How much cash do I need to upgrade from an HDB flat to a condominium in Singapore?

At minimum you need 5% of the purchase price in cash for the downpayment, plus Buyer’s Stamp Duty in cash upfront (reimbursable from CPF afterwards). If you buy before selling your flat, add 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty upfront, which is refundable only if you sell the flat within six months and meet every other condition.

Does the CPF I used for my HDB flat come back to me as cash when I sell?

No. The CPF principal you withdrew, plus the accrued interest of 2.5% a year compounded over the whole period of ownership, is refunded to your CPF Ordinary Account, not to your bank account. You can use it for the next property, but it cannot pay a cash stamp duty bill.

Should I sell my HDB flat before buying a condominium?

Selling first avoids paying Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty upfront and gives you certainty over your proceeds, but you may need interim accommodation. Buying first preserves your choice of property and suits new launches on progressive payments, but requires 20% ABSD in cash which is only refunded if the flat is sold within six months.

FAQ

Questions about upgrading and asset progression

Upgrading is an arithmetic problem before it is a property problem. The sale proceeds, the CPF refund with accrued interest, the ABSD timing and the loan ceiling all have to land in the same month, and the order they happen in decides whether the move is comfortable or forced. These guides do that arithmetic in full.

3 questions · drawn from 1 guide · last verified 1 August 2026 · answered by Renee Sim, CEA R042407F

How much cash do I need to upgrade from an HDB flat to a condominium in Singapore?: At minimum you need 5% of the purchase price in cash for the downpayment, plus Buyer’s Stamp Duty in cash upfront (reimbursable from CPF afterwards). If you buy before selling your flat, add 20% Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty upfront, which is refundable only if you sell the flat within six months and meet every other condition.
Does the CPF I used for my HDB flat come back to me as cash when I sell?: No. The CPF principal you withdrew, plus the accrued interest of 2.5% a year compounded over the whole period of ownership, is refunded to your CPF Ordinary Account, not to your bank account. You can use it for the next property, but it cannot pay a cash stamp duty bill.
Should I sell my HDB flat before buying a condominium?: Selling first avoids paying Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty upfront and gives you certainty over your proceeds, but you may need interim accommodation. Buying first preserves your choice of property and suits new launches on progressive payments, but requires 20% ABSD in cash which is only refunded if the flat is sold within six months.

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