HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (2023)

Thinking of buying an HDB flat soon? You will need an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter before you set off on your home buying journey. HFE letter streamlines the flat buying process. With the HFE letter, you will know upfront your eligibility to:

  • Buy a new and/ or resale flat
  • Receive CPF housing grants, and the amount
  • Take up an HDB housing loan, and the amount

💡 If you are interested in taking up a loan from financial institution (FI), you can also concurrently apply for an In-Principle Approval from participating FIs when applying for an HFE letter. The letterwill also give you an indicative loan assessment.

When will I need an HFE letter?

You will need a valid HFE letter when you:

  • Apply for a flat from HDB during a sales launch or open booking of flats
  • Obtain an Option to Purchase from a flat seller for a resale flat, and when you submit a resale application to HDB.

💡 The HFE letter helps you make an informed decision and reduces the guesswork as you plan the budget for your flat. We encourage you to plan ahead and apply for the HFE letter early – after all, the HFE letter is valid for 6 months.

What happened to the HLE letter?

The HFE letter replaces the old HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter. Whereas buyers’ eligibility to buy an HDB flat, receive grants, and take up a housing loan used to be assessed at various stages in the flat buying journey, the process is now streamlined into a single application for greater convenience.

If you are currently in the midst of buying a flat, learn more about whether, and when, you would need an HFE letter.

How do I apply for an HFE letter?

There are just 2 steps to apply for an HFE letter:

  • Step 1: Preliminary HFE Check. Based on the information you provide, you will receive a quick overview of your eligibility to buy an HDB flat, receive CPF housing grants, and take up an HDB housing loan. This is a preliminary assessment to guide your financial planning. If you have decided to buy a flat, proceed to the next step to apply for an HFE letter.
  • Step 2: Apply for an HFE Letter. Note that you will need to apply for an HFE letter within 30 calendar days of starting the preliminary HFE check. If not, you will need to start the preliminary HFE check afresh. You can use your HFE letter to work out your flat budget before beginning your home search.

💡 If you can, apply for the HFE letter within the same calendar month that you started the preliminary HFE check. Otherwise, you will need to update the employment details for all persons listed in your application.

(Video) How to Apply for HDB Flat Eligibility Letter? What is HFE HDB? Difference with HLE? All About HFE

You will be guided along both Step 1 and Step 2 by the HDB Flat Portal. Remember to have the required information (e.g. Singpass login info and details of all applicants and/ or occupiers) ready for a smoother process.

Read on to understand what you need to note for each step in the HFE process.

Step 1: Preliminary HFE check
Provide your household particulars and income details
Submit declarations
State housing loan intent
Review details and receive preliminary HFE assessment

Step 2: Apply for an HFE letter
Choose loan options
Provide additional details
Review details
Upload documents
Submit application

Step 1: Preliminary HFE Check

Provide your household particulars and income details

Begin by logging in on the HDB Flat Portal with your Singpass. You can save time by using Myinfo to retrieve your particulars, and update them if there are any changes. You will also need to enter the particulars of the co-applicants and occupiers in the application.

💡 If you need more time, you can save a draft copy at any time during your application. The draft will be available for 30 calendar days from the date you start the preliminary HFE check.

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (1)

Next, provide the employment details, monthly income and bonuses received for all persons listed in the application.

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (2)

Submit declarations

You will then need to declare any interest in private properties for all persons listed in the application.

(Video) Guide to Applying for an HDB BTO Flat (2023) | PropertyGuru

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (3)

State housing loan intent

Indicate whether you intend to take up a housing loan for the flat purchase. If you do, you will also need to declare any monthly financial commitments, such as instalment plans, bills, insurance premiums, and other loan payments.

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (4)

Review details and receive preliminary HFE assessment

Finally, review the information you have provided. Pro-tip: If you want to make any changes after this, you will need to start the preliminary HFE check afresh – so make sure the information is accurate.

You will then receive a preliminary assessment of your eligibility to buy a new and resale flat, receive CPF housing grants, and take up an HDB housing loan. You can log back into the HDB Flat Portal to view your preliminary HFE assessment anytime within the next 30 days.

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (5)

💡 If you are eligible for an HDB housing loan, you can also compare different loan scenarios, including the monthly instalments and interest payable, based on different loan amounts and repayment periods.

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (6)

If there are any changes to the information provided (such as your employment, income, or ownership of private properties), you must start your preliminary HFE check afresh.

If you have decided to buy an HDB flat, you will need to proceed to Step 2, which is to apply for an HFE letter. This must be done within 30 calendar days from starting your preliminary HFE check.

Step 2: Apply for an HFE Letter

Choose loan options

(Video) From 9 May 2023 - New HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter for all BTOs and resale flats

Start your application by logging in to the HDB Flat Portal using your Singpass.

You will first need to confirm whether you intend to take up a housing loan to buy a flat. The option you previously indicated in your preliminary HFE check will be displayed. If you change your mind, you may select a different option.

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (7)

If you wish to take up a housing loan to finance your flat purchase, you can:

  • View your eligibility for an HDB housing loan and the different loan scenarios
  • Find out more about the considerations in taking up a housing loan from financial institutions (FIs)

💡 As with the preliminary HFE check, you can save a draft if you need more time to complete the application. Your draft will be available for 30 calendar days from the date you start the preliminary HFE check.

Did you know that you will also be able to compare housing loan packages from HDB and the participating FIs, and request an In-Principle Approval (IPA) for a housing loan from the FIs? The IPA will provide you with the FI’s indicative loan assessment.

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (8)

Provide additional details

Next, provide your particulars. To speed things up, you can use Myinfo to retrieve your:

  • Particulars and contact details
  • CPF contribution history over the past 15 months
  • Latest Notice of Assessment from IRAS
HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (9)

Review details

Before submitting your application, review your particulars, income details, and information regarding your household’s ownership of private property declared during your preliminary HFE check. If there are any changes, you must start your preliminary HFE check afresh.

Next, review your chosen financing option and loan provider(s), if you are taking a housing loan. If you need to make any changes, only Applicant 1 can do so by returning to “Choose loan options”.

(Video) 10 Steps HDB Flat buying process with the new HFE, by Elle Chen

Finally, please go through the terms and conditions of the application.

Once you are ready, digitally endorse all the information provided. To submit the application, all applicants and occupiers, if any, must log in using Singpass to verify their details and declarations.

HDB | MNH – A Guide to Applying for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter (10)

Upload documents

Once all applicants and occupiers have endorsed the application, you will be advised on any supporting documents required.

Submit application

After you have uploaded the required documents and submitted your application, you will see an acknowledgment page. HDB will contact you if any additional information is required for your application. To check the status of your application, you can log in to the HDB Flat Portal at any time.

Typically, HDB will send you the HFE letter within 21 working days of receiving your complete application though the processing time may be longer during peak periods, such as in the months of and before a sales launch.

If you applied for an IPA from the participating FIs, they will liaise with you directly on the outcome of your IPA application. You will be able to confirm the FI’s loan offer through the HDB Flat Portal after securing a flat.

Receive HFE letter

When your HFE letter is ready, you will be notified via SMS to log in to the HDB Flat Portal.

The HFE letter is valid for 6 months. With an HFE letter, you can:

(Video) HFE to Replace HLE

  • Apply for a flat from HDB: Check out our guide to buying an HDB BTO flat.
  • Start looking for a resale flat: Read more in our guide to buying a resale HDB flat.

FAQs

What is the meaning of HFE in HDB? ›

Application for an HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) Letter. Official website links end with .gov.sg.

What is the difference between HFE and HLE? ›

The HFE letter, which will replace the current HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter, will inform flat buyers upfront of their eligibility for a new or resale flat purchase, CPF housing grants, and HDB housing loan, including the respective grant and loan amounts.

Can I buy HDB if I have overseas property? ›

In Singapore, it is prohibited to buy a Housing Development Board (HDB) flat if you already own real estate. In this context, real estate includes other HDB flats and both local and overseas private properties.

Can PR buy HDB after 35? ›

If you are single, 35 years old and older, you can purchase an HDB flat and may be eligible for housing grants. Here's a comprehensive guide for singles looking to buy an HDB flat. A Build-To-Order (BTO) flat is priced lower than comparable resale flats in the same area, offering an affordable option for home buyers.

What does HFE mean in safety? ›

Human factors engineering (HFE) is a discipline concerned with the design of tools, machines, and systems that take into account human capabilities, limitations, and characteristics. The goals are to design for safe, comfortable, and effective human use.

What does the acronym HFE stand for? ›

HFE, at human factors engineering See all meanings.

What does HFE positive mean? ›

Mutations (C282Y or H63D) are found in the HFE gene test. Abnormal results are called positive. An abnormal test result does not mean that you have hemochromatosis or that you will have hemochromatosis. It means that you have a mutation in the HFE gene.

What is HFE classification? ›

hFE is a transistor parameter that denotes its gain ratio.

In technical terms, hFE for a transistor is the gain ratio of the collector current (output) divided by the base current (input). This gain is measured in a transistor circuit called the Common Emitter with a specific Collector Current and Collector Voltage.

Does everyone have the HFE gene? ›

A gene called HFE is most often the cause of hereditary hemochromatosis. You inherit one HFE gene from each of your parents.

Can a Singapore citizen with foreigner buy HDB flat? ›

Can foreigners own HDB in Singapore? Foreigners may not purchase HDB flats, but they can buy Executive Condominiums (ECs) that are at least 10 years old.

Can Singapore citizen and foreigner buy HDB? ›

Foreigners are not allowed to purchase new HDB flats such as Build-To-Order Flats (BTOs) or Sale of Balance Flats (SBFs) regardless or not if they're a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR).

Can foreigners buy HDB property in Singapore? ›

ECs become available to PRs after 5 years, and will be fully privatised and available to foreigners after 10 years. Foreigners who are not PRs will not be eligible to buy HDB flats – that is, if they are buying alone.

Can PR buy HDB immediately? ›

Your only options are a resale HDB flat or private property. Single PRs cannot buy an HDB flat, including resale flats. If you're a foreigner and want to buy an executive condo, you'll need to wait 10 years after the date of the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP).

What is the age limit for HDB? ›

They must also buy flats that they can call home until age 95 (based on HDB's maximum 99-year-old lease). Those whose flats fail to meet this condition will have their subsidies prorated based on the extent that the flat's remaining lease can cover them until that age.

How much cash you need to buy resale HDB? ›

You may use your CPF savings to pay for the initial payment. If you are taking a housing loan from a financial institution (FI), at least 5% of the initial payment have to be in cash. You may use your CPF savings to pay for the balance purchase price. The monthly payments will start after the resale completion.

How do you test for HFE? ›

Doctors usually order blood tests to check for the gene mutations link that cause hemochromatosis. Finding two copies of the HFE link gene with the C282Y mutation confirms the diagnosis of primary hemochromatosis. Doctors usually order blood tests to check for the gene mutations that cause hemochromatosis.

What is the typical value of HFE? ›

hFE is also called βF, the forward DC current gain. It is often simply written as β, and is usually in the range of 10 to 500 (most often near 100). hFE is affected by temperature and current.

What is the treatment for HFE? ›

The treatment consists of phlebotomy, which during the preclinical stage and in the early clinical stage will ensure a normal survival rate. Since the symptoms and organ damages are often irreversible, it is important that treatment is started early, namely before symptoms and organ dysfunction have developed.

What is HFE vs HFE? ›

'h' is for hybrid, 'f' is forward, 'e' is for common Emitter. The difference between hFE and hfe is: FE is for a fixed DC bias and a fixed DC current gain (and that must be specified for each value of hFE). hfe is the small signal AC current gain (and it is also specified for a given bias). hfe is frequency dependant.

Where is HFE expressed? ›

HFE protein has been detected in various cell types. It is expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract as well as in macrophages and monocytes [4], [5].

What is the full name of HFE gene? ›

The hemochromatosis gene HFE was discovered in 1996, more than a century after clinical and pathologic manifestations of hemochromatosis were reported. Linked to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on chromosome 6p, HFE encodes the MHC class I-like protein HFE that binds beta-2 microglobulin.

How long does it take to get HFE test results? ›

You will receive the results of this test within 4-6 weeks. If the test confirms that you have genetic haemochromatosis, either your GP or a genetic counsellor will contact you to explain the results.

What are the common variants of HFE? ›

The most common form of adult HH has been linked to variants (C282Y, H63D, and S65C) of the HFE gene, which codes for a protein responsible for iron regulation. Allele frequency varies by ethnicity.

What type of mutation is HFE? ›

Mutations in the HFE (hemochromatosis) gene cause hereditary hemochromatosis, an iron overload disorder that is hallmarked by excessive accumulation of iron in parenchymal organs.

What is the current gain factor? ›

Current Gain : It is the ratio of change in collector current to the change in emitter current, denoted by α , its value is near to unity. It is also defined as the ac current gain.

What does current gain mean? ›

The current gain for the common-base configuration is defined as the change in collector current divided by the change in emitter current when the base-to-collector voltage is constant.

What is the formula for current gain? ›

Current gain and voltage gain Ai = Pac dI iB Current gain (AI) is defined as the ratio of the output current to the input current of the transistor. For CE amplifier in forward active region, A; = Bac = dic – ic Voltage gain (Ay) is defined as the ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage of the transistor.

What diseases are caused by the HFE gene? ›

Hereditary hemochromatosis is most commonly caused by certain variants in the HFE gene. If you inherit two of these variants, one from each parent, you have hereditary hemochromatosis and are at risk for developing high iron levels.

What disease is too much iron? ›

Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years. This build-up of iron, known as iron overload, can cause unpleasant symptoms. If it is not treated, this can damage parts of the body such as the liver, joints, pancreas and heart.

How common is the HFE gene? ›

1 in 4 (25%) chance the baby will inherit 2 copies of the faulty HFE gene and will be at risk of developing haemochromatosis.

Can I buy HDB without my wife? ›

Can a married Singaporean buy an HDB flat alone? A married person cannot buy an HDB flat under his or her name alone. The spouse must either be a co-owner or an occupant of the flat.

Can a Singaporean own 2 HDB flats? ›

Singaporean Citizens cannot concurrently own two HDBs, so your second home will be a private condominium or house.

Who can apply for HDB flat in Singapore? ›

The proposed owners must be at least 21 years old. The proposed owners can either be a Singapore Citizen (SC) or a Singapore Permanent Resident (SPR), with another owner or occupier who is an SC or SPR.

Can a US citizen buy a house in Singapore? ›

Can Foreigners Buy Property in Singapore? In short: yes. Although the local government policies favour citizens, you don't need to be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident to buy property in Singapore. There are restrictions as to what you can buy as a foreigner, though.

Can foreigner buy second hand property in Singapore? ›

Under the Residential Property Act, a foreigner can buy both public housing and private properties.

Can 2 friends buy a house together in Singapore? ›

Type of Co-ownership and Limitations

However, this highly depends on the type of co-ownership both you and your friend choose. In Singapore, there are two types of co-ownership for any property (public or private): joint tenancy or tenancy-in-common.

How much is foreigner tax for buying house in Singapore? ›

Moving to Singapore as a foreigner just got a lot more expensive. On Thursday, the city-state doubled its Additional Buyer's Stamp Duty, Bloomberg reported. Now foreign home buyers will have to pay a 60 percent duty, the highest property-tax rate in the world.

Can you buy a house without an agent Singapore? ›

Of course, whether or not you hire a property agent is entirely up to you; even when buying an HDB flat, the HDB does not require you to have an agent. It is, however, less risky for a first-time buyer if he has an agent, while a more experienced buyer can easily navigate the process without one.

What is the tax on buying property in Singapore? ›

The so-called additional buyer's stamp duty, or ABSD, will be raised from 17 % to 20% for Singapore citizens buying their second residential property, and from 25% to 30% for those buying their third and subsequent property, the statement said.

How long does it take to get HDB approval? ›

If the application and documents are in order, we will notify you and the sellers of HDB's acceptance of the application via SMS or email. Thereafter, it will take about 8 weeks to process the application and complete the transaction.

What is the average HDB waiting time? ›

About one to 1.5 years before a BTO project is designed, the HDB works with various agencies to finalise the requirements.

How long is the process to buy HDB? ›

Resale completion is about 8 weeks from the date of HDB's acceptance of the resale application. This is the earliest possible date to complete the transaction.

What is HDB 5 year rule? ›

HDB MOP is a rule that restricts you from selling or renting out the entire flat during the first five years of moving in. During the MOP, you are also not allowed to buy another private property.

Can I buy HDB with my daughter? ›

Under the HDB rules, an SPR can only buy a resale HDB flat with another SPR or SC under two schemes: the HDB Public Scheme, which is buying with a family unit (i.e. spouse, children, siblings, parents), or the Fiancé/Fiancée Scheme, which is well, your fiancé or fiancée.

Can you inherit HDB flat? ›

Can I inherit an HDB flat if I already own an HDB? In short, yes. You can inherit it, but you would have to sell your interest in one of the two HDBs. This is because anyone can own only one HDB flat at a time.

What is the downpayment for HDB? ›

Downpayment
Housing Loan from HDB/ Not taking any loanHousing Loan from Financial Institution (FI)
Loan-To-Value (LTV) Limit of 75%
Downpayment at signing of Agreement for Lease10% using CPF Ordinary Account savings or cashMinimum 5% cash payment Remaining 15% using CPF Ordinary Account savings or cash
1 more row

Should I empty my CPF for HDB? ›

Who is it for? CPF members who purchase an HDB flat and take an HDB loan can choose to retain up to $20,000 in their Ordinary Account (OA), with the remainder going towards their housing loan payment. Buyers taking a bank loan can choose to retain any amount of their OA savings.

What is first-time HDB buyers? ›

First-time home buyers can choose to buy a flat directly from HDB at a subsidised rate, or a resale flat from the open market with the help of housing grants. Resale prices have risen from 2020 to 2022, driven largely by cyclical, broad-based demand for public housing and COVID-19 related factors.

What does HFE stand for in business? ›

Major global operating companies are progressively adopting the human factors engineering (HFE) discipline to ensure quality, safety, and fit-for-purpose equipment and facilities.

What is HFE in project management? ›

Definition: Human Factors Engineering (HFE) is the application of human factors knowledge to the design and construction of equipment, products, work systems, management systems and tasks.

What does the HFE gene do? ›

The HFE gene provides instructions for producing a protein that is located on the surface of cells, primarily liver and intestinal cells. The HFE protein is also found on some immune system cells. The HFE protein interacts with other proteins on the cell surface to detect the amount of iron in the body.

What does HBD property stand for? ›

HDB property means any property which was sold or leased by the Housing and Development Board under the Housing and Development Act (Cap.

What are abbreviations in business? ›

Business abbreviations are shortened versions of words and phrases that convey meaning in professional messages or correspondence. Business abbreviations can make it easy to send quick messages between colleagues and can help streamline communications in the office.

What is the abbreviation for also known as in business? ›

A.K.A. is the abbreviation of “also known as.” It is often used to specify a party's aliases or nicknames in a case.

What is the abbreviations for company? ›

"Co" is just an abbreviation for the word "company." A company is an association of people working in a commercial business. This can be a limited liability company, sole proprietorship, or another structure. Abbreviating "company" as "co" does not have a specific meaning regarding a business's legal structure.

What is the range of hFE? ›

hFE is also called βF, the forward DC current gain. It is often simply written as β, and is usually in the range of 10 to 500 (most often near 100). hFE is affected by temperature and current.

Why is hFE important in job design? ›

HFE accounts for the strengths and weaknesses of humans during the design of interactive products to ensure efficiency and safety by reducing the risk of user error. Ergonomics and usability engineering (UE) are some other common terms that can be used interchangeably with human factors engineering.

What is the difference between hFE and beta? ›

Transistor gain summary

Beta; β: This is the basic notation for the forward current gain of a transistor and it is widely used in many electronic circuit design calculations. hfe: This is the current gain for a transistor expressed as an h parameter (hybrid parameter).

What are the symptoms of HFE? ›

Early symptoms of hereditary hemochromatosis may include extreme tiredness (fatigue), joint pain, abdominal pain, weight loss, and loss of sex drive. As the condition worsens, affected individuals may develop arthritis, liver disease (cirrhosis) or liver cancer, diabetes, heart abnormalities, or skin discoloration.

What does it mean when a property is under H&B? ›

HB: In real estate listings, HB stands for “half bath,” which means that the listed property has a bathroom with a toilet and sink (rather than an FB, or full bath, which also includes a bath or shower setup).

What does HB mean in a house listing? ›

FB — Full bathroom. A bathroom with a toilet, sink and shower and/or bathtub. HB — Half bathroom. A bathroom with only a toilet and sink. Also known as a powder room.

What does BB stand for in real estate? ›

BB: Baseboard. BR; BD: Bedroom. Bsmt; Bmt: Basement.

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