CPF Ordinary Account (OA) is the primary source for Singapore property downpayments and ongoing mortgage instalments. Key 2026 rules: OA earns 2.5% per annum (4% for funds above first S$20k); maximum private property withdrawal is 120% of property value; HDB usage allowed up to 100% of price; CPF OA cannot be used for properties whose remaining lease does not cover the youngest buyer until age 95; accrued interest (2.5% compounded) must be returned to OA on property sale.
CPF account structure
| Account | Property-related use | Interest rate |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Account (OA) | Housing payments, instalments | 2.5% p.a. (4% on first S$20k combined) |
| Special Account (SA) | Retirement only | 4% p.a. |
| MediSave | Healthcare only | 4% p.a. |
| Retirement Account (RA) | From age 55; CPF LIFE | 4% p.a. |
2026 Key figures: BRS S$110,200, FRS S$220,400, ERS S$440,800. Source: CPF Board.
CPF for property: usage rules
| Property type | Max OA usage | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| HDB resale (first) | Up to 100% of purchase | Sufficient OA balance; lease covers youngest buyer to age 95 |
| Private condo (first, bank loan) | Up to 120% of property value (with retention rule) | 5% cash component still required |
| HDB Concessionary Loan | Full CPF allowed (0% cash needed) | Standard HDB rules |
| Stamp duties (BSD, ABSD) | Payable from OA | — |
CPF contribution rates (2026)
Ordinary Wage (OW) ceiling: S$7,400/month (raised Jan 2025 from S$6,800). Wages above ceiling attract no CPF.
| Age band | Employee | Employer | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21-55 | 20% | 17% | 37% |
| 55-60 | 15% | 15% | 30% |
| 60-65 | 9% | 9% | 18% |
| 65+ | 7.5% | 7.5% | 15% |
Accrued interest mechanic
Every dollar withdrawn from OA for property accrues 2.5% per annum compounded interest while you own the property. When you sell, the principal plus accrued interest must return to OA.
Example: S$100,000 OA used in 2010 → in 2026 (16 years), accrued interest = S$52,160; total return to OA = S$152,160.
CPF for property lifecycle
- Buy: Use OA for downpayment + stamp duties + monthly mortgage
- Hold: Monthly OA contributions continue paying mortgage; accrued interest builds
- Sell: Principal + accrued interest returns to OA; cash proceeds remain with seller
- Reuse: OA can be redeployed for new property, or left to compound
- Retire (55+): Excess OA above retirement sums can be withdrawn; lower OA contribution rates
Related guides
FAQ
Can I use CPF SA for property?
No. Only OA can be used for housing.
Does accrued interest go to me as cash?
No. Accrued interest returns to OA — your own CPF balance grows.
What if sale proceeds are below CPF used?
You must top up the shortfall from cash savings. CPF refund is mandatory.