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Hi there, my mom (unemployed and widowed as my dad has passed on 2 years ago) and I (recently married) are currently staying in a 5-room resale flat, for the past 23 years, and the flat has been fully paid years prior to my dad's passing.

My husband and I are intending to submit a joint application with my mom, for 2 flats in a single BTO project, under the Multi Gen Priority Scheme (MGPS) for the upcoming July launch.

Would my mom still have to apply for the HFE letter if she intends to sell off the 5-room resale we're currently in, to purchase a 3-room BTO in the launch. Looking forward to your clarification, thanks.
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10 Answers

Hi Nurafiana,

Yes HFE is required as long as your mum intends to buy a HDB flat regardless or whether it is a BTO or resale flat. Try to apply for the HFE early because there is always a surge in applications closer to the BTO launch date.

Please feel free to contact me if you need any further clarifications.

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Nick Tan
(M) +65 96 44 48 54
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Hello,

The HFE application evaluates an applicant's eligibility for both the Housing Grant and housing application, as well as their credit status. This step is crucial for anyone looking to move forward with the purchase of an HDB unit.

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Hi Nurafiana

Yes regardless of BTO or resale purchase, there will be a need for HFE letter now as it is the required first step to confirm buying eligibility and any potential grants available for the hdb purchase. She will have to apply a HFE letter on her own, whereas you and spouse have to apply an HFE letter together as well. With the HFE letters, while applying the BTO launch, there will be a section where you can indicate which priority scheme you like to apply under.

Hope the above clarifies. I am well-versed with HDB and private property transactions, having helped more than 100 homeowners transit smoothly with their housing plans. Please reach out to me at 97432395  for a more in-depth discussion :)

May I have more info on your requirements so as to make better recommendations? Thanks and looking forward to chat more

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Dear mdm,

HFE letter is mandatory for anyone intending to purchase HDB whether BTO/SBF/resale.

MGPS involves 2 flat applications (parent + married child), and both households must have valid HFE letters to apply.

Your mom needs one for her own 3-room flat application, and you + husband need one for your unit.

What your mom can do:
Apply for the HFE letter now, as part of the July launch preparation.

During the HFE application, declare her current flat ownership, and state intent to sell.

HDB will factor this into the eligibility assessment.

Since the flat is fully paid up, there should be no outstanding loan complications.

Additional tips:
Once your mom sells the flat before key collection, she’ll comply with HDB’s rule of not owning another flat when taking possession of a new one.

Ensure the sale and purchase timelines are coordinated — some families opt for temporary extension of stay after selling, while waiting for BTO completion. Read More
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  • NN
    Hi Geryl, thank you for the most comprehensive answers. Appreciate it greatly!

    May I ask further, at which part of the HFE or Prelim HFE letter application does my mom "declare her current flat ownership, and state intent to sell"?

    As during the Prelim HFE letter application, it merely seeks my mom's employment status, which unfairly resulted in her eligibility for only the 2-room Flexi unit option.

    Hence, would like to clarify, how do we ensure that from the Prelim HFE or HFE letter application process, my mom would be stated as eligible for the 3-room unit option as well, given the fact that she's about to sell off her 5-room flat which ideally would aid in her paying off the upcoming BTO purchase fully?

    Looking forward to your helpful response once more, thanks!
Tan Pei Cheng (Pei)
I would be glad to assist you.
Feel free to contact me at wa.me/6597100155
Hope to hear from you soon.
Pei Mobile: (65) 9 7 1 0 0 1 5 5.
Email: peicheng.tan@propnex.com
Associate Group Director
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd Read More
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Hi Yes, HFE is required to purchase HDB flats, do contact me at 97970200  to understand more and discuss.

Mark, your RIGHT choice
Propnex Read More
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Hi,

Yes HFE is required as long as she wants to buy an unit.

This platform does not allow me to contact you directly so kindly contact me at https://wa.me/6597261112 I would be glad to assist you further.

Thank you and best regards,

Jenny Tran
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd
(HP) +65 97261112 
(Email) jenny.tran@propnex.com
BSc (Real Estate) (Hons)-NUS

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1. Your mum must apply for an HFE regardless of buying a BTO or resale HDB flat.
2. Submit the HFE application early to avoid delays caused by high demand near BTO launch periods.
3. The HFE process checks eligibility for housing grants, flat applications, and credit standing—essential for progressing with the purchase.

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Tan Pei Cheng (Pei)
I would be glad to assist you.
Feel free to contact me at wa.me/6597100155
Hope to hear from you soon.
Pei Mobile: (65) 9 7 1 0 0 1 5 5.
Email: peicheng.tan@propnex.com
Associate Group Director
Propnex Realty Pte Ltd Read More
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Hi,

1) Your mom as a single is only eligible to buy a 2-rm flexi BTO flat and not a 3-rm BTO flat.
2) A single is only eligible for 3-rm and bigger resale flats.
3) In today's context, all personnel who intend to buy an HDB flat, be it a BTO, SBF, or resale flat, have to apply for an HFE.
4) The HFE will indicate the types of flats eligible to, loan amount if required, grants available, etc. for the applicant's reference.
5) If she can settle for a 2-rm flexi flat, then, you will enjoy the highest priority in your BTO application.
6) Your mon has the option to dispose of the current flat now or within 6 months after key collection of the BTO.
7) Point (6) is valid provided your mom has the financial capacity to pay for the downpayment of the BTO (25%), buyer stamp duty (~3%), and legal fees at the point of signing the lease agreement.

All the best!

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Hope the above answers your main concerns, but if there are more queries, please feel free to contact me at 90110636  , or email: ling.ck7@gmail.com if more information is needed.
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