Rates and thresholds change. The current figures are kept in one place: the Singapore property rules reference.
The downpayment for an HDB flat is 25% on either loan, but the cash requirement depends on which loan you take, and the gap is bigger than most first time buyers expect.
HDB loan vs bank loan downpayment
| Item | HDB loan (resale) | Bank loan |
|---|---|---|
| Loan to Value (LTV) | 75% | 75% |
| Downpayment | 25% | 25% |
| Minimum cash | None, can be all CPF or cash | 5% of price, must be cash |
The same 75% cap applies to a BTO flat from the October 2024 sales exercise onwards, so the HDB loan and the bank loan differ in cash needed (none for an HDB loan, 5% for a bank loan), not in the amount you can borrow.
Worked example
On a $600,000 resale flat with an HDB loan, the 25% downpayment is $150,000, and it can come entirely from CPF Ordinary Account savings, no cash required. The HDB loan caps LTV at 75%, so you borrow $450,000. With a bank loan instead, the downpayment is also $150,000, but at least $30,000 (5%) must be cash, and you borrow the same $450,000 at 75% LTV.
The catch
Switching from an HDB loan to a bank loan is possible anytime. Switching back from a bank loan to an HDB loan is permanently blocked, so the decision at the start is not fully reversible.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use all CPF and no cash for an HDB loan downpayment?
Yes, for a resale flat on an HDB concessionary loan, the 25% downpayment has no mandatory cash component; it can come entirely from your CPF Ordinary Account if you have enough. A bank loan requires at least 5% in cash.
Can I switch from a bank loan back to an HDB loan later?
No. You can switch from an HDB loan to a bank loan at any time, but the reverse, switching from a bank loan back to an HDB concessionary loan, is permanently blocked.
Deciding between an HDB loan and a bank loan?
Winfred models both against your actual CPF balance and cash position before you commit.
Book a free 30 minute 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. Rates and rules reflect the position as at 5 Aug 2026; verify current figures with IRAS, HDB, or MAS before making any decision.