any cash portion of the downpayment and any other cost CPF does not cover. The OA balance does not change that arithmetic. If the cash does not stretch, the options are a smaller renovation scope, a later renovation, or a separate bank facility, whose terms you should check directly with the bank.
Renovation of an HDB flat is also subject to HDB's renovation rules and permits, so read the HDB renovation guide before you sign a quote.
What about HDB upgrading costs?
These are different from renovation. CPF Board says you can use OA savings for HDB upgrading costs and for a recess area purchase. For upgrading costs you can make a lump sum payment either online through HDB's website with Singpass, which CPF Board says takes three working days from HDB's request, or in person at an HDB branch with the CPF withdrawal form, which takes three to five working days. If you want to pay upgrading costs in monthly instalments, approach HDB directly.
Sources and references
Official sources, checked on 3 November 2026.
- CPF Board, Can I use my CPF savings for renovation and repairs of my property?
- CPF Board, Can I use my CPF savings to pay for HDB upgrading costs or the recess area of my HDB flat?
- CPF Board, Using your CPF to buy a property under the Housing Scheme
Frequently asked questions
Can I use CPF to pay my renovation contractor?
No. CPF Board says CPF savings cannot be used for renovation, improvement or repair work for your property.
Can I use CPF for repairs, not just renovation?
No. The CPF Board statement covers renovation, improvement and repair work for your property.
Can I use CPF for stamp duty and legal fees?
Yes. CPF Board lists stamp and legal fees among the costs that Ordinary Account savings can be used for when buying a home.
Can I use CPF for HDB upgrading costs?
Yes. CPF Board says you can use OA savings for HDB upgrading costs, as a lump sum through HDB's website or in person at an HDB branch.
Where does renovation money have to come from?
From your own cash savings. CPF Board advises planning your finances so you have enough cash to cover renovation and repair expenses.
Budgeting cash for a purchase and renovation?
Winfred can help you map the cash you need at each stage, so renovation does not surprise you after the keys.
Book a free 30 minute strategy call WhatsApp WinfredWinfred Quek is an Associate Marketing Consultant at Crestbrick Pte Ltd (CEA Licence No. L3010886H). CEA R073319H. This page is for general information only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Verify current figures with IRAS, HDB, CPF Board or MAS before making any decision.