What CPF can pay for
| Item | CPF allowed? |
|---|---|
| Booking fee (5%) | No, cash only |
| Down payment (15%) | Yes (OA) |
| Buyer’s Stamp Duty | Yes, subject to limits |
| Legal fees | Yes |
| Monthly instalments | Yes |
| Renovation | No |
The limits
- Valuation Limit (VL): the lower of price or valuation at purchase. You can use CPF freely up to this amount.
- Withdrawal Limit (WL): 120% of VL. Beyond the VL, you can continue only if you have set aside the Basic Retirement Sum.
- Age-95 rule: full CPF usage applies only if the remaining lease covers the youngest buyer to age 95. Otherwise usage is pro-rated.
The age-95 rule and older condos
Pro-rated usage = (remaining lease − 20) ÷ (95 − youngest buyer’s age − 20).
| Remaining lease | Buyer aged 30 | Buyer aged 40 |
|---|---|---|
| 99 years (One Chuan Grove) | 100% | 100% |
| 83 years (The Scala) | 100% | 100% |
| 68 years (The Springbloom) | 100% | 100% |
| 64 years (Chiltern Park) | 98% | 100% |
| 54 years (Chiltern Park in 10 yrs) | 76% | 97% |
The problem is less about you today and more about your future buyer. Check any age and lease with the CPF lease calculator.
When you sell: CPF refunds
When you sell a property, the CPF principal you used plus accrued interest (2.5% p.a.) is refunded to your OA before you receive any cash. For HDB upgraders, that refund can be used again for your condo. See the HDB sale proceeds calculator.
General information only. CPF rules can change. Check the CPF Board website or the CPF home-purchase planner for your situation.