HDB Contra (ECF) Explained 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Singapore Sellers & Buyers
Selling one HDB flat while buying another can feel like a financial juggling act.
In Singapore, the HDB Enhanced Contra Facility (ECF) makes it easier.
It lets you channel your sale proceeds and CPF refunds straight into your next resale purchase — reducing the cash you need upfront and keeping your timeline steady.
With the Contra Scheme, you’re not left waiting on funds or scrambling for a bridging loan.
Instead, your move from one flat to another becomes a smoother handover, backed by HDB’s system and CPF rules.
For second-time buyers, it’s one of the most practical ways to manage both sides of the deal.
Table of Contents
What is the HDB Contra Scheme about?
How the Contra Scheme Actually Works
Think of Contra like a three-way handshake.
- – Group A – Your Buyer: pays for your current flat.
- – Group B – You: sell your flat, and at the same time buy the next one.
- – Group C – The Seller of Your Next Flat: receives payment from you.
HDB and CPF step in to route the money smoothly: - 1) Your sale proceeds and CPF refunds go straight into your next purchase.
- 2) You don’t have to wait for the cash to clear, or apply for a costly bridging loan.
- 3) The process only works if the timelines line up, so sale and purchase complete on the same day (or sale first).
That’s why HDB calls this an Enhanced Contra Facility — it enhances cashflow, not the price.
How HDB Contra (ECF) Routes Your Money
Buyer pays you → your sale proceeds & refunded CPF are routed to your next resale purchase. Some items still need to be paid separately.
Check Assumptions
Conditions & Restrictions For HDB Contra Scheme
Who Can Use the Enhanced Contra Facility
To qualify, your situation must check these boxes:
– You’re selling one HDB resale flat and buying another HDB flat at the same time.
– You’re using an HDB loan (or no loan) — bank loans are not allowed.
– Your sale completes before or on the same day as your purchase.
– You’re not an undischarged bankrupt.
When ECF is Not Allowed
– Either flat has a bank loan.
– Private solicitors are required.
– The deal is a Conversion Scheme or part-share resale.
– Both your buyer and your seller try to use Contra (only one party in the chain can).
Bottom line: Contra works best when it’s a straightforward, HDB-to-HDB move with clean financing.
Cashflow & Usage Rules For HDB Contra Scheme
How Your Money Flows Under Contra
ECF reduces upfront strain, but not everything is covered. Here’s how it works:
– All CPF refunds from your sale must go into your new flat first.
– Each buyer can keep up to $20,000 in CPF OA.
– After CPF is used, your cash proceeds are applied.
– If you’re taking a second HDB loan, you must keep the higher of $25,000 or 50% of your cash proceeds — the rest reduces your loan.
What Contra Cannot Cover
– Buyer’s Stamp Duty (BSD)
– Legal / conveyancing fees
– Valuation and admin charges
These must still be paid separately in cash or CPF savings.
How Long Does Contra Take?
With ECF, timing is fixed around HDB’s process:
– Option to Purchase (OTP): You get 21 calendar days to exercise.
– Resale Application: Once HDB accepts, the countdown begins.
– Completion: About 8 weeks later, both your sale and purchase complete — often on the same day.
If you need extra time to move out, HDB allows up to 3 months Temporary Extension of Stay — but this must be agreed with the buyer before the OTP is granted.
ECF vs Bridging vs TLS (Decision Guide)
Which route fits your move?
ECF (Enhanced Contra Facility) — Best for HDB-to-HDB resale when you want lower upfront cash and same-day completion. Uses sale proceeds + refunded CPF.
Bank Bridging Loan — Works for non-ECF cases (e.g., bank loan involved, private solicitor). Faster but costlier; short-term interest + fees.
Temporary Loan Scheme (TLS) — For new HDB flats (BTO/SBF), not resale. Short-term HDB loan to tide over completion gaps.
Quick take: If you’re resale→resale HDB with HDB loan/no loan, pick ECF. If bank financing or special legal setup is in the mix, it’s usually Bridging. If moving into a brand-new HDB, check TLS.
HDB Contra Real-World Scenarios (Case Studies).
Scenario 1: Upsizing within the same town
Jason and Mei sold their 4-room to buy a 5-room nearby. With ECF, their CPF refund and sale proceeds went straight into the new flat. They only needed to prepare BSD and legal fees in cash.
What to prepare: Buyer’s Stamp Duty, legal fees, valuation if needed.
Scenario 2: Downsizing to be near kids
Mr & Mrs Tan sold their 5-room and bought a 3-room near their married children. ECF meant they didn’t have to fork out bridging loan interest, and they could focus on moving in quickly.
What to prepare: Discuss extension of stay (if needed), confirm utilities/taxes during extension, ensure CPF refunds go into next flat.
Scenario 3: Nearing retirement, cash flow matters
At 58, Mdm Wong sold her flat to right-size. With ECF, she reduced her loan size. Knowing CPF refunds couldn’t cover BSD, she prepared that cash upfront.
What to prepare: BSD in cash, utilities/tax arrangements, timeline planning to avoid gaps.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (ECF)
Can I pay stamp duty with CPF refund from Contra?
No. Buyer’s Stamp Duty, legal, and admin fees must be paid separately. ECF only offsets the purchase price and downpayment.
How long does Contra take?
From HDB acceptance, about 8 weeks to completion. With OTP, you have 21 days to exercise, so plan both sides carefully.
Can I use Contra if I’m taking a bank loan?
No. Any bank loan involvement disqualifies ECF. You’ll need a bridging loan instead.
What happens if I’m taking a second HDB loan?
You must keep the higher of $25,000 or 50% of your cash proceeds. The rest goes to reduce your loan.
Who pays during an extension of stay?
Normally, the seller continues to pay property tax and utilities during the extension. Clarify this in writing — it’s often missed.
Step By Step Guide To Apply For HDB Contra
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for HDB Contra (ECF)
1) Prepare & log in: Use My Flat Dashboard on the HDB Flat Portal to manage both selling and buying. Ensure you’ve met MOP (if applicable).
2) Seller registers Intent to Sell: This must be done before you can grant an OTP or submit a resale application. The Intent to Sell is valid for 12 months.
3) Buyer applies for HFE Letter: Replaces the old Intent to Buy. A valid HFE is required before the buyer can be granted an OTP.
4) Grant/receive the HDB-prescribed OTP: Buyer has 21 calendar days to exercise it. Ensure terms like extension of stay are agreed upfront and written into the OTP.
5) Valuation (if CPF/HDB loan is used): Buyer of the new flat requests valuation through the HDB portal.
6) Submit both resale applications: Buyer and seller submit their respective applications via the portal. Both parties must indicate in the application if there is an Extension of Stay and confirm that they are applying for the Enhanced Contra Facility (ECF).
7) HDB Acceptance: Once HDB accepts the applications, the completion countdown begins. Target same-day completion for sale and purchase where possible.
8) Completion & keys: Typically 8–12 weeks after acceptance. Pay Buyer’s Stamp Duty, legal, valuation, and admin fees separately. Refunded CPF and sale proceeds are routed automatically via ECF into the purchase.
Note: If Extension of Stay (up to 3 months) is agreed, sellers usually continue paying property tax and utilities during this period. Put this in writing to avoid disputes.
HDB Contra Big Picture Timeline
1. Register Intent to Sell
Do this in My Flat Dashboard. Must be at least 7 days before OTP.
2. Marketing Period
Find a buyer and negotiate price, terms, extension if needed.
3. Grant OTP
Seller issues HDB-prescribed OTP. Valid for 21 days.
4. Buyer Exercises OTP
Buyer exercises OTP within 21 days. Ensure buyer has valid HFE.
5. Submit Resale Application
Both buyer and seller submit via portal, indicate Extension of Stay + ECF.
6. HDB Technical Inspection
HDB inspects flat condition and documents.
7. Endorsement & Payments
Buyer and seller endorse documents, pay legal/admin fees.
8. HDB Approval
HDB issues approval. Countdown to completion begins.
9. Seller Move Out
Joint inspection with buyer before handover. Extension applies if agreed.
10. Completion Appointment
Both parties complete paperwork at HDB. Keys and funds exchange. ECF routes CPF + sale proceeds.
Note: Completion is usually scheduled ~8 weeks after HDB accepts both resale applications. During extension, sellers typically continue to pay property tax and utilities.
Before You Make Your Move
The Enhanced Contra Facility is one of the most effective ways to manage HDB resale-to-resale moves — but only if the sequence is correct.
HFE first – OTPs aligned – Resale applications submitted with ECF declared.
Here’s the reality: once you grant or accept an OTP, you’ve locked in terms that may not suit your cashflow or loan profile.
By then, options are limited — and mistakes cost real money.
That’s why the smartest step is planning before execution. In one discussion, we can:
– Map your likely cash-to-prepare,
– Stress-test your timeline against HDB’s rules, and
– Decide if ECF is the right fit before you commit.
This is how you protect your upside and avoid costly surprises.
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Self Introduction
Hi, I’m Rick Long
With decades of experience in Singapore’s real estate market, I’ve had the privilege of being mentioned in media outlets such as Channel NewsAsia, The Straits Times, and 99.co.
Over the years, I’ve written extensively on the local property landscape — tackling the real questions buyers and sellers face, and helping them navigate each step with greater clarity and confidence.
Many of my clients have become long-time friends — their trust and kind reviews continue to inspire me to raise the bar in everything I do.
I believe real estate should be strategic, seamless, and deeply aligned with your life’s journey.
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