Housing & Development Board (HDB)
Staggered Downpayment Scheme
Guidance and payment options for signing the Agreement for Lease when buying a new HDB flat, including staggered and deferred downpayment arrangements, fees, and required documents. Supports buyers with timelines, cost calculations, and conveyancing options.
Overview
The Staggered Downpayment Scheme allows eligible flat buyers to pay their downpayment in two instalments:
- First half at the Agreement for Lease signing
- Remaining half at key collection
Scheme type
Housing/ShelterGeneral Public Support
Who qualifies
Eligibility groups
Elderly
General public
What you receive
Housing/Shelter
Information services
Eligibility details
Staggered Downpayment Scheme (SDS):
- Buyers are informed at the flat booking appointment if eligible; no separate application is needed.
- Couples: Both are first-timers, or one first-timer with one second-timer; applied for an HFE letter on or before the younger applicant’s 30th birthday; booked an uncompleted 5-room or smaller flat.
- Flat owners right-sizing: Have not sold/completed the sale of existing flat at time of HFE letter application; booked an uncompleted 3-room or smaller flat.
- Young couples eligible for deferred income assessment (from the June 2024 sales exercise onwards) follow adjusted downpayment schedules as specified.
How to apply
- Book a new HDB flat and obtain an HFE letter.
- Attend the Agreement for Lease signing appointment within 9 months of booking (you will be invited by HDB).
- Prepare required documents (e.g., ICs for applicants/occupiers, passports for non-residents, children’s birth certificates) and ensure your Singpass app is available for digital IC verification if applicable.
- Make the required downpayment at signing according to your financing option and LTV, and pay stamp duty and applicable legal fees. Use cash and/or CPF OA (including eligible CPF housing grants) as allowed.
- If eligible, HDB will inform you of the Staggered Downpayment Scheme at flat booking; no separate application is required. DDS for seniors is extended automatically if criteria are met.
- Before the appointment, update HDB via MyRequest@HDB if household or financial details change (eligibility may be affected).
- If you cannot attend, appoint a Power of Attorney through a solicitor, have it executed and registered with the High Court, and submit the required POA documents to HDB at least 2 weeks before the appointment.
- Pay the remaining downpayment (and balance purchase price if no loan) at key collection, following the applicable schedule.
Agency details
Service area
Singapore
Important Information
Scheme details may change. Check the official agency website for the latest eligibility, benefits, and application information.
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