HDB HFE Letter Explained: Application takes 1 month
The HFE letter gives you a comprehensive overview of your housing budget and options.
By Isabelle Liew -
The HDB Flat Eligibility (HFE) letter is a new, single-step application that replaced the old HDB Loan Eligibility (HLE) letter. It’s designed to streamline the entire flat-buying process for you. The HFE letter gives you a comprehensive overview of your housing budget and options before you even start looking for a flat. It tells you exactly how much you can afford to pay for a flat, the type of housing grants you can get, and the amount of HDB loan you’re eligible for.
This new system is meant to save you time and effort. Instead of submitting separate applications for a loan and for grants at different stages of your flat purchase, you can now get a full financial assessment in one go. The HFE letter is valid for a generous nine months, giving you plenty of time to find your dream home.
HFE Application and Eligibility
Applying for an HFE letter is a crucial first step for anyone looking to buy a flat directly from HDB (like a BTO) or from the resale market. You can submit your application via the HDB Flat Portal. The process can take around a month or more, so it’s a good idea to apply well in advance.
HFE Eligibility
The HFE application automatically assesses your eligibility for a flat purchase, as well as for housing grants and a loan. The system looks at several factors, including your income, family nucleus, and citizenship status to determine what you qualify for. You can use the preliminary HFE check on the HDB portal to get a quick estimate of your eligibility and budget before committing to a full application.
HFE Application Status
Once you’ve submitted your application, you can easily check your HFE application status through the HDB Flat Portal. This allows you to track its progress and see when it’s ready.
If you change your mind or your circumstances change, you can cancel your HFE application at any time through the portal. Just be aware that if you want to re-apply later, you’ll have to go through the full process again.
Finally, the HFE calculator is a handy tool on the HDB portal that helps you work out your estimated monthly mortgage repayments based on your income and loan amount. This gives you a clear picture of what your financial commitment will look like and helps you budget effectively for your new home.